Patent ID: 6597521
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: C03C,C09K,G02B

Abstract:
A method for making a thin optical element of crystalline material having a predetermined diameter and a thickness of less than 5 mm or less than 5% of said diameter, the thin optical element being formed from an unfinished piece made of said crystalline material and said unfinished piece having first and second surfaces lying opposite each other, the method comprising the steps of:placing said unfinished piece of said crystalline material on a support; optically machining said first surface of said unfinished piece to the final form thereof; applying an amorphous inorganic layer to said first surface to define a coated first surface; wringing said unfinished piece to a lens holder of a polishing machine with said coated first surface being in adhering wrung contact engagement with said holder; and, optically machining said second surface to the final form thereof.