The present invention provides an ultra-thin high-precision glass optic
and method of manufacturing the same. The optic has an axial thickness
that is less than 1,000 microns. A pattern and/or coating is disposed on
a surface of the optic to provide attenuation of light in an optical
system. In an embodiment, the optic is manufactured by disposing a
pattern on a surface of a reticle. The pattern is covered with a first
protective coating to protect the pattern. Individual optics are cut from
the reticle so that each optic includes a portion of the pattern. The
optic is thinned by removing material until it has an axial thickness of
less than 1,000 microns. The optic is cleaned after thinning and covered
with an anti-reflective coating.