OPTIPRO SYSTEMS, LLC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: Advancing the manufacturing capability of corrective optics for conformal windows and dome

Description

Advancing the manufacturing capability of corrective optics for conformal windows and domes will allow for greater performance in optical designs. These refined manufacturing technologies will give the optical designer the ability to not only decrease the size and weight of their optical systems, but also to reduce radar cross section or aerodynamic drag. Currently the design and fabrication of conformal optics are very costly due to the difficulties associated with the fabrication and metrology of these optical surfaces. By giving the designer realistic constraints as to what can be fabricated along with continued advancements in fabrication methods, large improvements can be gained in the properties of these optical assemblies. OptiPro is uniquely positioned with its extensive knowledge of CAD/CAM, as well as its advanced computer numerically controlled optical grinding and polishing centers, and newly developed non-contact conformal optical metrology system to advance the manufacturing state of the art for these complex optical shapes. OptiPro"s support partnership with the Penn State University Electro Optics Center and the University of Rochester Mechanical Engineering Department, gives us a strong team and a clear path towards solving the difficult problems associated with, grinding and polishing of the corrector optics for conformal windows and domes.