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2007
Conference Paper
Titel
NiP plated mirrors for astronomy and space
Abstract
Ultra precision cutting with diamond tools enables flexible manufacturing of various surface shapes in optical quality. Rotationally symmetrical plan or spherical mirrors are as well interesting as complex optical shapes. More and more optical systems are using aspherical mirrors. Asphers represent a special challenge for the ultra-precision manufacturing technique. Especially for application in visual wavelength range the demands on shape quality and surface roughness are rising significant. Single point diamond turning provides optical surface quality with low roughness values, but goes always together with significant microstructures, mostly turning structures. These periodic structures must be removed with a post-polishing technique. Favourable is here an aluminium blank coated with a nickel phosphorus alloy (NiP).