Dynamic Freeform Optics Metrology Technology for Unprecedented Photon Collection Optical Systems

Abstract: Next generation space and ground based astronomical optics are bringing about exciting developments in our scientific understanding of the Universe in which we live. Over 1,000 tons giant astronomical telescope systems coupling diffraction-limited spatial resolution with unprecedented photon collection power will be one of the most powerful scientific investigation tools. Their primary optics, 25m Giant Magellan Telescope, 8.4m Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, and 4.2m Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, have been nano-manufactured at the University of Arizona. Those precision optics were efficiently fabricated using a computer controlled optical surfacing (CCOS) technology. Also, to build the next generation of large optics, new freeform design/metrology methods and tools have been developed. Various new approaches advancing the current CCOS processes have been developed and implemented to manufacture highly aspheric or free-form optics at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab (RFCML), Optical Engineering and Fabrication Facility (OEFF) and the Large Optics Fabrication and Testing (LOFT) group at the University of Arizona. Various exciting technologies including Silly-Putty lap using non-Newtonian fluid, visible deflectometry (a.k.a. SCOTS), IR deflectometry using a hot wire, and precision freeform metrology using an iPhone are presented with some actual data demonstrating the exceptional performance of the precision optics manufacturing process. Finally, we can "time-travel" using the priceless mirrors. 

Speaker Bio: Dae Wook Kim is an assistant professor of optical sciences and astronomy at the University of Arizona. He has been working in the optical engineering field for more than 10 years, mainly focusing on very large astronomical optics, such as the 25 m diameter Giant Magellan Telescope primary mirrors. His main research area covers precision freeform optics fabrication and various metrology topics, such as interferometric test systems using computer generated holograms, direct curvature measurements, and dynamic deflectometry systems. He is currently a chair of the Optical Manufacturing and Testing conference (SPIE), Optical Fabrication and Testing conference (OSA), and Astronomical Optics: Design, Manufacture, and Test of Space and Ground Systems conference (SPIE). He has been published more than 100 academic journal/conference papers, is a senior member of OSA and SPIE, and has served as an associate editor for the journal Optics Express.