Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
13:07
Convergent Polishing: A Simple, Rapid, Full Aperture Polishing Process of High Quality Optical Flats & Spheres
Published on: December 1, 2014
11.5K
Research on edge-control methods in CNC polishing.
Guoyu Yu1, David Walker1,2,3, Hongyu Li1,4
11National Facility for Ultra Precision Surfaces, OpTIC Centre, University of Huddersfield, St. Asaph Business Park, Ffordd William Morgan, North Wales, St Asaph, LL17 0JD UK.
Journal of the European Optical Society. Rapid Publications
|February 4, 2020
Summary
A novel edge-rectification method addresses residual errors in mirror segment fabrication, improving precision for large optics like the European extremely large telescope (E-ELT). This technique enhances edge quality without affecting the main mirror surface.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Edge-control for the Precessions TM process was developed for fast fabrication of large mirror segments.
- This method met edge mis-figure specifications for European extremely large telescope (E-ELT) prototype segments.
- Residual errors, stemming from input edge-profile asymmetries, remained uncorrectable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different proposed methods for edge error correction.
- To introduce and validate a new local edge-rectification step.
Main Methods:
- Experimental and theoretical comparisons of various edge error correction techniques were performed.
- A new toolpath was developed for local edge rectification.
- The rectification process was designed to operate locally on edges without disturbing the completed bulk area.
Main Results:
- Local edge rectification was experimentally demonstrated.
- The developed toolpath proved effective for localized edge correction.
Conclusions:
- The new method effectively removes residual errors on mirror edges separately.
- This approach has the potential to reduce overall process time in mirror fabrication.
