How To: Make and Use a Hartmann Mask
The Hartmann mask and Scheiner Disk are simple devices for making focusing a lens or telescope easier. They require that you target is a point of light, such as a star or distant planet, therefore are no good for day-to-day use.
The Hartmann mask and Scheiner Disk are simple devices for making focusing a lens easier. They require that you target is a point of light, such as a star or distant planet, therefore are no good for day-to-day use.
Scheiner Disk is a mask with two holes, where as a Hartman mask has many holes (typically three).
The mask is like a lens cap with holes in it. The holes are positioned in such a way that when out of focus, they cause multiple diffraction images as shown in figure 1. As the lens is focused they merge into a single point (figure 2) and beyond focus the separate again (figure 3).
Fig 1. Out of focus
Fig 2. In focus
Fig 3. Beyond Focus
The masks can use either a circular hole or a triangular hole. The triangular hole creates diffraction spikes which are easier to detect when in focus, but the circular holes will allow more light to enter the lens resulting in a clearer image. Once your telescope is in focus, the mask can be removed.
I haven't been in astronomy very long, but a Hartmann mask is one of the most useful accessories that I have used. It makes focusing so much easier and sharp images can be had in seconds. What makes it even better is that you can make one for free!
Andrew Billyard's site has a generator, where you can input the dimensions of the lens and the number of holes and it will create a template that you can print and cut out.
Resulting focus of the star Vega in Lyra
Construction
My mask is constructed from an old Amazon box. I tacked down the printed template with sticky tape and I cut out around the perimeter, leaving an approx 2cm gap around the edge. This is to allow for the rim to be created.
Next I cut out the three triangles with a Stanley knife, and then cut slits into the 2cm border and fold them up. I taped these up with Duck Tape to allow the mask to slot over the telescope aperture.
I spray painted the bask matte black to avoid any reflections caused by the shiny Duck tape which may create interference which may affect focusing.
Finally I used some 3M double sided tape to stick foam pads to the inside edge to keep the mask in place on the telescope.
Refinements
You could have a mixture of circles for light gathering and triangles for diffraction. I imagine this would create an interesting pattern and I will try it some time.
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