Precision Optics Quality Assurance at the Highest Standard
-thorough inspection, advanced metrology, and expert review for optics that perform with confidence.
Every optics project has its own technical requirements. That is why our quality control process is tailored individually to each order. Depending on the specification, we apply the necessary inspection steps to ensure that each optical component meets the required standards before shipment. All relevant results are documented, and quality documentation can be provided to the customer upon request.
Dimensional Measurement
Mechanical dimensions are measured according to the requirements of the individual project. This can include parameters such as diameter, thickness, length, width, aperture size or other specified dimensions.
Measurements are carried out using suitable inspection tools and are compared with the defined tolerances. This step helps confirm that the component not only meets optical requirements, but also fits the mechanical interface of the intended application.
Visual Inspection, Coating Check and Cleaning
Each optic undergoes a careful visual inspection performed by trained specialists using a magnifying glass. During this step, the surface quality, edges and coating are checked for visible defects such as scratches, contamination, stains, chips or coating irregularities. The inspection is carried out with the required level of care depending on the component type and customer specification.
If necessary, the optic is cleaned using suitable handling and cleaning procedures. This ensures that the component is delivered in a clean and appropriate condition, while avoiding unnecessary handling that could affect sensitive optical surfaces or coatings.
Microscopic Inspection
In specific cases, components are inspected under a microscope for a more detailed evaluation. This is useful when fine surface features, small defects, edge quality, coating details or critical areas need to be examined more closely than is possible with a standard visual inspection.
Microscope inspection is not required for every project, but it provides an additional level of control for demanding applications or sensitive optical components. It allows our team to identify and assess details that may be relevant to the function, durability or appearance of the optic.
Parallelism Testing with an Autocollimator
Where required, the parallelism of optical surfaces is verified using a high-precision autocollimator. The instrument projects a collimated beam onto the optic and analyses the reflected return beam. Any displacement in the reflection indicates an angular deviation between the surfaces, allowing very small errors in parallelism or optical wedge to be identified.
Our experienced quality-control specialists carefully position and measure each component according to the project-specific drawing, tolerance and application requirements. The results are recorded and documented, and measurement reports can be provided to the customer upon request.
Centering Measurement
Centering accuracy is checked using a TRIOPTICS measurement system. This inspection verifies whether the optical axis is correctly aligned with the mechanical axis of the component. Precise centering is especially important for lenses and optical assemblies where even small deviations can affect imaging performance, beam quality or system alignment.
By using dedicated measurement equipment, we can evaluate centering with high repeatability and reliability. The results help ensure that the component meets the project-specific tolerances before it is released for shipment.
Radius of Curvature Measurement
For lenses and curved optical surfaces, the radius of curvature can be measured using TRIOPTICS equipment. This step verifies whether the optical surface corresponds to the required design parameters. The radius of curvature has a direct influence on the optical power and performance of the component.
Accurate measurement is particularly important for precision lenses, custom optics and components with tight optical tolerances. The measured data is compared with the project specification and documented as part of the quality control process when required.
Climate Check
When environmental stability is relevant to the application, optics can be subjected to climate-related checks. These tests help assess how a component, coating or assembly behaves under defined environmental conditions such as temperature or humidity. Our Temperatur range is between -40 to +180°C, our humidity range from 10 to 95% RH.
Climate checks are especially useful for optics intended for demanding industrial, scientific or outdoor applications. The exact scope of the inspection depends on the project requirements and is defined according to the customer’s specifications and the intended operating conditions.
Angle Measurement
For components such as prisms, wedges or other angled optics, angular accuracy can be checked using a goniometer. Precise angle measurement is essential when the direction of a beam, reflection angle or refraction behavior depends on the geometry of the optical component.
This inspection step ensures that the relevant angles meet the required specification. It is especially important for applications where small angular deviations could lead to alignment errors or reduced system performance.
Flatness Measurement
For plane optical surfaces, flatness can be measured using an optical flat or a Zygo interferometer. Interferometric inspection provides highly precise information about the surface form and makes it possible to evaluate deviations from the required flatness specification.
This method is particularly relevant for optical windows, mirrors, flats and other components where surface accuracy has a direct influence on optical performance. The results can be documented and provided as part of the quality records when required by the customer.
Documentation and Test Reports
All quality control steps performed for a project are documented. Depending on the agreed requirements, documentation may include measurement results, inspection reports, interferometer data or other relevant quality records.
This project-specific approach ensures that each optic receives the necessary level of inspection without applying unnecessary processes. The result is a controlled, transparent and reliable quality assurance workflow tailored to the needs of each customer and application.
