Manufacturing Methods and Technology for Optical Fabrication.

This is the first quarterly report on the program, Manufacturing Methods and Technology for Optical Fabrication. The program was initiated to develop low-cost techniques for the fabrication of germanium spheric and aspheric lenses and mirrors for FLIR optical systems. Several form-to shape lens fabrication techniques, including casting and hot deformation are being examined for their cost-saving potential. Examples of both materials have been obtained in this initial period of effort. The use of single point diamond turning of aspheric surfaces will also be examined after completion of an initial effort with flats produced by the various form-to-shape processes. Author