Characterization of optical parameters for an injection-molded parabola

A review of current testing methods used in the characterization of parabolic reflector headlamps is presented. Analysis of these tests reveal detectable figure errors in the reflectors' surfaces. These errors are related to the Zernike polynomial aberrations and then traced to their source in the manufacturing process. Two possible optical methods are discussed as substitutes to the current testing procedures.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.