An optical flat is usually placed upon a flat surface to be tested.
2.
Optical flats have uses in spectrophotometry as well.
3.
The Fizeau interferometer is shown as it might be set up to test an optical flat.
4.
The interference fringes typically only form once the optical flat begins to wring to the testing surface.
5.
The block is then slid across a reference grade ( flatness ) quartz optical flat while applying moderate pressure.
6.
Therefore, any errors or irregularities that exist on the optical flat will affect the results of the test.
7.
The photons that were scattered by the sample were collected through an optical flat at the end of the tube.
8.
Then, the bottom of the gauge block is observed ( through the optical flat ) for oil or color.
9.
Optical flats are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, which can cause temporary surface deviations resulting from uneven thermal expansion.
10.
To determine whether the surface being tested is concave or convex with respect to the reference optical flat, any of several procedures may be adopted.
