Processes for polishing glass and glass-ceramic surfaces using excimer laser radiation
AssigneeCorning Incorporated
InventorsJames E. Dickinson, Jr., Bryan R. Wheaton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for polishing glass, ceramic, and glass-ceramic surfaces. The method includes exposing the surface to ultraviolet laser radiation under conditions effective to smooth the surface. Methods for polishing glass-ceramic surfaces containing spinel crystals using 193-351 nm radiation of a rare gas halide excimer laser operating at about 150 to about 400 mJ/cm.sup.2 are disclosed. Using the methods of the present invention, surfaces having an R.sub.a of about 4 to about 2 .ANG. are produced.
Claims17
A process for polishing an entire surface on a glass, or a glass-ceramic article to smooth that surface, said process consisting essentially of:
- exposing the surface to ultraviolet laser radiation under conditions effective to
- remove material from the entire surface to improve the smoothness of the surface.
A process for polishing an entire surface on a glass, or a glass-ceramic article to smooth that surface, said process consisting essentially of:
- a first step of smoothing the surface;
- and
- a second step of exposing the surface to ultraviolet laser radiation under conditions effective to remove material from the entire surface to improve the smoothness of the surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.