ATM FROM John A. Hudek @ Galaxy optics, RE: Carl Woebcke's 18" Optic

[Carl Woebcke <carlw@telis.org>]

FM:  John A. Hudek @ Galaxy optics
RE:  Carl Woebcke 18" Optic

Let's set the record straight. Carl's optic is exactly what I say it
is:  1/10th PV wavefront with a 1/60th RMS wavefront. There is nothing
unusual about these numbers.  Galaxy Optics has two top notch
interferometers, 1) a Zygo Mark IV xp and 2) a Fizeau Nulling
Interferometer utilizing $8,000.00 Phase Shift Technology, Inc. Fringe
Analysis Software. Our Fizeau Reference Element and Nulling Lens have
been certified by two independent laboratories to nearly l/20th wave PV
wavefront (each surface) with RMS errors around 0.008 waves, over the
usable aperture area. Computer profile analysis of the null lens set-up
for an 18.0" f4.5 is accurate to 1/10th wavefront
 
Carl's optic has a very small RMS error, the highest peak and the lowest
valley on the optic are very small and most likely represent only 1 - 2%
of the optic's total surface. Hence, the low RMS value.

Galaxy Optics is not out to cheat anyone. That is why I have spent a
fortune on interferometers, optical coating systems and thin film
analysis equipment. The exact opposite is true . . . I bought this
equipment so my customers would know exactly what they are buying  . . .
PERIOD!

Certainly if I can afford an NSX I can afford the right equipment for my
business and customers ... and they both come FIRST.

I wish that I could say that every optic produced at Galaxy Optics was
as good as Carl's . . . this is not an everyday occurrence. A more
typical wavefront error for 18" f4.5 units is 0.15 to 0.20 . . . still
fabulous.  As the optics get larger so do the error numbers.  The 18" is
my finest unit.  Carl"s optic produced perfect fringes, don't you think
that I shouted "YES!!!" when I saw them!!!
My e-mail address will be posted next week.

John Hudek, Galaxy Optics
(719) 395-8242