Metrology in Optics Manufacturing and Optical System Assembly

Metrology of optics and optical systems is a challenging tasks without one easy solution. In many ways, metrology in the manufacturing of lenses and mirrors is well understood. But, for the most part, there are commercial tools and software that are adequate for many optical components. This talk will review these metrology concepts and provide an overview of research in this area.

The metrology of optical systems is more challenging and not as well established and understood. There are many requirements and specifications in optical systems that require measurements, but the methods to measure these specifications have not undergone rigorous testing or uncertainty analysis. The complexity of multi-element systems does not allow for easy to understand feedback to the manufacturing/assembly process or to the as-designed models. This talk will discuss the challenges and on-going issues in metrology of multi-element optical systems.

About the presenter
Kate Medicus, Ph.D., is CEO of Ruda-Cardinal, Inc. Kate joined RCI in May 2018 with over 18 years of experience in optical and precision engineering to lead its research and development efforts. During her tenure as Executive Vice President, she implemented strategies to improve accuracy, innovation, and efficiency in design, management, and quality.

Kate is an active participant of the multiple societies including American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE), the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), and the Optical Society (OSA). She is also chair of the scholarship committee for SPIE and has published in multiple journals and presented at multiple conferences about optics manufacturing and metrology.