Loose abrasive grinding of optical surfaces

The aim of the effort reported in this paper was to identify working parameters responsible for the development of a surface shape during lapping with a loose abrasive. A study of the parameters responsible for radius changes during lapping indicates that the complexity of this process can be significantly reduced if proper working parameters are chosen. Deviation from spherical shape for surfaces generated in loose abrasive lapping was investigated interferometrically. Generally, a nonspherical surface is produced in this process, but under some conditions the departure from sphericity can be minimized below 1/10 of a wavelength.