Polishing of Aspheres and Other Symmetric Optics Using Pressurized Slurries

The incorporation of aspheric surfaces has long been recognized as having very significant advantages in design and performance of optical systems. The advances made in the last few years with the OPTICAM family of products has lead to significant breakthroughs in the initial step of fabrication of aspheric surfaces. The elements are ready to polish after coming off the OPTICAM machines. However polishing requires highly skilled artisans and is very costly and time consuming. This proposal will provide the basis for a system to polish the aspheric surface without special tooling. The method proposed will allow for differential removal across the surface to be polished thus giving the operator the ability to accurately control the surface figure. The method will also work on spherical surfaces as well. Anticipated Benefits: The need for cost effective, precision aspheres and other symmetric (including spherical) optical components is evident throughout the military and commercial markets. This proposal will provide the ability to manufacture aspheres cost effectively.