Lapping and polishing are loose abrasive finishing processes that have been used to achieve critical surface parameters in optical materials for centuries. These process[...]

This dissertation presents work done in investigation of a novel polishing process called Vortex Machining. Vortex Machining uses an oscillating probe to induce vortices [...]

In this dissertation, the development of alternative fiber based polishing tools for the finishing of precision freeform and aspherical optics is introduced. Freeform and[...]

The optical pitch polishing process has been used over 300 years to obtain high quality optical surface finish with little subsurface damage. A pitch tool consists of a m[...]

The mechanical and thermal properties offered by Silicon carbide (SiC) make it an ideal material for reflective freeform optics. However, the hardness, brittleness and fr[...]