Enhanced Deterministic Microgrinding on the Opticam SX Using Active Vibration Cancellation Techniques

The Opticam SX grinding machine manufactures optical components quickly and accurately using a computer controlled grinding process. However, characteristic surface errors, referred to as "cutter marks," have been observed on lenses produced by the SX machine. These cutter marks averaged 440 angstroms peak-to-valley in a previous study involving over 100 lenses. In an effort to expand the usefulness of the Opticam microgrinding technique to applications requiring a smoother surface finish, the source of the surface errors and the application of an active control technique to reduce them are being investigated.