Tool-path planning for 2.5D laser polishing of optical lenses

Previous studies have shown that laser polishing of glass is possible for flat surfaces. However, when it comes to three-dimensional geometries such as lenses, additional challenges arise. In this paper, we present a mathematical-physical model that calculates local setpoint values for the process parameters laser power and scanning speed based on the surface topography. By using this model, we can achieve a homogeneous polishing result for angles of incidence <i>β</i>≤60^∘. In comparison, if the process parameters are not adjusted, the surface roughness will start to increase when the laser beam is no longer orthogonal to the surface.