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A new machine tool now in the final stages of development at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory uses a unique tool motion to produce diamond -turned surfaces of exceptionally high quality. The cutting tool is computer programmed to move in 4 -nm increments along two axes: an X axis and an Omega axis. Exceptionally stiff and accurate control of the tool is possible with this "Omega -X" system. Copper surfaces of revolution have been produced with a 12.3 -A rms surface finish and a contour accuracy of 75 nm. In conjunction with a unique thermally stabilized air bearing spindle and machine calibration equipment, the computer -controlled Omega -X system permits a significant advance in the fabrication of optical -quality surfaces. AbstractA new machine tool now in the final stages of development at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory uses a unique tool motion to produce diamond-turned surfaces of exceptionally high quality. The cutting tool is computer programmed to move in 4-nm increments along two axes: an X axis and an Omega axis. Exceptionally stiff and accurate control of the tool is possible with this "Omega-X" system. Copper surfaces of revolution have been produced with a 12.3-A rms surface finish and a contour accuracy of 75 nm. In conjunction with a unique thermally stabilized air bearing spindle and machine calibration equipment, the computer-controlled Omega-X system permits a significant advance in the fabrication of optical-quality surfaces.

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