Virtual spindle based tool servo diamond turning of discontinuously structured microoptics arrays

We propose a virtual spindle based tool servo (VSTS) diamond turning method for the generation of discontinuously structured microoptics arrays. Uniqueness of the VSTS is that a virtual spindle axis (VSA) is constructed at any specified position by combining the multiple translational and rotational servo motions of the machine tool. Thereby, we can array the microstructure cell with a shape that can be generated in fast- or slow tool servo by controlling the VSA to sequentially pass through the centre of each cell. Feasibility of this technique is demonstrated by fabricating discontinuous microoptics arrays on both planar and freeform surfaces. (C) 2016