Low cost method for subarcsecond testing of a right angle prism

Abstract

This paper describes a method for testing a right angle prism, or any other optical component having a right angle, to subarcsecond accuracy. The method makes use of Haidinger fringes and is simple to use. Unlike autocollimation and Fizeau interferometer methods, it does not involve an expensive optical setup and has no aperture restriction. The sensitivity of the method can be suitably modified by changing the test setup parameters.