Abstract: An article made of a metal matrix composite material having particles bonded to an anodizable matrix material. The article can comprise an anodizable matrix material, particles bonded to the anodizable matrix material, a first anodic layer on at least a portion of the anodizable matrix material formed by anodizing, wherein the anodic layer includes a portion of the particles, at least one machined layer comprising portions of at least one of the anodizable matrix material, the anodic layer, and the particles, and a second anodic layer formed about the at least one machined layer and at least a partially removed portion of the first anodic layer. An article in preparation can include an anodizable matrix material, particles bonded to the anodizable matrix material, an anodic layer on the anodizable matrix material formed by anodizing, and at least one machined layer comprising portions of at least one of the anodizable matrix material, the anodic layer, and the particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an article made of a metal matrix composite material having particles bonded to an anodizable matrix material. The method can include anodizing the anodizable matrix material to form an anodic layer on the anodizable matrix material. The method can also include machining at least a portion of the anodic layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming an article made of a metal matrix composite material having particles bonded to an anodizable matrix material. The method can include anodizing the anodizable matrix material to form an anodic layer on the anodizable matrix material. The method can also include machining at least a portion of the anodic layer.

Abstract: An air-gap optical structure is fabricated by depositing a metallic spacer structure on a first transmissive optical element, and then contacting a second transmissive optical element to the spacer structure so that the spacer structure lies between the first transmissive optical element and the second transmissive optical element and defines an air gap therebetween. A first layer of the spacer structure contacts the first transmissive optical element, and a second layer of the spacer structure contacts the first layer. The first layer is preferably deposited by vapor deposition and is relatively thin, and the second layer is preferably electroless deposited and is relatively thick. The total thickness of the spacer structure is typically from about 5 to about 15 micrometers.