Quick Shot

Atomic Force and Nomarski microscopes are mounted side-by-side on a large gantry to examine the surfaces of large holographic diffraction gratings. Shown in reflection are Charles Kellogg and Kevin McGowan, from the Optics and Imaging Sciences Group, examining a prototype grating manufactured by the Plymouth Grating Laboratory. Accurate characterization of the grating pillars and surface defects is crucial to establishing a manufacturing process leading to laser damage resistant gratings.