Accurate and precise optical testing with a differential Hartmann wavefront sensor

A novel differential Hartmann sensor is described. It can be used to determine the characteristics of an optic accurately, precisely, and simply without detailed knowledge of the wavefront used to illuminate the optical system or of the geometry of the measurement system. We demonstrate the application of this sensor to both zonal and modal optical testing of lenses. We also describe a dual-camera implementation of the sensor that would enable high-speed optical testing.