Abstract

It is still a challenge to produce superpolished surfaces on all optical materials. We show how Teflon polishing, a new improved polishing technique, compares with traditional pitch polishing to achieve supersmooth and flat optical surfaces. Teflon, unlike pitch, is only for the final polishing; the surfaces must first be polished to be free of pits, scratches, and other imperfections and flat to approximately one wave. Teflon does not flow or get charged with abrasive particles during polishing. However, unlike pitch, it is resistant to strong acids and alkalies. Because it wears very slowly, it will retain its surface shape to produce extremely flat surfaces, λ/100, consistently and reliably for extended periods of time, of the order of days.

© 1989 Optical Society of America