Around the Lab

COM Summer School

August, 2002

Breakthrough Technologies for the Commercial Manufacture of Complex Optics

The Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM) hosted their annual Summer School program, New Machines, Tools, and Processes for Modern Optics Manufacturing, during June 2002. This program provided an intensive overview of the emerging technologies that will shape optics manufacturing during this century. Designed for those who must decide how to gain a competitive manufacturing advantage, this course was organized into 20 talks and tutorials that described the new computer-aided machines and deterministic manufacturing processes that are redefining industry capabilities. New approaches and insights based on materials and manufacturing science were provided to improve classical optical fabrication and introduce new manufacturing concepts. This year 40 students from 22 different companies and institutions in the USA, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Singapore attended COM’s program.

Edward Fess demonstrates contour grinding

Edward Fess (UR/COM) demonstrates contour grinding.

Maria Robinson presenting at COM summer school

Maria Robinson (Zygo Corp.) discusses interferometry technology.

Michael Cumbo explains microhardness testing

Michael Cumbo (JDS Uniphase) explains microhardness testing.

John Schoen presenting

John Schoen (UR/COM) illustrates COM’s deterministic microgrinding process.

Alex Maltsev demonstrating a traditional pitch lap

Alex Maltsev (UR/LLE) demonstrates a traditional pitch lap.

Donald Gough presenting in front of group at COM summer school

Donald Gough (UR/COM) describes subsurface damage (SSD) testing.

Leslie Gregg and scientists wearing white lab coats

Leslie Gregg (UR/COM) displays MR fluid additives.

Jessica DeGroote discussing optics

Jessica DeGroote (UR/COM) discusses MRF of polymer optics.

Henry Romanofsky working with a student on a sample lens

Henry Romanofsky (UR/COM; QED) guides a student in placing an MRF “polishing spot” on a sample lens.

Sheryl Gracewski and Sha Tong demonstrate

Sheryl Gracewski (UR/COM; ME) and Sha Tong (UR/COM; ME) demonstrate how to minimize tool marks during deterministic microgrinding.

Class of 2002 group photo

New Machines, Tools, and Processes class of 2002