Abstract
A well-known fabrication problem with aspheric optical surfaces lies in high-frequency surface irregularities inherent in the figuring process. Optical grinding and polishing tools can smooth these ripples, yet retain the flexibility required to fit the aspheric surface. An f/0.52, paraboloidal, 17-in. convex surface is produced with conventional rigid tools. A transmission ronchigram is obtained showing high-spatial-frequency errors of large magnitude. After four hours of grinding with a semi-flexible multiple-segment ring tool, almost all high-frequency error is removed. This shows good potential for smoothing finished aspheric optics. Flexible tools can also be involved in the figuring process itself.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1473-1474 |
Number of pages | 2 |
Journal | Optical Engineering |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2002 |
Keywords
- Aspherics
- Optical fabrication
- Spatial frequencies
- Strain analysis
- Surfaces
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Engineering(all)