Replication of Wolter lens components

A concave paraboloid of revolution has been successfully replicated. Replication is done in two steps for which two aluminum forms are made. One form is a convex parabola on which the first generation replica is formed, and the other is a concave parabola in which the final replica is formed. Two final replicas were made. Optical tests showed that the replica figure was fully as good as that of the original and that scattering levels were not significantly different from those of the original. Some problems with cosmetic defects exist, but the process appears to be sound, and it is anticipated that Wolter lens components can be replicated at a fraction of the cost of originals.