Abstract
Design trends in the large optics field have progressed towards systems incorporating large, off-axis aspheric optical elements. These segments may be used in groups to form a single large parent optical surface. Segmented systems are necessary when the mirror size requirements exceed the capacity to produce a monolithic mirror blank. Segmented mirrors also have applications in space, where it is possible to launch a folded mirror array which can be deployed to provide a reflector larger than the diameter of the launch vehicle. The OAGM 2500 has been designed by Cranfield Precision Engineering to generate and measure off-axis elements prior to final polishing. This machine, together with a Neutral Ion Beam Figuring System, will provide Eastman Kodak Company with processes which are highly deterministic yielding rapid, cost efficient fabrication of large complex optical components. The resulting design has led to the manufacture of a machine weighing 130 tons, with a component capacity of 2.5 m × 2.5 m × 0.6 m and overall dimensions 8 m × 6 m × 5 m . Advanced three-axis CNC control for grinding and in situ metrology combined with a multiple path laser interferometer system and metrology frame, is incorporated to achieve the required component accuracy.
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