The generation of high precision aspherical surfaces in glass by CNC machining

The design and production of an f/1 aspheric focusing lens for a high-power laser system operating at 1054 nm is described. The relevant lens design parameters and the degree of flexibility in their choice are described and these, when carefully chosen, result in an extremely versatile lens with a large wavelength cover. The manufacture of the lens is also simplified. A comparison is made between the production of an aspheric surface by high quality conventional optical manufacturing processes and one generated and polished by a CNC jig grinding machine.