Fabrication and testing of 1.4-m convex off-axis aspheric optical surfaces

Abstract

New developments in fabrication and testing techniques at the College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona have allowed successful completion of 1.4-m diameter convex off-axis aspherics. The optics with up to 300 μm aspheric departure were finished using a new method of computer controlled polishing and measured with two new optical tests: the Swingarm Optical CMM (SOC) and a Fizeau interferometer using a spherical reference surface and CGH correction. This paper shows the methods and equipment used for manufacturing these surfaces.