Precision double-sided aspheric element
US6460437B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T82/149
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A precision optical element is described, such as is used in thermal imaging systems in the infra-red, manufactured by means of single point machining, with both of its surfaces having an aspheric form, with or without the addition of a diffractive optics pattern. The element is produced while held in a novel vacuum chuck, whose support surface has a width in the radial direction significantly less than the size of the element, and which is aspherically machined to match the aspheric first surface of the element. A method whereby such an element can be produced-by-means of single point machining, such as diamond turning or fly cutting, is also described. Also described are new optical system designs and applications using such double-sided aspheric elements, thereby providing significant improvement over currently available optical systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.