Custom off-axis parabolic mirrors manufactured using a replication process that allows the same high specification as conventional off-axis parabolic mirrors but at significantly lower cost
Spectrum Scientific offers custom off-axis parabolic mirrors manufactured using a replication process that allows the production of optics that have the same high specification as conventionally manufactured off-axis parabolic mirrors but at significantly lower cost.
Replicated optics are manufactured by first producing a master to the required specification and then transferring the optical quality of the master to a substrate through a replication process rather than by conventional polishing.
This process allows the production of off-axis parabolic mirrors with a surface quality of up to lambda/10 or better and 60:40 scratch/dig.
Often an existing mirror can be used as a master leading to further cost savings.
Replicated mirrors can be produced on substrates such as glass (typically crown, fused silica or Pyrex) or metal (typically aluminum, stainless steel or beryllium).
Metal substrates can incorporate tabs, mounting holes or brackets to produce an integrated mounted optic - cutting down on the number of parts required, decreasing alignment and mounting time, reducing weight and increasing stability.
In addition to off-axis parabolic mirrors, the replication process can also be used to manufacture parabolic mirrors, elliptical mirrors, cube-corner retroreflectors, complex optics, nanostructures and hybrid structures
