Manufacturing of Optics

Rapid manufacture of high precision optical freeform surfaces

04.05.2006 - Photonik international /2006 |  [ deutsche Version lesen ]

Many optical applications require the use of complex freeform surfaces with tolerances in the submicron range. These freeform surfaces are produced by precision and ultra-precision lathes with highly dynamic additional axes – so-called Fast Tool Servo systems (FTS). These tools are not only able to machine mirrors, but also freeform inserts necesary for replicating plastic or glass lenses with excellent finished optical surface qualities. The NURBS data format, well established in CAD applications, is used for data processing [1].

Photonik I/2006
Authors: Christian Brecher, Markus Winterschladen, Sven Lange, Michael Merz, Fraunhofer IPT, Aachen, Germany

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