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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Convergent Polishing: A Simple, Rapid, Full Aperture Polishing Process of High Quality Optical Flats & Spheres
Published on: December 1, 2014
Summary
Computer-controlled polishing effectively reduced errors on a segmented mirror. This advanced technique achieved high-quality surface figures, even at the mirror segment edges.
Area of Science:
- Optics
- Materials Science
- Manufacturing Engineering
Background:
- Segmented mirrors are crucial for large-aperture optical systems.
- Achieving precise surface figures on mirror segments, especially at the edges, presents significant challenges.
- Traditional polishing methods can be time-consuming and less accurate for complex shapes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the capability of a computer-controlled polisher for fabricating mirror segments.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of specialized software and tooling in reducing surface errors.
- To assess the quality of the finished surface figure, including edge regions.
Main Methods:
- A single mirror segment was polished using a computer-controlled polisher.
- Specialized software and custom tooling were employed during the polishing process.
- Surface figure errors were measured and analyzed throughout the experiment.
Main Results:
- The computer-controlled polishing process rapidly reduced surface figure errors.
- A high-quality surface figure was achieved across the entire mirror segment.
- The process demonstrated effectiveness in producing accurate figures up to the segment's edges.
Conclusions:
- Computer-controlled polishing is a viable and efficient method for fabricating high-precision mirror segments.
- The employed software and tooling enable rapid error reduction and excellent edge finishing.
- This technique holds promise for advancing the manufacturing of large optical components.
