Free-form optics, both axially and non-axially symmetric, enable small and lightweight imaging and projection optical systems required by NASA. "Future NASA missions with alternative low-cost science and small-sized payloads are constrained by the traditional spherical form optics. These could benefit greatly by the free-form optics as they provide non-spherical optics with better aerodynamic characteristics for spacecraft with lightweight components to meet the mission requirements". This application aims to enable those optics to be manufactured to the required tolerances to enable free-form optics to be used as envisioned. As of today there are no metrology tools available to meet the 2 nm RMS measurement uncertainty required to meet these mission requirements. Thus the primary road block to manufacturing high performance free form optics is metrology. The PROBE developed in the previous Phase I projects and to be implemented in this Phase II is a unique approach that combines non-contact interferometric sensitivity with high surface slope acceptance. Thus the accuracy, speed and data density required for free form optics will be achieved. This combination will enable optical manufacturers to meet NASA's need to acquire nanometer level free-form optics.
The use of free-form optics in commercial applications is potentially massive, yet limited by the availability of high performance metrology. Cell phones, tablets, computers and remote mounted cameras utilize axially symmetric free-forms. Improved metrology means improved performance and higher manufacturing yields, and potentially lower manufacturing costs. Further, machine vision, security and defense related applications could benefit from free-form optics. New telescope designs at MIT Lincoln Laboratory promise wider fields of view with higher lateral resolution. Again metrology is lacking to produce these optics in the surface accuracy, data density and speed required to be commercially viable. Regarding illumination, higher efficiency lighting will bring more pleasant work environments and lower energy usage. Even for apparently mundane applications such as automotive headlamp lenses metrology is a limiting factor due to the extreme shapes. This technology promises to make free-form optics commercially viable.
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