Abstract: The invention concerns a method for thermal surface-hardening of metal workpieces, in particular of shaft ends, by means of a laser source with which, if necessary, with relative movement of workpiece and laser source, the workpiece surface to be hardened is heated sectionally by laser radiation. In accordance with the invention, the laser radiation is irradiated essentially uniformly in a hardening zone that extends in a principal direction, at least approximately over the entire workpiece surface to be hardened.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for the non-contacting measuring and, if necessary, abrasive machining of surfaces, in particular of large-surface mirrors or the like, with which, for determining contour deviations of the surface, the difference between interferometrically detected surface contour actual values and preselected surface contour desired values is determined. In accordance with the invention, measured interferometrically relative to a standard is a reference contour of at least one reference element, the extension of which corresponds essentially to a measuring and, if necessary, a machining region of a surface, the geometry of which is known to within the allowable contour tolerance of the surface.