Abstract

A polishing technique has been developed utilizing a series of lead laps and diamond polishing compounds yielding improved scratch/dig surface quality on 5-in (12.7-cm) diameter sapphire. The lap material and construction, as well as polishing procedure, appear to be the key elements of this successful process. Polishing was accomplished by using a separate lap for each diamond compound size. Other critical aspects of the process include using concentric draining grooves in the laps, beveling the edges on the laps and sapphire substrate, and applying a single application of diamond compound for each lap.

© 1990 Optical Society of America