Micro-machining of optical glasses - A review of diamond-cutting glasses

Abstract

In order to diamond-turn optical glasses to a nanometric surface finish, it is critical to determine the transition point from brittle mode to ductile mode. This paper presents various experimental techniques to study this transition and discusses the mechanism of the surface generation. It has been recognized that tool wear is a serious issue in diamond turning of glasses. Thus, research in future should be concentrated on this field to enable the technology to be applied in commercial production.