Help Needed: Calculating Wavefront Error from PV Measurement

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the Wavefront Error (WFE) from a Peak-to-Valley (PV) surface error measurement of 1 um. The initial calculation shows that WFE equals 2 um PV, but there is confusion regarding the conversion of PV to RMS values, as no fixed ratio exists. Participants note that commonly used ratios range from 3 to 5, depending on the type of surface aberration, but the problem lacks specific context. There is a consensus that additional information about the type of aberration is necessary for an accurate conversion. Overall, the thread highlights the need for clarity in optics problems to facilitate proper calculations.
AaronBurr
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Thank you all for any help or advice you can give.

1. Homework Statement

What is the fabrication Wavefront error (WFE) of a mirror with a PV surface error of 1 um? Express your answer in terms of RMS waves at lambda = 0.633 um

Homework Equations


WFE=2*SFE

The Attempt at a Solution


I know to start by calculating the WFE. I know the SFE=1um
WFE=2*1um
WFE=2um PV

I don't know how to convert PV into RMS. Everything I've read says there is no set ratio between PV and RMS measurements. But that values from 3-5 are commonly used depending on the surface error. So I'm a little confused.

Thank you again for any help you can offer.
 
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I don't know much about optics, but to me it seems like the problem statement is missing some context.

There isn't any mention of a specific type of surface aberration, or perhaps some kind of approximation based on some assumptions you've discussed in your course?
 
Thank you for the response.
I feel the same way that's why I was asking. There is no mention of specific type of aberration in the question, and as far as I can tell from the reading you can use any number between 3-5 depending on the different aberration you are dealing with. I was hoping someone was familiar with optical engineering and could let me know what I'm missing. Thanks again.
 

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