Estimation and optimization of computer-generated hologram in null test of freeform surface

Freeform surfaces are increasingly used in the design of compact optical systems. Interferometric null test with computer generated hologram (CGH), which has been successfully used in highly accurate test of aspheric surfaces, is adopted to test the freeform surfaces. The best fitting sphere of the freeform surface under the test is firstly calculated to quickly estimate the possibility of null test. To decrease the maximum spatial frequency of the null CGH, the position of the CGH and the direction of optical axis are optimized. The estimated maximum spatial frequency of the CGH is 7.8% apart from the optimized one, which shows the validity of the best fitting sphere.