Freeform diamond machining of complex monolithic metal optics for innovative astronomical applications

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam; David J. Robertson

doi:10.1117/12.674214

9 June 2006 Freeform diamond machining of complex monolithic metal optics for innovative astronomical applications

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam, David J. Robertson

Proceedings Volume 6149, 2nd International Symposium on Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing Technologies: Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies; 61490R (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.674214
Event: 2nd International Symposium on Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing Technologies, 2005, Xian, China

Abstract

Durham University's Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) have developed a technique for fabricating monolithic multi-faceted mirror arrays using freeform diamond machining. Using this technique, the inherent accuracy of the diamond machining equipment is exploited to achieve the required relative alignment accuracy of the facets, as well as an excellent optical surface quality for each individual facet. Monolithic arrays manufactured using this technique, have been successfully applied in the Integral Field Unit for the GEMINI Near-InfraRed Spectrograph (GNIRS IFU), which was recently commissioned at GEMINI South. In this paper, we present details of the fabrication process and optical performance of these components. We will also briefly discuss how their implementation has facilitated the GNIRS IFU's opto-mechanical system design and subsequent integration and test, and highlight the resulting improvement in system performance.

Citation Download Citation

Cornelis M. Dubbeldam and David J. Robertson "Freeform diamond machining of complex monolithic metal optics for innovative astronomical applications", Proc. SPIE 6149, 2nd International Symposium on Advanced Optical Manufacturing and Testing Technologies: Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies, 61490R (9 June 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.674214

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