How do I get Interferometer Data into ZEMAX?

By Mark Nicholson
Published 12 September 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
Rating: Unrated

How do I get Interferometer Data into ZEMAX?

Most interferometric fringe analysis software can export data in a format that ZEMAX can then import. The two most common formats are:

as a Zernike surface. ZEMAX supports several different sets of Zernike coefficients, and you should consult the fringe analysis software's manual as well as the ZEMAX manual to see which is appropriate for your interferometer
as a Grid Phase surface, in which the phase is written out as a {x,y} grid of points.

In both cases, data can be imported into ZEMAX by adding a surface of the correct type, opening the Extra Data Editor, and using Tools > Import to import the datafile from the interferometer software. The datafile must have the extension .DAT

Whatever surface type is used, the surface should be placed at a pupil plane, and the semi-diameter of the surface should correspond to the size of the surface or wavefront under test. This ensures that the phase is correctly added to the optical system.

2 Responses to "How do I get Interferometer Data into ZEMAX?"

Matt Novak Rating: ratingfull

said this on 16 Jan 2006 4:40:58 PM PDT

Thanks for this info. I wonder if there are any common errors in making this transfer that would cause the magnitude of the wavefront phase to differ in Zemax from the program supplying the data? Specifically, I've tested this using a grid phase surface which faithfully produces the orientation of a tilted wavefront in Zemax from IntelliWave generated .dat file, but the magnitude is several orders of magnitude smaller in Zemax when I examine the wavefront. Could this be a pupil size issue, edge issue, etc.? Any help would be appreciated. I thought that I had matching data set apertures, etc., but could easily have overlooked something.

(Reply to this comment)

Mark Nicholson Rating: ratingfull

said this on 17 Jan 2006 9:05:24 AM PDT

Hi Matt, The IntelliWave-ZEMAX conversion should be exact. I've used IntelliWave myself with excellent results. I'd suggest contacting support@zemax.com and/or IntelliWave support to identify the problem. From memory, I thought IntelliWave exported a Grid SAG surface, not Grid PHASE. - Mark

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