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1994
Journal Article
Titel
Glass bearing with an integrated plygonal mirror
Abstract
In the article the development of an aerostatic spherical cap bearing made of optical glass will be introduced. It bases on the well-know design principle of double spherical air bearings. The aim is to use the special advantages connected with the usage of this material in the area of air lubricated precision bearing. Precision- and ultra-precision bearings are required for certain applications in optical instrument manufacture. This applies to products of precision measuring and testing instruments, photogrammetry, reproduction technologies (scanners) and microstructure generating and testing equipment a.s.o.. It is of special interest to attach a polygonal mirror at the rotor of the precision bearing. The integration of a polygonal mirror in a precision bearing in the submicrometer-range promises a scan system with highest precision. The aerostatic bearing of two bearing elements which are in relation to each other, either translatory or rotary, is based on the development of an air cushion between the bearing elements. The air cushion avoids the direct contact of the moving parts. It substitutes common lubricant and approve motion, nearly without friction and wear resistant. The application of highprecision production-, mounting- and controltechnology in the optical industry, for example the production of lenses or interferometer measuring techniques makes it possible to produce exact bearing geometry at a reasonable price. Through the application of special material like glass and glassceramic new possibilities for the production of precision bearings are presented as a carrier of optical components.