Novel Cost-Effective Process for the Replication of Hybrid Diffractive/Refractive Optical Element.
Abstract
Hybrid optics are optical systems that integrate diffractive optical surfaces into lenses, resulting in designs that minimize aberrations, reduce the cost, weight, and complexity of the system, while improving the overall optical efficiency. In the Phase I STTR program described in this report GELTECH, Inc., and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory successfully demonstrated the feasibility of producing just such a diffractive/refractive hybrid optic in silica glass by a replication process which lends itself to high volume, low cost production. The technical objectives accomplished in Phase I were: (1) design and numerical modeling of a hybrid diffractive/refractive optic, (2) fabrication of the optic master using diamond turning, (3) design and fabrication of optical molds, (4) fabrication of silica glass prototypes, and (5) characterization of the prototypes for replication accuracy and optical performance. Potential applications of hybrid optics include military, space, and high radiation applications, and consumer and medical products. (MM)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA297066
Entities
People
- Bruce Bernacki
- Jean-luc Nogues
- William Moreshead