SPOTOPTICS

Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors since 1995

About Us

Spotoptics Wavefront Sensors
SpotOptics - The software people for optics

Company profile

Established in 1996 in Padova, SpotOptics specializes in Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors and their applications in research and industry.

Since 1996 we have been continuously developing and improving our instruments. 

Our first Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor for testing an astronomical telescope dates back to 1993. We presented a paper titled “Shack-Hartmann analysis of the optical quality of the primary mirror of the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo” at SPIE’s 1993 International Symposium on Optics, Imaging and Instrumentation in San Diego (USA).

The telescope correct alignment procedure was analyzed in the paper  “Telescope alignment: is the zero-coma condition sufficient?” presented at SPIE’s 1995 Symposium on OE/Aerospace Sensing and Dual Use Photonics, in Orlando (USA).

A complete method for analyzing the quality of astronomical telescope:  “Using the Shack-Hartmann system for a complete analysis of optical telescopes ” was presented at the SPIE Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation ’97 conference in San Diego (USA). This paper is also in “Selected SPIE Papers on CD-ROM: Optical Testing Vol. 3″, Ed.: Daniel Malacara-Hernandez, (1999).

5Star, Stella and Sfera are the world first off-axis wavefront sensors. Our article published in Laser Focus World in 2008:  “TEST & MEASUREMENT: Wavefront sensing goes off-axis” received “Commendation for Excellence in technical Communications” by Laser Focus World editors.

Milestones and Product Development

The company has achieved notable milestones including the development of various wavefront sensors for different applications and wavelengths, from 1995 to 2024.

  • 1995: OMI – wavefront sensor for testing optical elements and lasers in single pass
  • 1995: Puntino – Dual channel wavefront sensor for testing astronomical telescopes
  • 1999: Optino – for metrology of optical system both in single (transmission) and double pass (reflection) in the Visible wavelength region
  • 2002: Optino-SWIR – for metrology of optical system and lasers in the SWIR (Short infrared 950-1700nm) wavelength region
  • 2002: Motorized Beam Expanders – for testing optical elements with diameters up to 60mm
  • 2002: OMI with Remote communication software – for testing HUD display in single pass in production
  • 2004: Lentino – for testing optical system in parallel light and at focus in single pass and double pass: Beam Expander for testing optics up to 25 mm built into the instrument
  • 2006: 5Star – 5 Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors working simultaneously for off-axis testing of optical system in the production line
  • 2007: Stella – for off-axis testing of lithography lenses (and optical systems in general). Reconstruct the map of the aberrations in the field 
  • 2007: Sfera – for off-axis testing of mobile phone lenses (and small lenses in general). Reconstruct the map of the aberrations in the field 
  • 2008: OPAL – for testing optical system in parallel light and at focus in single pass and double pass: Beam Expander for testing optics up to 60 mm built into the instrument
  • 2009-2010: Optino-CO2 – for testing high-power CO2 lasers in LWIR (Long infrared 8-14µm) wavelength region
  • 2010: Contour – for test of contact lenses
  • 2015-2017: iOptino – Dual channel wavefront sensor for space projects
  • 2017-2019: OMI-MWIR – for metrology of optical system and lasers in the MWIR (Midwave infrared 1.5-6µm) wavelength region
  • 2020-2022: Sfera190 – for off-axis testing of mobile phone lenses and automotive lenses (and small lenses in general). Reconstruct the maps of the aberrations in the field
  • 2023: Lentino-HR – for testing optical system in parallel light and at focus in single pass with high resolution (sampling) up 165×165 spots
  • 2023-2024: SensoftPro – completely redesigned software for instrument control and Shack-Hartmann analysis

Comprehensive Expertise and Advanced Solutions in Optics

SpotOptics offers turnkey solutions with cutting-edge technology in optical measurement, design, and analysis, supported by advanced software and modeling techniques.

Our expertise covers all that is required for giving our clients instruments with the latest cutting-edge technology,  offering turn-key solutions for accurate measurement of optics, optical systems and lasers. Beside we also provide the diagnostic tools to understand how to optimize optical systems and lasers.

From 3D modeling for mechanics, latest software techniques, optical ray-tracing, we draw on our vast experience to solve your problems using our expertise in the following fields: