Christina Dunn

University College London, University of Huddersfield

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Christina Dunn is a specialist in precision optical fabrication, with a research focus on computer-controlled and robotic polishing systems for advanced optical components. Her work sits at the intersection of manufacturing engineering and optical science, addressing the formidable challenges of producing large-scale telescope optics and high-precision mirrors at scale. Dunn's most significant contributions center on the integration of industrial robotics into optical polishing workflows. Her most-cited paper (2015, 21 citations) emerged from landmark work supporting the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) project, following formal ESO acceptance of prototype mirror segments, and directly addressed the critical challenge of segment mass production. Building on this, her 2016 work on grolishing — an intermediate processing stage using semi-rigid tools — demonstrated measurable reductions in total fabrication time for freeform optical surfaces. Her research into aluminum mirror polishing (2018) expanded the field's material possibilities, highlighting aluminum's favorable thermal properties for mirror applications. A recurring theme across her publications is the closing of the loop between metrology and CNC polishing processes, advancing automation in precision optics manufacturing. Her work has made meaningful contributions to the practical realization of next-generation observatory instrumentation.