Reference Mirror: Diameter 25-150 mm

Q: What is the difference between a reference mirror and a test mirror in interferometry?

The reference mirror provides a known, stable optical reference surface, while the test mirror is the component being measured. The system compares light reflected from both surfaces to detect deviations.

Q: How often should reference mirrors be calibrated?

Reference mirrors should be calibrated annually or according to manufacturer specifications, with more frequent checks in high-precision applications or after mechanical shock.

Q: Can reference mirrors be used with different wavelength lasers?

Reference mirrors are optimized for specific wavelengths. Using them outside designed wavelengths reduces accuracy due to coating performance variations.

Component Specifications

Definition

A reference mirror is a critical optical component in interferometric measurement heads, providing a stable, highly reflective reference surface against which test surfaces are compared. It serves as the baseline for measuring flatness, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy with nanometer-level precision in industrial metrology applications.

Working Principle

The reference mirror reflects a coherent light beam (typically laser) to create interference patterns when combined with light reflected from the test surface. By analyzing these interference fringes, the system calculates precise deviations in the test surface relative to the reference mirror's known optical flatness.

Materials

Fused silica or Zerodur glass with dielectric coating (e.g., aluminum or silver with protective layer), surface flatness: λ/20 to λ/100, surface roughness: <1 nm Ra

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Diameter	25-150 mm
Mounting	Kinematic or flexure mount
Coating Type	Dielectric multilayer
Reflectivity	>95% at operating wavelength
Surface Flatness	λ/20 to λ/100
Surface Roughness	<1 nm Ra
Operating Wavelength	632.8 nm (HeNe laser) or 532 nm
Thermal Expansion Coefficient	<0.5×10⁻⁶/K

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Standards

ISO 10110, ISO 14999, DIN 3140

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Interferometric Measurement Head

A precision optical component that uses interferometry to measure lens centering and alignment in optical manufacturing systems.

View Product Details

Interferometric Optical Head

A precision optical component that generates and analyzes interference patterns for non-contact surface measurement.

View Product Details

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation

Surface contamination affecting measurements
Thermal drift causing calibration errors
Mechanical damage to optical surface
Coating degradation over time

FMEA Triads

Trigger: Improper cleaning procedures
Failure: Surface scratches or contamination
Mitigation: Use approved cleaning materials and procedures, implement handling protocols

Trigger: Thermal expansion mismatch
Failure: Measurement drift during operation
Mitigation: Use low-expansion materials, implement temperature stabilization

Trigger: Vibration during measurement
Failure: Unstable interference patterns
Mitigation: Install on vibration-isolated platforms, use rigid mounting

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Typical Suppliers & Equivalents

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance

Surface flatness within λ/20, parallelism <5 arcseconds, diameter tolerance ±0.1 mm

Test Method

Interferometric testing against master reference, surface profilometry, reflectivity measurement

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Reference Mirror

Manufacturer profiles associated with Reference Mirror.

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Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a reference mirror and a test mirror in interferometry?