Overview of advanced manufacturing technology of large-aperture aspheric mirror

Abstract

The aspheric surface can correct the system aberration and improve the image quality in the optical imaging system, in addition to that it can simplify the system structure significantly; On the other hand, the resolution of imaging system can be increased by improving the system aperture. Therefore, in the domain of basic scientific research, astronomical cosmological exploration and military defense security the large-aperture aspheric mirrors are all highly required. The manufacturing of large-aperture aspheric mirrors plays a critical role in modern optical engineering. This paper focuses on the advanced manufacturing techniques of large-aperture aspheric mirrors. The optical manufacturing technologies, especially the grinding and polishing techniques of large-aperture aspheric mirrors in the past half century and the surface shape testing methods during the grinding and polishing process, are reviewed. In particular, it summarizes the technical characteristics of advanced (new generation) optical manufacturing, and looks forward to the future manufacturing strategy of large-diameter aspheric mirrors.