Metal Optics Versus Glass Optics

K. Lindsey; A. Franks

doi:10.1117/12.956911

25 September 1979 Metal Optics Versus Glass Optics

K. Lindsey, A. Franks

Proceedings Volume 0163, Advances in Optical Production Technology II; (1979) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956911
Event: Advances in Optical Production Technology, 1979, London, United Kingdom

Abstract

A limited range of materials is available for optical components of the highest quality. The quality which can be achieved depends not only on the material but also on the blank manufacturing method, the machining and finishing techniques and often, in the case of metals, on the properties of a more readily machinable or polishable overlayer. The materials and manufacturing methods employed will also determine whether the component will maintain its specification throughout its proposed lifetime during which it may be subjected to adverse mechanical and thermal stresses and corrosive conditions. For the highest quality optics, pure synthetic vitreous silica and the remelted quartzes are the preferred materials. If severe thermal changes are encountered in use, then ULE silica or the optical glass ceramics may be preferred despite their somewhat greater inhomogeneity. The best metallic optical components are made of beryllium coated with electroless nickel. This combination is inferior to glasses in its stability but has a superior stiffness to weight ratio and is superior to all but ULE silica and the glass ceramics in its response to rapid thermal fluctuations.

Citation Download Citation

K. Lindsey and A. Franks "Metal Optics Versus Glass Optics", Proc. SPIE 0163, Advances in Optical Production Technology II, (25 September 1979); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956911

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available