New Developments in Optical Fabrication Techniques

Because of the demand for better performance in optical systems, there is a continuing effort to find more efficient ways of producing optics. Perkin-Elmer's involvement in developing new techniques for the fabrication of aspheric and flat surfaces has resulted in the generation of three machining methods: (1) computer-controlled polishing of aspheric surfaces, (2) continuous polishing of flat surfaces, and (3) single-point diamond tool machining of spheres and flats by means of the Precision Surface Generator. Optical flats larger than 20 inches in diameter have been produced that are flat to better than A /8 peak to valley. The Precision Surface Generator has successfully produced metal mirrors of aluminum, copper, and brass.