Freeform optics can reduce the cost, weight, and size of advanced imaging systems,
but it is challenging to manufacture the complex rotationally asymmetric surfaces to optical
tolerances. To address the need for disruptive, high-precision sub-aperture forming and finishing
techniques for freeform optics, we investigate an alternative, non-contact polishing methodology
using femtosecond lasers, combining modeling, experiments, and demonstrations. Femtosecondlaser-
based polishing of germanium was investigated using an experimentally-validated twotemperature
model of laser/germanium interaction to guide the understanding and selection of
laser parameters to achieve near-nonthermal ablation for polishing and figuring. For the first time
to our knowledge, model-guided femtosecond laser polishing of germanium was successfully
demonstrated, achieving precision material removal while maintaining single-digit nanometer
optical surface quality. The demonstrated femtosecond-laser-based polishing technique lays the
foundation for semiconductor optics polishing/fabrication using femtosecond lasers and opens a
viable path for high-precision, complex sub-aperture optical polishing tasks on various materials.
© 2019 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement
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Freeform optics for imaging
In the last 10 years, freeform optics has enabled compact and high-performance imaging systems. This article begins with a brief history of freeform optics, focusing on imaging systems, including marketplace emergence. The development of this technology is motivated by the clear opportunity to enable science across a wide range of applications, spanning from extreme ultraviolet lithography to space optics. Next, we define freeform optics and discuss concurrent engineering that brings together design, fabrication, testing, and assembly into one process. We then lay out the foundations of the aberration theory for freeform optics and emerging design methodologies. We describe fabrication methods, emphasizing deterministic computer numerical control grinding, polishing, and diamond machining. Next, we consider mid-spatial frequency errors that inherently result from freeform fabrication techniques. We realize that metrologies of freeform optics are simultaneously sparse in their existence but diverse in their potential. Thus, we focus on metrology techniques demonstrated for the measurement of freeform optics. We conclude this review with an outlook on the future of freeform optics.
more » « less- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10211666
- Publisher / Repository:
- Optical Society of America
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Optica
- Volume:
- 8
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 2334-2536
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: Article No. 161
- Size(s):
- ["Article No. 161"]
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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null (Ed.)The demand for high-resolution optical systems with a compact form factor, such as augmented reality displays, sensors, and mobile cameras, requires creating new optical component architectures. Advances in the design and fabrication of freeform optics and metasurfaces make them potential solutions to address the previous needs. Here, we introduce the concept of a metaform—an optical surface that integrates the combined benefits of a freeform optic and a metasurface into a single optical component. We experimentally realized a miniature imager using a metaform mirror. The mirror is fabricated via an enhanced electron beam lithography process on a freeform substrate. The design degrees of freedom enabled by a metaform will support a new generation of optical systems.more » « less
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Abstract 3D printing of optics has gained significant attention in optical industry, but most of the research has been focused on organic polymers. In spite of recent progress in 3D printing glass, 3D printing of precision glass optics for imaging applications still faces challenges from shrinkage during printing and thermal processing, and from inadequate surface shape and quality to meet the requirements for imaging applications. This paper reports a new liquid silica resin (LSR) with higher curing speed, better mechanical properties, lower sintering temperature, and reduced shrinkage, as well as the printing process for high‐precision glass optics for imaging applications. It is demonstrated that the proposed material and printing process can print almost all types of optical surfaces, including flat, spherical, aspherical, freeform, and discontinuous surfaces, with accurate surface shape and high surface quality for imaging applications. It is also demonstrated that the proposed method can print complex optical systems with multiple optical elements, completely removing the time‐consuming and error‐prone alignment process. Most importantly, the proposed printing method is able to print optical systems with active moving elements, significantly improving system flexibility and functionality. The printing method will enable the much‐needed transformational manufacturing of complex freeform glass optics that are currently inaccessible with conventional processes.
