Ronchi for Windows allows the generation of six Ronchigrams at different offsets, allowing the user to evaluate the overall shadow patterns to be expected on their mirror. The user may change the offsets as desired or allow Ronchi for Windows to automatically select a set of offsets in one of two different ways.

    Ronchi for Windows can visually show you the latitude you have in figuring your mirror to a given error criteria. It does this by using a wave-front error limit you choose, to generate three images at each of six offsets. Three panels of six images each are created in Error Bounds mode. Once generated, the user may scroll to each of the Ronchigram image panels to examine the results.

    Each row of Ronchigrams represents your mirror under-corrected by the error bound you set, perfectly corrected, and then over-corrected by your limit. The two outside images in each row show the degree of matching you must meet in order to achieve the error criteria you have specified.

    Ronchi for Windows supports a unique real time simulation mode which allows the user to move the grating toward and away from the mirror while watching the shadow bands roll across the face of the mirror. This feature is very useful in learning what to expect of your mirror while on the test stand.

    The user simply grabs the slider control with the mouse and drags the grating back and forth in the same way one might run the tester in and out while observing a mirror on the test stand. The keyboard may also be used to move the grating if desired. The overall visual effect of Interactive Offset mode is a great learning tool for the beginning Ronchi Test user.