Computer Controlled Polishing technology is employed for automatically grinding and polishing aspheric and other optical surfaces automatically and deterministically. Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. applies two unique technologies, Zeeko robotic grinding and polishing and QED’s magnetorheological (MRF) polishing. Both technologies address the growing demand for inexpensive aspheric lenses and mirrors for industry and science. Okamoto Optics Works offers MRF polishing in Japan Zeeko Robotic polishing on optics up to 650mm in diameter from its collaborative partner, Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. at its advanced fabrication facility in Durham, Connecticut.
Computer controlled polishing addresses the fundamental problem in aspheric polishing aspheric surfaces by controlling both the tool contact geometry and the polishing tool motion over the aspheric surface to precisely correct for errors in surface form. This process is dependent on accurate measurement of the surface prior to polishing. Interferometric maps of the surface form are translated into machine instructions, which guide the corrective polishing process.
However, control of mid and high-spatial frequency amplitudes in polished surfaces requires an engineered approach to process design that optimizes material selection, chemistry, tool design, and tool path strategies. Okamoto Optics and Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. both develop and employ state of the art techniques for process optimization to maximize optical performance and process predictability.