Innovations in deterministic optical manufacturing processes

Abstract

This paper reports on development innovations at the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) that incorporate computer-aided deterministic manufacturing technology to produce highly precise optics. COM developed computer numerically controlled deterministic microgrinding equipment and magnetorheological finishing processes eliminate the industry's reliance on the specialized skills required to operate today's costly labor-intensive conventional manufacturing processes. These newly developed enabling technologies extend the manufacturing state-of-the-art to provide optical manufacturers with a cost effective capability to produce precision optics.

Advanced techniques for computer-controlled polishing

“…48 Prismatic parts may be processed by raster polishing by use of a Y axis, a feature of most modern magnetorheological finishing machines. 55,56 Depending on the fluid type, magnetorheological finishing is applicable to a multitude of different materials, such as optical glasses, dielectric single crystals, polycrystalline materials, semiconductors, metals and plastics, 35, 57 infrared materials 58 and even ceramics. 59…”