Feature

Advances in infrared optical design via diamond turning technology

Since the invention of the hologram, lens designers have considered this intriguing device for various applications, particularly designs for laser systems. Holographic optical elements (HOEs) may be made directly by computer generation or by optical construction methods. Computer generation is in s

A"diamond turned" mirror or lens surface is generated by conventional lathe and milling operations using a single point diamond tool on numerically controlled machines employing air bearing spindles and slides.1 Components manufactured by this process yield sufficiently accurate surface figure and smoothness for infrared imaging systems in the 3— 5 and 8-12 μm wavebands.

Publish Date: 01 June 1988