Grinding & Polishing of meter class off-axis aspheric
optics
The grinding and polishing of off-axis aspheres is particularly
challenging as an axis of symmetry on the desired optical surface
does not exist with which to take advantage. The tool incorporated
18 servo motors and load cells to provide closed loop force control
to deform a 2 thick aluminum shell to accommodate the change in
surface figure as the tool was moved across the optic by three
additional servo motor controlled linear actuators. Additionally a
pneumatic cylinder provided vertical load control for use on
lightweight optics.
