Ion beams in optics—an introduction

Abstract

This article discusses effects, uses and accuracy of ion beams in glass polishing. Totally new horizons in lens design have been opened by ion bombardment. The technique has the inherent possibility of producing variations in refractive index across a surface and a highly polished surface in the same specimen. Controlled manufacture of aspheric lenses is possible and is cheaper and faster than conventional methods. Removal of residual sleeks from conventional polishing are reported. As beam energy increases, surface penetration increases and ion implantation is possible. Effects of ion beams on insulators are discussed and control of optical absorption and luminescence, as well as chemical stability and conductivity, is possible. The author concludes by pointing out the great scope for applications of irradiation damage in glass.