A method of manufacturing a 3-dimensional variable refractive-index optical-element with surface figure, the method comprising: depositing a plurality of nanocomposite-inks comprising an organic-matrix with a nanoparticle filler dispersed within, and at least partially curing a portion of the nanocomposite-ink to form a nanocomposite slab that is at least semi-solid; transferring the nanocomposite slab to a press, the press having a die mold with at least a first surface figure; and actuating the press to compress the nanocomposite slab and impart the die mold's first surface figure onto the nanocomposite slab to form a nanocomposite optical-element.
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