Neutral Ion Figuring of Chemical Vapor Deposited SiC

Ion figuring of optical components is a relatively new technology that can alleviate some of the problems associated with traditional contact polishing. Because the technique is noncontacting, edge distortions and rib structure print through do not occur. This investigation was aimed at determining...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optical Engineering 1994-03, Vol.33 (3), p.967-974
Main Authors: Fawcett, Steven C., Drueding, Thomas W., Bifano, Thomas G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BEAMS
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
Exact sciences and technology
FABRICATION
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
ION BEAMS
Lenses, prisms and mirrors
MACHINING
MATERIALS SCIENCE
MIRRORS
Optical elements, devices, and systems
OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
Optical testing techniques
Optics
Physics
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
ROUGHNESS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SURFACE FINISHING
SURFACE PROPERTIES 360201 > Ceramics, Cermets, & Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
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Summary:Ion figuring of optical components is a relatively new technology that can alleviate some of the problems associated with traditional contact polishing. Because the technique is noncontacting, edge distortions and rib structure print through do not occur. This investigation was aimed at determining the effect of ion figuring on surface roughness of previously polished or ductile ground ceramic optical samples. This is the first step in research directed toward the combination of a prefinishing process (ductile grinding or polishing) with ion figuring to produce finished ceramic mirrors. Multiple, chemical vapor deposited silicon carbide (CVD SiC) samples were polished or ductile ground to specular or near-specular roughness. These samples were then characterized to determine topographic surface information. The surface evaluation consisted of stylus profilometry, interferometry, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. The surfaces were then ion machined to depths from 0 to 5 micron. The finished surfaces were characterized to evaluate the effects of the ion-machining process with respect to the previous processing methods and the preexisting subsurface damage. This study provides some of the information required to effectively utilize a combined ductile grinding or polishing with ion machining as a procedure for figuring optical components.
ISSN:0091-3286
1560-2303
DOI:10.1117/12.157687