US3782829A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lens alignment apparatus and method
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1972-06-28
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-06-28
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for aligning a lens along an optic axis comprises a source of collimated light, a movable converging lens and a fixed, multi-element, substantially symmetrical lens. The output wavefront projected from the multi-element lens can be varied from convex to planar to concave to match the curvature of the lens being aligned by axially moving the converging lens. By correcting the multi-element lens for aberrations at a magnification n (where n is a number), abberation correction also occurs at magnifications 1/n and -1. Magnification n is preferably selected to be in the range of about 1.8 to 8 to achieve aberration correction over a wide band of magnifications corresponding to a number of different lens surface curvatures to be aligned with the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 D Herriott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/26; G01B11/27
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
An optical system for producing a wavefront having a curvature that can be varied from convex to planar to concave comprising: a source of substantially collimated light; a converging lens; a multi-element lens; means for providing relative movement between the converging lens and the multi-element lens; the multi-element lens being substantially symmetrical and being corrected for aberrations at magnifications of +n, 1/n and -1, where n is a number.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
An optical system for producing a wavefront having a curvature that can be varied from convex to planar to concave comprising: a source of substantially collimated light; a converging lens; a multi-element lens; means for providing relative movement between the converging lens and the multi-element lens; the multi-element lens being substantially symmetrical and being corrected for aberrations at magnifications of +n, 1/n and -1, where n is a number.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
68 words
The optical system of claim 1, wHerein: light from the source is projected along an optical axis through the converging lens and the multi-element lens to a holder for supporting a lens to be aligned along the optical axis, whereby lenses having surface curvatures corresponding to the wavefront curvature of light projected from the multi-element lens may be aligned by observing light reflected from or projected through it.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The lens system of claim 2 further comprising: a beam splitter located between the collimated light source and the converging lens for permitting an observer to observe light reflected from the lens mounted in the lens support, thereby to assist in lens alignment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lens system of claim 3 wherein: the multi-element lens is fixed; and the converging lens is axially movable.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for aligning along an optic axis lenses having any of a number of radii of curvature comprising the steps of: correcting a symmetrical multi-element lens for aberrations at magnifications n, 1/n and -1; placing a lens to be aligned on the optic axis of the multi-element lens; directing collimated light through a converging lens and a multi-element lens onto the lens to be aligned; adjusting the curvature of output wavefronts from the multi-element lens to match the curvature of a surface of the lens to be aligned; said last-mentioned step comprising the step of adjusting the axial position of the converging lens; observing light reflected from the lens to be aligned and adjusting its position until light reflected from it follows the optic axis.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for aligning along an optic axis lenses having any of a number of radii of curvature comprising the steps of: correcting a symmetrical multi-element lens for aberrations at magnifications n, 1/n and -1; placing a lens to be aligned on the optic axis of the multi-element lens; directing collimated light through a converging lens and a multi-element lens onto the lens to be aligned; adjusting the curvature of output wavefronts from the multi-element lens to match the curvature of a surface of the lens to be aligned; said last-mentioned step comprising the step of adjusting the axial position of the converging lens; observing light reflected from the lens to be aligned and adjusting its position until light reflected from it follows the optic axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: adjusting the aberrations of the multi-element lens to make substantially the same aberrations at values of magnification between n and Infinity and between Infinity and -1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: rotating the lens to be aligned about the optic axis during observation of light reflected therefrom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2782684A
Cited
US3470377A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |