Re: [ATM] Too Small Optics

["Don Clement" <clement.focuser@verizon.net>]

Andy S. wrote:
>
> They dont..they just control the spherical surfaces
> to close tolerances..small steeply curved surfaces
> will naturally assume a spherical shape when lapped & polished.
> You can test the finished objective by viewing a resolution
> pattern with it..these patterns can have <1 micron spacing.

I have often wondered if asphere surfaces can't be made in a similar way to
Schmidt's original vacuum method. By deforming optics and polishing a
sphere, then releasing the deforming forces. You could end up with  super
smooth surfaces by polishing with a full contact sphere. Don't see why this
would be limited to small optics with modern actuators, sensors .(piezo,
LVDT, etc.), computers and FEA software.

Don Clement
Running Springs, California

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