About This Webinar
The precision optics community is incorporating freeform optical surfaces into systems with increased frequency. Understanding the current state of the art for metrology is critical for setting proper expectations of precision, tolerancing, cost, and required equipment for freeform optics processing. Many precision optics manufacturers have the capability to grind, polish, and diamond-turn freeform optics. Manufacturers may, however, lack resources or knowledge of the metrology required to achieve precision tolerances.
The primary focus of this talk is to explain the methodology of measuring precision freeform glass and diamond-turned optics with current industrial techniques and devices. With regard to precision freeform optics, this talk will enable you to:
- Understand the concepts and terminology of dimensional metrology.
- List various ISOs that apply to dimensional metrology.
- Relate the role of datums and fiducials to optical design or manufacturing processes.
- Construct meaningful coordinate systems to aid manufacturing or tolerancing.
- Understand the importance of the metrology feedback loop in the manufacturing process.
- Predict the level of difficulty and necessary tools to qualify an optic.
- Demonstrate fixturing methods and best practices.
- Understand the impact of data analysis—this includes data filtering, mid-spatial frequency (MSF) identification, and best-fitting.
***This presentation premiered during the 2022
Photonics Spectra Conference. For more information on Photonics Media conferences, visit
events.photonics.com.
About the presenter:
Scott DeFisher holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He has worked in the research and development group of OptiPro for over 16 years developing techniques and equipment for computer-controlled optical fabrication and metrology.