Reverse-optimization Alignment Algorithm using Zernike Sensitivity

Abstract

When aligning catoptric or catadioptric telescopes for space cameras, it is difficult to align precisely if the field of view is large or there are several reflective surfaces. The quantitative knowledge of mirror misalignments greatly helps align a misaligned telescope precisely, and also reduce the alignment time. This paper describes a generalized reverse-optimization alignment solution algorithm using Zernike sensitivity, and proposes the minimum number of fields to take interferograms. This method was successfully applied on a Cassegrain telescope design for Earth observation from space with arbitrary misalignments and a model including some primary mirror deformation.