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We developed a new opto-mechanical tool to quickly align an optical beam to a reference mechanics. In the alignment of the SOXS Common Path, one of the sub-systems of the SOXS instrument, we used a referenced (and characterized) detector to align the master laser beam to the mechanical structure of the subsystem, and to place and align individual opto-mechanical components to the master laser beam. Based on that experience, we conceptualized and prototype a new effective and much more efficient and easier to handle tool for alignment. A sphere is 3D printed to host a small bare-board CMOS detector with the sensor plane passing through the center of the sphere. This tool used in combination with a portable Coordinate-Measuring Machine (pCMM) allows for a quick alignment of a narrow collimated laser beam or a converging beam on an optical bench as in 3D space. We describe the design, prototyping and test of this new alignment tool.
Battaini et al. (Mon,) studied this question.