Irregular surfaces - measurements and ZEMAX simulations

Surfaces produced on optical elements are loaded by different kinds of irregularities whose allowable amplitudes are prescribed by optical tolerances defined by an optical designer. An important feedback between realized and designed surfaces can be achieved using interferometry or profilometry measurements for instance. This article discusses different kinds of representation and visualization of those measurements in ZEMAX, enabling optical designer to evaluate an impact of the irregular surface on the optical system performance.