Computational Simulation Tools and Environment for Optimising the Manufacture of Ultra-precision Surfaces

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Precision optical lenses and mirrors are used in scientific instruments (e.g. professional astronomical telescopesand their instrumentation) and high-end consumer goods such as modern optical goods (telescopes andbinoculars), cameras and head-up displays. Use of complex aspheric and freeform optics facilitates the designof smaller and lighter devices, and it is anticipated that this market will continue grow in the future.In order to meet the challenging specification for the surface shapes and texture, optics manufacturers useprecision polishing techniques. The aim of this project is to create a set of quantitative simulation tools for usein improving the processes used in polishing ultra-precision surfaces, with the objectives of increasing theaccuracy of these components and lowering the cost of their manufacture. In addition, further applications ofthese process improvement tools are: the polishing of precision surfaces required for low friction aerodynamicsurfaces, such as turbine blades; and biomedical applications such as hip and knee joint implants.