The optical phenomenon of retroreflection (RR) is described as light rays contacting a surface and being redirected back to their originating source. While applications are many and varied, their primary focus is safety in low-light conditions, and the focus of this research is toward automotive applications. Few geometric shapes are capable of retroreflection. Among them are the lens-and-mirror, and cube corner geometry; however, the right triangular prism (RTP) has been introduced as a viable alternative. This study demonstrates a more efficient fabrication technology when compared to current industry practices.
The ultraprecise single point inverted cutting (USPIC) technology was envisioned as a combination of diamond turning and multi-axis machining. The unique cutting kinematics of USPIC required the development of dedicated tooling and a postprocessor for machine automation. Experimental results have demonstrated both the feasibility of this approach, and that RTP arrays fabricated by this technology outperform those fabricated through conventional means
