To unlock the potential of space, there is a push for better optical imaging, including for larger parabolic on and off-axis mirrors. Costs and lead times have prohibited many programs from scaling. To answer this call, Optimax is developing manufacturing capabilities using a Lean Cell approach, where generation, polishing, smoothing, final figuring, and core metrology are centrally located and tightly controlled. This approach, and its adaptability, will allow lead time reduction from 60+ weeks to eight weeks for 0.5 m optics. Because all components are contained in one cell, ownership of results is carefully monitored by engineers and technicians from start to finish, increasing the quality and decreasing the decision-making time between steps. Finally, advances in the coating capabilities allow for a variety of customized, 0.5 m optic size coating formulations to finish the process. Data from recent projects will be shared to highlight the process and capabilities.
Many optics applications, including x-ray synchrotron systems and space applications, require increasingly precise mirrors to enable diffraction limited focusing of x-ray beams. These mirrors require nanometer level form error and extremely tight tolerances in the mid-spatial frequency and surface roughness ranges. This talk will discuss efforts at Optimax to address this need through advancement of robotic smoothing platforms and processes. Specifically, process refinement results using a large robot, with up to a 1 meter reach, will be shared.
This brief will overview Optimax’ progress since 2019 on developing the necessary DE manufacturing capabilities and working towards offsetting lead time risk. Optimax will review the learnings taken from the fabrication of multiple operationally relevant OAPs and how these learnings benefit transition to programs of record.
Systems like TESS require specialized components that challenge all involved. These systems consist of many sub-components, but we are focused on the refractive and reflective optical components. One purpose of this talk is to introduce optical system designers to application specific manufacturing processes. We, as manufacturers, need to tailor our processes for the optic’s specific operational environment. In addition, we want to introduce some of our more unique manufacturing capabilities to allow system designers to widen their design space. It is now feasible to manufacture a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials for many different applications.
When manufacturing precision optical surfaces of relatively larger sizes it is critical to understand the thermal stability of the substrate material. The material properties associated with thermal homogenization are commonly reviewed and soak schedules are created. These schedules ensure a surface under test is in a stable state and is ready for wavefront measurement with an interferometer. However with some materials such as N-BK7, standard soak schedules may not be enough. This paper shows the thermal challenges associated with manufacturing precision optical surfaces when the substrate material is N-BK7, and how the issue can be easily confused with poor metrology. Throughout the manufacturing of precision optical surfaces, the substrates are exposed to varying heat sources and loads. During the manufacturing of lenses greater than 4 inches in diameter we have observed permanent deformation of the optical surface as a result of exposure to temperatures well below the glass strain point. While the reasons why the change occurs is not yet well understood, the result is well documented and was recently observed during the manufacturing of a 15 inch diameter spherical mirror. We use this lens as a case study highlighting the challenges associated with this phenomenon.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.