Zinc sulfide (ZnS) is a widely used material in far-infrared and near-infrared imaging systems due to its exceptional optical transmittance properties. Through a hot isostatic compression process, during manufacturing, ZnS undergoes crystal structure modifications, resulting in increased transmittance across the visible and infrared spectra. However, ZnS exhibits low fracture toughness and irregular crystal orientations, making it prone to brittle fracture during the conventional cutting processes. Such brittleness often leads to surface defects that scatter light, diminishing optical transmittance. Therefore, understanding the conditions conducive to ductile processing is critical and necessitates a thorough brittle fracture analysis. This study introduces a novel quantitative analysis method to determine the occurrence of ductile processing and brittle fracture in ZnS materials after the turning process. To validate the efficacy of this approach, experimental machining was conducted through diamond turning and magnetorheological fluid polishing processes. Subsequently, a comprehensive quantitative assessment of brittle fracture was performed. Additionally, the relationship between brittle fracture and optical transmittance was explored using the proposed analysis method.

Recently, interest in astronomy has increased internationally, and the technological development of lenses for large space telescopes is progressing. The multi-order diffractive engineered (MODE) lenses can make a large space telescope light and thin. However, because glass lenses are difficult to machine, we have adopted a method of molding at high temperature and high pressure. The STAVAX is commercially available chrome alloy stainless steel, and it is applied as various mold materials. The ultrasonic vibration cutting was adopted for ultra-precision machining because the tool wear is severe when cutting the STAVAX with a diamond tool. To achieve a flat surface for smooth ultrasonic vibration cutting, we performed a precise shape cutting using a CBN tool and confirmed and observed changes in the surface roughness and hardness depending on the cutting conditions. The ultrasonic vibration cutting was performed on the surface of the machine using a CBN tool, and the surface roughness was observed. It was confirmed that the surface roughness was impacted by the surface hardness. The specimens with low surface hardness showed the highest surface roughness at approximately 3 nm.