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Technical Papers
Freeform Optics
With an expansive team of technical experts, Optimax is one of the largest leading producers of freeform optics. This page contains a variety of Technical Papers surrounding Optimax System’s Freeforms Technical Expertise. Click here to find advice on your application, and read more about Optimax Freeform Manufacturing Technology.
Freeform optics presents unique challenges to designers and manufacturers. Understanding a vendor’s manufacturing and metrology capabilities is critical...
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August 7, 2024
Force controlled mid-spatial frequency error smoothing using machine learning
Freeform optics have shown the ability to drastically increase optical design options, providing new solutions for space telescope and optics applications.
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April 3, 2023
Towards understanding tool influence function (TIF) spots during hemispherical sub-aperture tool polishing
Freeform optics are typically fabricated using sub-aperture tool grinding and polishing. This polishing method requires a detailed understanding of the...
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March 30, 2023
Force responsive robotic controlled figuring and smoothing of lightweight freeform mirrors
Optical fabrication of freeform lightweight mirrors often results in mid-spatial frequency (MSF) and/or surface quilting surface errors.
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August 9, 2022
Freeform Monolithic Multi-Surface Telescope Manufacturing
The freeform monolithic multi-surface telescope design has all its off-axis optical surfaces manufactured from a single optical blank, resulting in truly...
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July 13, 2022
If you can’t measure it, you can’t make it: the importance of metrology in optics fabrication Optimax’s 30 year history
This paper briefly tells the story of the importance of metrology in optics fabrication at Optimax, and highlights Wyko and Jim Wyant’s contribution to...
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July 13, 2022
Smoothing Mid-spatial Frequency (MSF) Errors on Freeform Optics with an Algorithm-based Robotic Platform Utilizing Deflectometry Input
Optimax has developed the HERMES (High-End Robotic MSF Elimination System) a robotic platform that uses a machine learning algorithm to smooth parts....
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December 6, 2021
Fabrication of a 500 mm Extreme Freeform Conformal Window
There is a potential need for large (>500 mm diameter) conformal windows for use on air, space, and watercraft.
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December 6, 2021
Design and Manufacturing Considerations for Freeform Optical Surfaces
Freeform optical systems are becoming increasingly common due to new design and manufacturing methods. We present an example compact freeform optical system...
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December 6, 2021
Pushing Freeform Optical Manufacturing: Fabricating Optimax’s Largest Freeform Component
Several challenges associated with part size and shape complexity were solved during the manufacture of the largest extreme freeform shape Optimax has...
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freeforms
freeform challenges
freeform optical surfaces
freeform polishing
freeform production optics
Gregory Frisch
Manufacturing Precision Optics
measuring freeforms
Optical Tolerances
Optics
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Thomas Hordin
Thomas Hordin
Daniel R. Brooks
Jen Coniglio
Jennifer Coniglio
Jessica DeGroote Nelson
Joshua Beck
Matt Eisner
freeform optics
Joseph Lawson
Kate Medicus
Monolithic Telescope
Todd Blalock
Fringes
Metrology
Michael Mandina
Rick Plympton
Aerospace
freeform shape optics
HERMES
Nick Quattrociocchi
Off-Axis Positioning
Big Phil
conformal optics
Matthew Brunelle
freeform design
freeform optical systems
freeform surfaces
Matt Novak
Steve Powers
Ian Ferralli
Timothy Lynch