Curvature polishing for light-weight, thin reflective optics

Nikolas Romer; Jeff R. Kuhn; Jannick P. Rolland

doi:10.1117/12.2691385

29 November 2023 Curvature polishing for light-weight, thin reflective optics

Nikolas Romer, Jeff R. Kuhn, Jannick P. Rolland

Proceedings Volume 12778, Optifab 2023; 1277804 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2691385
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2023, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

Traditional optical manufacturing techniques such as abrasive polishing and diamond turning create precise surfaces by removing material from the optical surface of a mirror. Such techniques often require many cycles of removal and metrology and can leave surface roughness or tool marks that negatively affect the straylight properties of an optical system. These residual artifacts often necessitate expensive postprocessing such as ion beam finishing. Limiting straylight is particularly crucial in the design of reflecting coronagraphs or optical systems that are sensitive to scattered light, for example for exoplanet detection, where even low-level scattering can degrade contrast ratios below the sensitivity needed to detect exoplanets. We introduce a non-contact method for shaping thin front-surface mirrors to avoid tool artifacts. Using laser techniques to alter local surface stresses, we deterministically introduce ≥ 8 waves (632.8 nm) of shape to 2 mm thick substrates. A deterministic method for creating arbitrary surface figures is under development and calibration.

Conference Presentation

(2023) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Nikolas Romer, Jeff R. Kuhn, and Jannick P. Rolland "Curvature polishing for light-weight, thin reflective optics", Proc. SPIE 12778, Optifab 2023, 1277804 (29 November 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2691385

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