A process for determining the location and/or the alignment of the axis or point of symmetry of an optical surface of a precision optical element, such as an aspheric lens. A fiducial surface is provided on the element, comprising a surface which has a predetermined location and alignment relative to the axis or point of symmetry of the optical surface of the element. Predetermined light waves are impinged against the fiducial surface. The nature of the fiducial surface is such that the light waves are transmitted or reflected in a manner that is a function of the location and/or the alignment of the fiducial surface. The characteristic transmission or reflection of light waves can be resolved by various conventional optical techniques such as by interferometry, thereby precisely indicating the location and/or alignment of the optical surface.
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