Machining of optics: an introduction

This paper introduces machining of optics, presenting some of the history of machining progress, critical machining variables, material and geometrical capabilities, and some new results on optical evaluation of machined surfaces. A most significant development is electroplating of materials that are otherwise not presently machinable. For example, molybdenum has been electroplated with silver or gold and then successfully diamond turned. Research and development ideas for future machining studies will be briefly discussed.