Aspheric optics: smoothing the ripples with semi-flexible tools

Michael T. Tuell; James H. Burge; Bill Anderson

doi:10.1117/1.1481898

1 July 2002 Aspheric optics: smoothing the ripples with semi-flexible tools

Michael T. Tuell, James H. Burge, Bill Anderson

Optical Engineering, Vol. 41, Issue 7, (July 2002). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1481898

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.

©(2002) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

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Michael T. Tuell, James H. Burge, and Bill Anderson "Aspheric optics: smoothing the ripples with semi-flexible tools," Optical Engineering 41(7), (1 July 2002). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.1481898

Published: 1 July 2002

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