Diamond Turning of Optics: The Past, the Present, and the Exciting Future

Diamond turning of optics has grown from obscurity to popularity. After giving a brief background of the diamond-turning accomplishments, we summarize the technical capabilities and availabilities. Infrared systems applications are the major current production diamond-turning requirements. We discuss ongoing R&D work which bridges the present to the future. The DoD planned manufacturing technology program of the Army, Navy, and ongoing work of the Air Force are discussed briefly.