Hands that are sensitive down to the micrometer
Sticking lenses together. This process looks simple but in fact involves a wealth of expertise and technique.
The process of eliminating bubbles, which forms part of the process of cementing optical glass, involves sticking lenses together using optical adhesive. The cement layer is between 10 and 20 micrometers thick. If pressed too hard, the lenses will end up coming into contact with each other. Thus, this is an extremely delicate operation.
During the process, the bubbles must also be squeezed out of the adhesive. Mr. Mizutani gets rid of the bubbles by applying pressure to the lenses.
The cemented lenses then become in effect a single lens. To be able to achieve this, the technician must acquire knowledge of the adhesive and the characteristics of the lenses, sensitivity down to the level of a few micrometers, and the ability to delicately vary the pressure he applies.