Tribology of Manufactured Optical Surfaces

Optical components of non-planar geometry require special machining to produce. Single point diamond turning is the manufacturing method of choice to produce these surfaces. Three main factors contribute to the quality of these surfaces. Machine accuracy has shown improvements with the increased use of air bearings. Tool wear and design are shown to be effected by the crystal orientation of the diamond used for cutting. Material and coatings also play a role in producing high quality optical surfaces. Measuring these surfaces is critical for characterizing the surface in question. Atomic force microscopy, contact profilometery and laser interferometry are shown as appropriate methods for measuring the surface profile of the diamond turned surfaces.