Novel Disc Hydrodynamic Polishing Process and Tool for High-Efficiency Polishing of Ultra-Smooth Surfaces.

Nowadays, large aspheric surfaces, including non-rotationally symmetric surfaces, are increasingly used in ground- and space-based astronomical instruments. The fabrication of these surfaces with sub-micrometric form accuracy and nanometric surface finish, especially for hard and difficult-to-machine materials, has always been a challenge to the optics industry. To produce ultra-smooth surfaces efficiently without subsurface damage and surface scratches, a novel disc hydrodynamic polishing (DHDP) process is proposed through the combination of elastic emission machining and fluid jet polishing.

Model-based self-optimization method for form correction in the computer controlled bonnet polishing of optical freeform surfaces.

Freeform surfaces have become increasingly widespread in the optical systems for enhanced performance and compact lightweight packaging. The geometrical complexity and high precision requirements of optical freeform surfaces for various functional optical applications, has posed great challenges in the design, precision machining, and measurement of these surfaces. This paper presents a model-based self-optimization approach for precision machining and measurement of optical freeform surfaces in the computer controlled bonnet polishing (CCBP) process.