Abstract: An optical system includes a light source, a target device, an image detector, and an autocollimator that receives a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the light source, directs the beam to the target device, and directs the beam to the image detector. The autocollimator includes a first polarizing beam splitter that directs the beam to the target device and receives the beam reflected off of the target device, a second polarizing beam splitter that receives the beam from the first polarizing beam splitter, directs the beam to a diffraction grating device, returns diffracted electromagnetic radiation from the diffraction grating device to an array of detectors, and directs the diffractive electromagnetic radiation, a camera that measures an interference pattern of diffracted electromagnetic radiation from the second polarizing beam splitter and captures an image, and a lens assembly that focuses electromagnetic radiation from the target device to the diffraction grating device.

Abstract: Spectral beam combining systems including a multi-element transform optic. In certain examples the multi-element transform optic includes a first cylindrical optical element having positive optical power in a first axis, a second optical element having negative optical power in the first axis, and a third toroidal optical element having positive optical power in the first axis and either positive or negative optical power in a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. The first and third optical elements are positioned on opposite sides of the second optical element and equidistant from the second optical element. The multi-element transform optic has an optical path length extending between a front focal plane and a back focal plane that is shorter than an effective focal length of the multi-element transform optic.

Abstract: Spectral beam combining systems including a multi-element transform optic. In certain examples the multi-element transform optic includes a first cylindrical optical element having positive optical power in a first axis, a second optical element having negative optical power in the first axis, and a third toroidal optical element having positive optical power in the first axis and either positive or negative optical power in a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis. The first and third optical elements are positioned on opposite sides of the second optical element and equidistant from the second optical element. The multi-element transform optic has an optical path length extending between a front focal plane and a back focal plane that is shorter than an effective focal length of the multi-element transform optic.

Abstract: Auto-alignment beam tracking apparatus and methods. In one example, an auto-alignment beam tracking system includes an optical train that receives an auto-alignment beam, a linear detector array including a plurality of photosensitive detectors each configured to measure intensity of electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, and a lateral shearing interferometer positioned between the optical train and the linear detector array. The optical train is configured to direct the auto-alignment beam to the lateral shearing interferometer. The lateral shearing interferometer is configured to produce an interference pattern at the linear detector array from the auto-alignment beam, wherein changes in the intensity measured by the plurality of photosensitive detectors over time corresponding to a lateral shift of the interference pattern on the linear detector array indicate an angular tilt of the auto-alignment beam.

Abstract: Auto-alignment beam tracking apparatus and methods. In one example, an auto-alignment beam tracking system includes an optical train that receives an auto-alignment beam, a linear detector array including a plurality of photosensitive detectors each configured to measure intensity of electromagnetic radiation incident thereon, and a lateral shearing interferometer positioned between the optical train and the linear detector array. The optical train is configured to direct the auto-alignment beam to the lateral shearing interferometer. The lateral shearing interferometer is configured to produce an interference pattern at the linear detector array from the auto-alignment beam, wherein changes in the intensity measured by the plurality of photosensitive detectors over time corresponding to a lateral shift of the interference pattern on the linear detector array indicate an angular tilt of the auto-alignment beam.

Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror includes a position sensing device configured to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and a diffractive optical element, positioned between the position sensing device and the fast steering mirror, the diffractive optical element being configured to divide the input beam into a plurality of output beams directed to the fast steering mirror. The position sensing device is configured to determine a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror. A method to calibrate a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror is further disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration system for calibrating a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror includes a position sensing device configured to generate a beam of electromagnetic radiation, and a diffractive optical element, positioned between the position sensing device and the fast steering mirror, the diffractive optical element being configured to divide the input beam into a plurality of output beams directed to the fast steering mirror. The position sensing device is configured to determine a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror. A method to calibrate a tilt angle of the fast steering mirror is further disclosed.