Method of forming contoured optical layers on glass elements

A method for forming an optical layer having a predetermined surface contour over a given surface area of a transmissive optical element to change the optical performance characteristics of the optical element, said method comprising the steps of:

• forming a tool having a shape that varies in accordance with the point to point difference in thickness between the optical element given surface area and the optical layer predetermined surface contour plus a predetermined uniform thickness value such that said shape of said tool is the complement to that of said layer predetermined surface contour;
• coating at least said surface of said tool with at least one release layer having a thickness equal to said predetermined uniform thickness value;
• covering said tool surface with an optically clear epoxy that is curable in the presence of ultraviolet radiation and has a predetermined index of refraction;
• aligning said tool with the optical element given surface area and firmly pressing said tool and said optical element given surface area together to center one with the other;
• exposing said epoxy to ultraviolet radiation until said epoxy hardens over the optical element given surface area;
• and
• separating said tool and the optical element whereby said optical layer releases from said tool with said release layer adhered to it and then chemically removing any of said release layer from the surface of said optical layer.