The objectives of this research is to develop a deterministic machining process capable of producing aspherical glass components with a surface damage layer in the 2-5 characteristic indentation dimensions range. Such components could then be finished, using traditional polish techniques, in substantial shorter time than is currently possible, greatly enhancing the producibility of larger aspherical glass optics. Another important task of the research plan is to study the surfaces produced in glass grinding, with the aim of characterizing the surface damage and subsurface damage resulting from the precision grinding process. This involves post-grinding examination of the glass surface (or replicas of the surface) using stylus profilometry, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscope.
