Nano-abrasion machining of brittle materials and its application to corrective figuring

A method of ultraprecision abrasion machining named “Nano-abrasion machining” is proposed for optical finishing of brittle materials. The fundamental characteristics and its applicability for corrective figuring to improve form accuracy of optics of brittle materials are investigated. It is experimentally ascertained that the material removal rate and surface roughness are suitable for optical finishing. However, the cross-sectional profile of the machined spot that is dependent on the collision angle is a combination of V- and W-shape, which is unsuitable for the corrective figuring. Therefore, circular motion machining is introduced and a preferable profile with an axis-symmetric V-shape is realized. The machining method is applied to corrective figuring of optical glass of BK7. The NC program is generated with a computer program developed by modifying the scanning motion and the form accuracy is predicted. According to the simulation results, corrective figuring is performed. The flatness is improved from PV = 151 to 29 nm. From the experimental results, it is clarified that the nano-abrasion machining is applicable to corrective figuring of brittle materials.