Method of Making Optics Element

Melville Ulmer (Inventor), Semyon Vaynman (Inventor)

Research output: Patent

Abstract

Electroform/Plasma-Spray Laminates for Large-area, Light-weight Optics NU 2003-130 Inventors Melville P. Ulmer* Michael E. Graham Semyon Vaynman Short Description A fast and cost-effective fabrication method for high-quality light-weight optics elements used in astronomy optical and other commercial devices. Abstracts Northwestern researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method for fabricating light-weight optics elements used in optical/IR telescopes and X-ray mirrors. Astronomy and space community necessitate large-area optical devices with high-performance, minimal mass and affordable fabrication techniques. Other commercial optical devices composed of large numbers of segments also require light-weight elements with high-quality and low fabrication cost. Northwestern's patented technology uses the electroform/plasma-spray technique as a novel replication and lamination process to satisfy this constant need. In this process, the plasma-spraying is directly applied on the metallic layer electroformed on the master. This efficient process produces high-quality optics elements with mechanical strength at low cost. This process is applicable to various layer structures, geometric configurations and material compositions. Process conditions can be easily tuned for optimal performance. Applications: o Light-weight large-area optics for space-mission and astronomy community o Optical/IR telescope o X-ray mirrors o Fast and cost-effective fabrication of replica optics Advantages: o Fast and cost-effective fabrication process o Light-weight, strong, low-thermal-expansion optical components o General applicability to optics with different structures and material compositions Publications M. P. Ulmer, et al, "Advances in the use of plasma spraying for the fabrication of light weight X-ray optics", Proc. SPIE 5533, Advances in Mirror Technology for X-Ray, EUV Lithography, Laser, and Other Applications II, 93, October 18, 2004, doi:10.1117/12.560421, M. P. Ulmer, et al, "Production and performance of multilayer-coated conical x-ray mirrors", Appl. Opt. 42, 6945-6952 (2003). IP Status Issued US patent No. 7,874,060. Marketing Contact Arjan Quist, PhD Invention Associate (p): 847-467-0305 (e): [email protected]
Original languageEnglish
Patent number7874060
StatePublished - Aug 17 2006

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Method of Making Optics Element'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this