Volume 9, Number 3 May/June 2001

Transcription

1 Volume 9, Number 3 May/June 2001 CO M Shines at O pto NorthEast 2001 Stephen D. Jacobs Center for Optics Manufacturing and Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester A regional conference on optoelectronics, photonics, and imaging was held on April 10-11, 2001 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center (Rochester, NY). Initially organized by the Rochester Regional Photonics Cluster, Opto-NE was managed by SPIE and supported by an impressive array of national and local professional societies including APOMA, the Rochester Section of OSA, OSA National, and others. Local government demonstrated its support by underwriting free admission for all students to the technical program. Registered attendance was in excess of 1600, twice the number anticipated! The meeting was organized into technical conferences on subjects as diverse as business in optics, MEMS technology, photonic devices, biomedical optics, and imaging science. Hour long plenary sessions gave attendees an opportunity to hear about advances in diffractive and micro-optics, frontiers in optical lithography, and optics education in the USA. An extensive exhibit ran for most of the conference. O ptical Manufacturing Session It was standing room only on the morning of April 10 for the presentations given by COM on optics manufacturing. The first speaker, UR Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate student Derek Rollins discussed Improvements in Contour Ground Optical Surfaces Using Position Dependent Process Parameters. In work with co-authors Paul Funkenbusch, Sheryl Gracewski, and Jeff Ruckman on COM s Moore Precision Tools Nanotech 150AG Aspheric Grinder, Derek showed how surface figure errors generated by constant crossfeed rates could be substantially reduced. Varying the crossfeed rate to achieve constant volumetric removal rate and constant tool deflection was seen to reduce the occurrence of V figure error. Similarly, varying the part rpm during grinding was found to reduce roughness gradients and increase the consistency of center-to-edge surface finish. Ed Fess gave the next talk in this session, Current Results in Conformal/Freeform Deterministic Microgrinding. He reviewed the features and modes of operation for COM s Moore Nanotechnology Systems Nanotech 500FG Freeform Generator, and proceeded to describe 2 axis contour grinding, 3 axis tool normal contour grinding, ball tool contour grinding, and preliminary work with raster grinding. Examples included high aspect ratio missile domes (convex and concave), large sag ogives, and complex prismatic/plano shapes in combination with rotational symmetry. The audience was particularly interested in preliminary results from a raster grinding experiment, where fine tool marks were easily eliminated with magnetorheological finishing (MRF). continued on page 2 Figure 1: Contour grinding at the Center for Optics Manufacturing. Inside: Yuba Graduates...3 APOMA...4 OP3.001 Now Available...4 Job Postings...5 Industry Calendar...6 Copyright University of Rochester CENTER FOR OPTICS MANUFACTURING 1

2 continued from page 1 COM s contributions to this session concluded with reviews of MRF by Steven Arrasmith and Irina Kozhinova. As is often the case, there were those in the audience who came specifically to obtain an overview of this technology. In addition to describing how the magnetic fluid polishes glass, Steven showed results for single crystal calcium fluoride, single crystal potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), and polycrystalline magnesium fluoride. His talk demonstrated that with only three MR fluid formulations, MRF can finish virtually any optical glass, many hard and soft crystals, and even water soluble crystals. Irina Kozhinova reviewed the methods used at COM in the late 90 s for stabilizing the cerium oxide-based MR fluid against corrosion and sedimentation. She established that, although the MR fluid has stabilizers to adjust slurry ph and protect against corrosion, it is important to choose an appropriate cerium oxide product whose manufactured properties are compatible with the carbonyl iron. Popular Exhibit Booth and Talk Promote Careers in Optical Technology COM staff and students were kept busy in the exhibit hall on both days of the conference manning COM s booth, as well as a special booth representing the Rochester Section of OSA. On display were a variety of hands-on demos illustrating how to get children interested in technology careers through school presentations. Several hundred people stopped by to receive a briefing on seeing color in white light with the Optics Suitcase (described in the March/ April 2000 issue of Convergence). Each visitor willing to listen to an enthusiastic presentation was given a Rainbow Peephole (color by diffraction), a circompolarizer and plastic spoon (color by circular polarization), and a magic patch (color by selective reflection in liquid crystals). Attendees from as far away as Algonquin College in Ontario, Canada, expressed interest in obtaining theme packets for in-school demos. Figure 2: Ste ven Arrasmith (le ft) and Mi- Young Park staff the OSA Rochester Section booth. Figure 3: Steve Jacobs (left) and Anne Marino explain Optics Suitcase theme packets to interested conference attendees. COM staff member Leslie Gregg gave a presentation on the Optics Suitcase in the session on Education in Optics to advertise career awareness exploring in the schools. She described the contents of the Optics Suitcase and how anyone may, after reading the guide, give a demo. Using a map marked with the dozen locations to which suitcases have been shipped throughout the USA and Canada, Leslie explained that it is current policy to provide outreach materials to all organizations that are interested in going into the schools. 2 COM Students Deliver Excellent Poster Papers A student poster session was the highlight in the Exhibit Hall on the afternoon of the second day. Two students prepared and presented results from research conducted at COM. Jessica DeGroote, a junior optics major in The Insticontinued on page 3

3 continued from page 2 Figure 4: Ste ve Jacobs and Jessica De- Groote during the Opto NorthEast student poster session. tute of Optics at UR, gave a talk entitled Exploring Optical Polishing Pitch. She described methods for easily characterizing pitch for softening point, hardness, and viscosity. The viscosity measurement she described is based upon a new instrument called a Falling Needle Viscometer 1. The advantage of Jessica s methods compared to other alternatives is the ability to make enough individual measurements to obtain reliable and statistically significant results on less than 200 grams of product. Jessica showed that samples of pitch taken from two different lots of the same commercial product exhibited significantly different properties, implying that a lack of manufacturing process control might cause the lots to exhibit different performance features on a polishing lap. An expanded discussion of this work will be presented by Jessica in late July at the SPIE 46 th Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. The second paper, entitled Durable Phosphate Glasses with Lower Transition T emperatures, was presented by Anne Marino. Anne, a senior from Hilton Central High School (Hilton, NY), has worked at COM since she completed an LLE (UR Laboratory for Laser Energetics) summer internship in August She will be entering UR as a freshman in September Anne described the batching, melting and testing of a series of phosphate glasses that were designed from earlier work done by Dr. Gurong Chen, Department of Inorganic Materials, East China University, Shanghai. Anne showed that, with the addition of small amounts of borate, tin, and alumina, it was possible to improve chemical durability without causing a large increase in glass transition temperature. If rare earth ions like neodymium, erbium, or terbium were to be incorporated into the composition, it would be possible to mold parts and explore electrooptic applications for lasers and telecommunications. Anne received honorable mention from the judges for her presentation. Figure 5: Anne Marino congratulated by Tom Battley of ConnectRochester for he r outstanding research efforts. With Dr. Chen s assistance (via the internet), Anne formulated some hypotheses to explain the observed effects. She is the lead author on a paper submitted to the Journal of Noncrystalline Solids, and a co-author on a paper to be given by Dr. Chen at the International Congress on Glass in Edinburgh, Scotland in July Stony Brook Scientific, Secaucus, NJ, Yuba Community College Graduates Looking for Opportunities in Industry! Approximately twenty students finishing the Yuba Community College (Marysville, CA) one year certificate program in Manufacturing Technology/Laser Optics-Photonics this year have not yet committed to further school or employment opportunities. T hese students have completed Yuba's one-year optics fabrication curriculum, which includes extensive hands-on experience in an optics fabrication shop. Potential employers interested in learning more about the graduating technicians should contact the Yuba program director, Gordon Soekland, at soekland@jps.net or , for further information. 3

4 The American National Standard for Optics and Electro-Optical Instruments Optical Glass, ANSI/ OEOSC OP3.001, is now available. ANSI/OEOSC OP3.001 establishes uniform practices for stating and interpreting specifications, tolerances, and functional requirements for optical glass used to fabricate lenses and other optical elements, such as prisms, windows, light pipes, etc., used in optical assemblies, systems, instruments, or other related uses. Methods for rating characteristics including Abbe Value, Homogeneity of Refractive Index, Spectral Transmittance, Stress Birefringence, Striae, and Inclusions are specified. This standard is a replacement for the former MIL G 174B. A copy of the standard may be purchased for $35.00 from the Optics and Electro-Optics Standards Council. Payment may be made by check made out to OEOSC, or with MasterCard, VISA or American Express. If paying by credit card, the name on the card, the card billing address and the card expiration date are required. Those paying by American Express must also supply the starting date for the card. Please send your requests to OEOSC, P.O. Box 25705, Rochester, NY Alternatively, you may fax your request to , or request a copy by from gene.kohlenberg@toast.net. Interferometry Tips & Techniques Available On-line To learn more about interferometry techniques and applications, go to the Zygo home page at com and then click on the Zygo Reference Library. The information in Zygo's on-line Reference Library is grouped into the following categories: Measurement Display Graphics - Screen captures of various MetroPro measurements and analyses. Product Photographs - Detailed images of Zygo products. Technical Papers & Articles - A list of publications written by Zygo scientists and engineers. Optical T esting Techniques - Demonstrates various test setups using Zygo interferometers. Application Notes - Directory of product Application Notes available on the web site. Glossary of Terms - Defines some of the terms used on the web site. Visit APOMA at 4 Lambda Research Corporation 80 Taylor Street P.O. Box 1400 Littleton, MA Rep: Edward Freniere Phone: Fax: Optics Technology Inc Monroe Avenue Pittsford, NY Rep: Dominick Polizzi Phone: Fax: Paragon Optical Company, Inc. 658 S. Seventh Street Reading, PA Rep: Greg Glembocki Phone: Fax:

5 ...JOB POSTINGS...JOB POSTINGS...JOB POSTINGS... Company: Edmund Optics 601 Montgomery Ave. Pennsburg, PA Attn: Human Resources, Code-OM Fax: Title: Optical Manufacturing Manager Description: Excellent opportunity exists for an experienced CNC Hi-Speed/Conventional Optical Polishing Manager at our new manufacturing location just north of Philadelphia, PA! Candidate will manage and monitor the status of the polishing department, and will be experienced with all set-ups, tooling, operations and trouble-shooting of CNC Hi-Speed/Conventional polishing and grinding equipment. Other responsibilities include monitoring team performance, providing training for new methods and standards, and actively participating in quality improvement and consistency. Experience: A college degree or equivalent optics manufacturing or technical experience is required. Must be PC literate, Visual Mfg software experience is helpful. Excellent people skills, expert judgement and solid decision-making are also required. COMPANY: Please send resumes to address above. Reflexite PTC 1300 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester, NY Attn: Shelley Willison Fax: shelley.willison@reflexite.com Title: Diamond Turning Machinist/Technician Description: Experienced diamond turning machinist/ technician responsible for running multiple diamond turning machines and turning various materials to support on-going manufacturing and current R&D/prototyping efforts. Experience: 3-5 years experience in manufacturing optical tooling on large and small DPT machines. Must be experienced in fabrication of flat, spherical and aspheric surfaces on CNC equipment and have precision machining experience to sub-micron tolerances. Experience in diamond turning of fresnel lenses is desirable. Technical trade school, toolmaker, and/or apprenticeship preferred. COMPANY: Please send resumes to address above. Zygo Corporation Laurel Brook Road Middlefield, CT Attn: Human Resources Recruiter Fax: jobs@zygo.com The following opportunities are currently available. Please see our website ( for job descriptions. Unless otherwise noted below, all positions are located at our Middlefield, CT headquarters. Field Service Engineer Coating Technicians Coating Engineer Opticians (Grinders, Polishers) Software Engineer Optical Engineers Opto-Mechanical Engineers Opto-Mechanical Applications Engineer Systems Engi neers Account Manager (Indiana/Michigan) Metrologist, Testing Services Zygo offers a work environment that supports important corporate values such as integrity, excellence, respect, and teamwork. Zygo offers competitive salaries and benefits, including stock options/profit sharing. Please forward or your resume and salary requirements to the address above. Stop by and visit COM s NEW web address! We welcome your submissions! Fax or your news and job postings to Michele Stolberg at COM fax: MRIC_COM@LLE.ROCHESTER.EDU 5

6 2001 INDUS TRY EVENTS Representatives from COM will be attending the following optics industry events. Stop and see us at: CO M Summer School, Rochester, NY June 25-28, 2001 SPIE Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA July 31- August 2, 2001 OSA Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA October 16-18, 2001 Photonics Boston, Newton, MA October 29-31, 2001 NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST UPDATE Please let us know of any address corrections, additions, or deletions by completing this form. Mail or fax to Michele Stolberg at the Center, fax Name: Title: Company: Address: City, State, Zip: Phone: Fax: 6 CENTER FOR OPTICS MANUFACTURING University of Rochester 240 East River Road Rochester, NY