Re: [ATM] Too Small Optics-( and flex produced optics)

["matt" <electro_optic@bellsouth.net>]

Here's are some links to journal published papers describing the Stewart
Observatory Mirror Lab "stressed lap polishing method" :

http://mmto.org/~swest/pdfs/aoslap.pdf
http://medusa.as.arizona.edu/lbto/tech/spie4007-06.doc

The links above are safe.

The method is used to generate highly aspheric surfaces .

I didn't check the USPTO to see what patents Adler and Bill are holding but
if they're related to flexing mirrors into shape for use, then it's been
done in numerous incarnations in the form of active optics on various
telescopes.
If their patents refer to manufacturing mirrors using flexing , Meade is
making aspherical surfaces by using an extension of the Schmidt vacuum pan
flexing method already .
Before worrying about marketing Adler's patent I'd worry about Adler's
patent infringing upon Meade's patents . Celestron was driven into the
ground through litigation with Meade . On the average in the US, defending
patent litigation costs $12 million per instance .

best regards,
matt tudor


-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Kelley <flex@commspeed.net>
To: Don Clement <clement.focuser@verizon.net>; ATM List <atm@atmlist.net>
Date: Thursday, June 16, 2005 12:35 AM
Subject: Re: [ATM] Too Small Optics-( and flex produced optics)


>
>Don's speculation is exactly right.
>
>Alan Adler working with a Parks optician did just that for a convex
asphere.
>Off axis mirror segments are figured ( I hear ) this way at the U of A
>mirror lab and released. Adler and I have frequently responded to list
>questioners who asked if the flex tensioning schemes could be used in
>compression to produce spheres that would spring when unloaded into
>appropriate aspheres. Yes, of course.
>. Such an application to production of high end,ultra smooth, aspheric
>commercial optics would seem obvious.  Alan, who controls the patents has
>made some effort to market the process, but no takers yet.  I am also an
>owner and no one has shown any interest.
>
>Bill Kelley
>
>
>>
>> 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
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/
>>
>>
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/
>

_______________________________________________
ATM mailing list http://www.atmlist.net/