Abstract: A hydrodynamically optimized mixer module, to be coupled to a deterministic hydrodynamic tool that allows pulsed polishing of optical surfaces is described. This module allows the supply of abrasive foam or fluid that enters the tool to be interrupted without impairing the operational stability of the polishing process and of said hydrodynamic tool. The mixer module includes at least one interrupter element for switching high-velocity fluids; a first inlet through which air is injected under pressure and in a controlled manner; a second inlet through which a polishing fluid is injected in a controlled manner, said polishing fluid filling a predetermined volume with a hydrodynamically optimized shape and being transferred to a mixing zone where, together with the pressure-injected air, an abrasive foam is produced that is injected into at least one rotational acceleration chamber of the hydrodynamic tool to which the mixer module is coupled.

Abstract: A hydrodynamically optimised mixer module to be coupled to a deterministic hydrodynamic tool for pulsed polishing of optical surfaces, which is arranged such that the supply of abrasive foam or fluid may be interrupted without impairing the operational stability of the polishing process and of the hydrodynamic tool. The mixer module includes at least one interrupter element for interrupting high-velocity fluids; a first inlet through which air is injected under pressure and in a controlled manner; a second inlet through which a polishing fluid is injected in a controlled manner, said polishing fluid filling a previously calculated space with an optimised hydrodynamic shape and being transferred to a mixing zone where, together with the pressure-injected air, the abrasive foam is produced that is injected into a module of at least one rotational acceleration chamber of the hydrodynamic tool.

Abstract: A polishing tool useful for grinding and high precision, fine polishing of flat or curved optical surfaces, as well as for the optical flattening of semiconductor and metallic surfaces. The tool does not make contact with the surface to be polished and lacks moving parts; but produces a high velocity flux “cushion” that expands radially and parallel to the working surface, generating a stable, uniform and repeatable annular abrasion footprint. Due to the hydrodynamic characteristics of the tool, it can create polished surfaces of high-precision optical quality starting from the grinding process up through the final fine polishing process without having to change the tool, thereby avoiding friction against the work surface and tool wear. It can polish thin membranes and does not require a rigid or active support for the working surface. This invention considerably simplifies optical polishing processes and reduces costs with respect to other known methods.