Diamond Turning Of Aspheric Infrared Optical Components

Manufacturing infrared optical components, up until the recent past, usually meant optical surfacing by conventional methods. Grinding and polishing have been the primary surfacing processes for both spherical and aspheric optics. Recent advances in both diamond turning and forging of infrared materials is providing a new competitive platform for surfacing which, in turn, is substantially changing design and manufacturing strategies. It is hoped that by informing users of recent advances in diamond turning, forward thinking in the design area will be encouraged. This paper is divided into two parts - a review of diamond turning fundamentals, followed by a presentation of selected turning results in I.R. materials.