Steep freeform measurement method based on a normal transverse differential confocal

A normal transverse laser differential confocal freeform measurement (NTDCFM) method was proposed to address the high-precision measurement difficulty of steep freeform surfaces with large variations in inclination, scattering, and reflectance. Using D-shaped diaphragm technology, the freeform surface under test (FSUT) axial variation transformed into a spot transverse movement on the detection focal plane. Meanwhile, a 2D position sensitive detector (PSD) was used to obtain the normal vector of the sampling points so that the measuring sensor's optical axis could track the FSUT normal direction. The focus tracking method extended the sensor measurement range. Theoretical analysis and experimental results showed that the axial resolution of the NTDCFM was better than 0.5 nm, the direction resolution of the normal vector was 0.1 degrees, the maximum surface inclination could be measured up to 90 degrees, the sensor range was 5 mm, and the measurement repeatability of the FSUT was better than 9 nm. It provides an effective new anti-inclination, anti-scattering, and anti-reflectivity method for accurately measuring steep freeform surfaces. (c) 2022 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement