Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing extremely precise glass optical element by thermally deforming optical glass on the optical surf ace of a thermal processing jig coated with chemically stable thin film, followed by the molding of optical glass preform having free surf ace on one side and transcribed surface from the optical surface of the thermal processing jig by means of a press mold which thermally presses the optical glass preform.

Abstract: An array of optical microelements is produced by press molding, at a high temperature, a transparent glass with a press mold which has a molding surface formed into a shape corresponding to the optical microelement array and coated with a chemically stable thin film.

Abstract: A die for press-molding an optical element with high precision comprises a base material made of a material excellent in heat resistance, heat shock resistance and mechanical strength at high temperature, an intermediate layer formed on the base material and made of a thin film excellent in grinding machinability and cutting machinability, and a surface protective layer formed on the intermediate layer and made of a metal thin film excellent in heat resistance and mechanical strength at high temperature and less reactive to a material of the optical element. Additional thin film may be inserted between the base material and the intermediate layer so as to enhance the adhesion strength between the base material and the intermediate layer. In place of the additional thin film to be inserted, a peripheral flange part of the intermediate layer is removed and thus on the removed peripheral part, the surface protective layer is directly adhered to the base material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing extremely precise glass optical element by thermally deforming optical glass on the optical surface of a thermal processing jig coated with chemically stable thin film, followed by the molding of optical glass preform having free surface on one side and transcribedsurface from the optical surface of the thermal processing jig by means of a press mold which thermally presses the optical glass preform.

Abstract: An apparatus of producing an optical glass element of the present invention comprises the steps of displacing a gob of optical glass on a first heat working jig to a second heat working jig by making the gob of optical glass to adhere to the second heat working jig on the basis of the difference in wettability with high temperature glass between the first heat working jig and the second heat working jig, thermally deforming the gob of optical glass on the second heat working jig to form an optical glass preform, and forming the optical glass preform under heating and pressure by using pressing moulds to form an optical glass element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing an optical glass element, including displacing a gob of optical glass on a first heat working jig to a second heat working jig by making the gob of optical glass adhere to the second heat working jig due to a difference in wettability with high temperature glass between the first heat working jig and the second heat working jig. The gob of optical glass on the second heat working jig is thermally deformed to form an optical glass preform. The optical glass preform is formed under heat and pressure by using pressure molds to form an optical glass element.

Abstract: On a cemented carbide alloy disk or a cermet disk having been coated with either an iridium (Ir) alloy film or a ruthenium (Ru) alloy film is formed guide grooves by photography or ECR ion etching. The disk thus obtained is used as an optical or magnetic disk stamper. Next, a glass or aluminium disk is placed between a pair of stampers obtained as above and molded under pressure while heating thereby to make guide grooves of an optical or magnetic disk.

Abstract: A base material excellent in heat resistance and high-temperature strength is processed into a desired configuration. The processed base material is coated with a heat-resistant film having excellent strength at high temperatures and low reactivity with a glass material to be molded. A resist is applied on the heat resistant film and a desired pattern is drawn thereon by means of electron beam, ion beam, hologram exposure, or ordinary photolithography. Or if a mold having deep unevenness of the pressing surface is required, the resist is applied after an intermediate layer which permits selective etching is formed on the heat resistant film, and the required pattern is drawn thereon by means of electron beam, ion beam, hologram exposure, or ordinary photolithography. The intermediate layer is removed by wet etching or dry etching to emphasize unevenness of the mask.

Abstract: A mold for press-molding glass elements comprising a base member made of a super hard alloy or a cermet; at least one intermediate layer made of a nitride, a carbide, an oxide or a metal, provided on the base member; and a noble metal layer provided on the intermediate layer for forming a mold surface. An active metal contained in the base member is prevented from diffusing to the mold surface by the presence of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A glass optical element is directly press-molded by a method using a noble mold. The mold comprises a base material and a press surface film formed on the base material. The press surface film is an Ir film, or a Ru film, or an alloy film comprising Ir and at least a member selected from the group consisting of Pt, Re, Os, Rh and Ru, or an alloy film comprising Ru and at least a member selected from the group consisting of Pt, Re, Os and Rh.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding method for producing an optical glass element which comprises the steps of preparing a mold coated with a thin film of a noble metal alloy, and molding optical glass into the form of an optical glass element by using the mold while applying heat and pressure to the optical glass. Further disclosed is such a mold that is coated with a thin film of a noble metal alloy, for producing an optical glass element.