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Advanced Asphere Processing

Complex Aspheres with Exceptional Surface Accuracy to λ/4

Mid-spatial frequencies (MSFs) affect your optical system's performance by scattering light, which reduces image contrast and overall image quality.

LaCroix's aspheric machinery uses unique kinematics to reduce MSFs and improve form error, giving you the image quality and performance your project demands.

MRF Cell 800 px width

MRF Cell

Asphere Cell 800 px width

Asphere Cell

2D Profilometry 800 px width

2D Profilometry

3D Profilometery 800 px width

3D Profilometery

Aspheric Manufacturing Equipment

  • Satisloh SPM-200
  • OptiPro eSX 150

Manufacturing Aspheres

We begin processing aspheric lenses by designing a near net-shaped optical glass blank and then grinding a best-fit sphere onto the surface. From this point, the initial aspheric profile is ground onto the lens using one of our advanced aspheric grinders.

Metrology is then used to measure the surface of the asphere and characterize all deviations from its theoretical form. This information is then used to correct and reduce form error on the aspheric surface. A fine grind is performed to minimize sub-surface grinding damage and prepare the asphere for polishing.

LXO-Factory_21_Asphere_8
LXO_Factory_23_0785_Reduced Size

The aspheric lens is then greyed out, removing the subsurface damage. This begins a corrective feedback loop between metrology and the aspheric polishers. 

When necessary, a finishing process is performed using MRF to reduce form and slope error.

Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF)

 

MRF uses a magnetically-sensitive fluid to create a moving ribbon to polish optics. The fluid is manipulated using a magnetic field to adjust the viscosity and thus the removal rates. The lens is then pulled across the ribbon in either a spiral or raster path.

MRF can produce significant increases in quality. Spherically, λ/20 surfaces can be achieved. Aspheric surfaces can reach λ/4, with reduced mid-spatial frequency errors.

 
Attribute Standard Precision High Precision
Form Error (microns) ±1 ±0.5 ±0.25
Slope Error (µm/mm) 1mm Integration Window 0.5 µm/mm 0.25 µm/mm 0.1 µm/mm
Frequency Errors Specify Spatial Frequency Bands as Necessary
Metrology 2D & 3D Metrology
Diameter (mm) 10-200mm

Resources for Aspheric Manufacturing

Use our resources to learn more about manufacturing aspheres and the best fit for your project.
 
Ready to discuss your project? Get started by connecting with our team.
 
Contact an engineer
Justin's WP - Rescaled
Measuring Aspheres in a
3-D World
LXO_Lenses_Aspheres_RWB
Manufacturing Considerations for Tolerancing Aspheres