Abstract
Modern high technology optical surface manufacture makes use of one or more of four basic manufacturing technologies: loose abrasive grinding and polishing, single-point diamond turning, multi-point (fixed-abrasive) machining, and position-dependent material alteration. Each is described and a general comparison made with respect to achievable results, versatility and applicability to astrophysical, surveillance, and other advanced system applications. Such manufacturing technologies also offer a number of natural extensions which serve to provide, at least, a dim view down the development pathway. Such things as diamond-turned visible light optics, single-point machining of glass, precision fixed-abrasive grinding, precise computer-controlled polishing, and altered index materials are explored as offering exciting possibilities in the future.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.