Magnetorheological finishing

Magnetorheological finishing (MRF) is a precision surface finishing technology. Optical surfaces are polished in a computer-controlled magnetorheological (MR) finishing slurry. Unlike conventional rigid lap polishing, the MR fluid's shape and stiffness can be magnetically manipulated and controlled in real time. The optic's final surface form and finishing results are predicted through the use of computer algorithms.

Literature

• US Patent: US5449313A
• German Patent: DE69924595T2
• Shorey et. al "Experiments and Observations Regarding the Mechanisms of Glass Removal in Magnetorheological Finishing", abstract and full text (pdf)
• Chunlin Miao, et al., "Shear stress in magnetorheological finishing for glasses," Applied Optics 48, 2585-2594 (2009) , abstract and full text (pdf)
• Chunlin Miao, et al., "Process parameter effects on material removal in magnetorheological finishing of borosilicate glass," Applied Optics 49, 1951-1963 (2010) , abstract and full text (pdf)