What's it about?

Freeform optical shapes or optical surfaces that are designed with non-symmetric features are gaining popularity with lens designers and optical system integrators. Tolerances on a freeform optical design influence the optical fabrication process. Case studies and soft tolerance limits for easier fabrication will be discussed. This paper will also give a high level overview of a freeform optical fabrication process that includes generation, high speed VIBE polishing, sub-aperture figure correction and testing of freeform surfaces.