Computer simulation of smoothing during computer-controlled optical polishing.

Itek has developed computer-controlled optical surfacing (CCOS) for the fabrication of aspheric optical surfaces. The smoothing process plays a key role in all CCOS operations. A computer simulation algorithm was created to provide information on the CCOS smoothing process. The reliability of the algorithm was confirmed with several verification cases. The effect of pertinent tool, lap, and error parameters on smoothing was determined from a series of simulations. In addition, the smoothing algorithm was applied to an operational case to provide real-world credibility. The smoothing simulation algorithm appears to be accurate and useful. The parametric study results are available and the algorithm can be applied to specific cases for guidance in proper CCOS parameter selection.