Abstract

To put the trends in fabrication processes into perspective, it is necessary to look briefly at the requirements of state-of-the-art (SOTA) optics. There is great interest in working toward both shorter and longer wavelength regions. This requirement calls for making smoother surfaces and for greater use of aspherics, respectively. At both wavelength extremes the optics must be reflecting rather than refracting because of the lack of transmitting materials. Other requirements call for optics capable of withstanding high power levels, for larger optics, and for lightweight optics. All these demands have more to do with material properties and mechanical engineering than with optics per se. We will look at the impact of these demands on the methods of optical fabrication.

© 1982 Optical Society of America