Abstract

The characterisation and measurement of surface damage such as digs and scratches concerns all manufacturers and users of optical quality surfaces. Modern methods of surface inspection, with atomic sized resolution, reveal that all real surfaces are less than perfect. But since most are fit for their intended purpose it is clearly necessary to define acceptable damage thresholds related to different situations whether these are cosmetic or functional in nature. This requirement leads to the need for a sensitive and objective means for measurement with traceability to national standards.

© 1992 Optical Society of America