Optica prism

We specialize in the fabrication of optical prisms of up to 300 mm in diameter, and can reliably generate prototype prisms upon request.

There are two main paths for tolerancing spherical radii: power tolerance and linear radius tolerance. Both measure change relative to a nominal value, but the metrology used is the key …

Dispersive prism

The Jupiter environment presents many unique challenges to the optomechanical design of the Europa Imaging System (EIS) Wide Angle Camera (WAC) for NASA’s Europa Clipper Mission. EIS is designed to …

The cost of lenses is strongly dependent on the difference between the specified tolerances and the limits of the optics manufacturer, the coater, and the metrologist.

Optical prisms differ from traditional lenses in that they have neither a spherical surface nor an axis of symmetry. Instead, they comprise two or more nominally plano surfaces divided by a wedge angle. This alters the language used to define and specify optical prisms, and it typically increases production time due to increased part complexity and a greater number of sides requiring precision finishing.

Optical prisms, for example, which are ground and polished to create geometrically complex optical components with extremely tight tolerances, represent a costly bottleneck for many optics fabricators. Their variability makes it difficult to process prisms at large scales or via automated processes. At Optimax, we can confidently commit to delivery schedules of a single week for optical dispersion prisms, blocks, doves, right angles, mirror substrates, and more.

Dove prism

At Optimax, we specialize in manufacturing optical prisms up to 300 mm in diameter, and with our state-of-the-art grinding and smoothing technologies, can deliver prisms in a variety of complex geometries to tightly-defined surface flatness.

In addition to tradeoffs between mirror reflectivity, wavefront, laser-damage threshold, and cost, new low-stress coatings offer weight, geometry, and thermomechanical performance and design flexibility.

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) benefit from unparalleled expertise and precision when working with Optimax. Our team of engineers is experienced applying our know-how to deliver cutting-edge technical solutions. This allows us to take on challenges that exceed the capabilities of other manufacturers.

The concept for polishing optical elements with a process called VIBE is presented, application to non uniformly sloped optics such as aspheric shapes is detailed, and initial results on spherical …

This paper will define surface irregularity for spherical surfaces, offer information on measurement methods for testing surface irregularities, and some specification guidelines.

Do you want to learn more about our optical manufacturing innovation? Refer to our Knowledge Center to read technical papers on, aspheres, business leadership, coatings, freeform optics, innovative optics manufacturing, and lens tolerancing & inspection.

Opticalprism glasses

This work explores quick predictive methods for calculating potentially risky stresses and deflections in cemented doublets experiencing temperature change that agree well with finite element analysis.

Nicol prism

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Prism thorlabs

Optimax has developed a fabrication process that not only reduces cost but also aids in producing spherical sapphire components to better figure quality.

One design strategy for an optical system is centering two or more lenses together to build a lens assembly. However, strain in excess may cause delamination or fracture of the …

This paper will present some of the challenges and solutions of extending freeform polishing capabilities from approximately 150 mm diameter parts to a component of over 500 mm in diameter.

Freeform optical systems are becoming increasingly common due to new design and manufacturing methods. We present an example compact freeform optical system and describe considerations for transfer of the prescription …

There are many decisions to make when designing, specifying, manufacturing, and testing optical components for high-energy laser systems — each is a potential failure mechanism that must be understood and …

Optical prisms vary dramatically by size, shape, and number of surfaces. Defining the part geometry requires a careful selection of directly measurable physical parameters, including linear dimensions of the plano surfaces to theoretical sharps (the intersection that would exist between the two if the corner was not beveled). Manufacturers must also specify part thickness, which is the depth of separation between the two plano surfaces at a single point on the optic. At Optimax, we choose to specify the thickest edge as it offers ease-of-measurement access, but we can specify our optical prisms by the centerline thickness, or the thinnest edge if necessary.

Optimax uses a variety of 3D printers to streamline our manufacturing processes. Download our technical paper today to learn about our results.

Monolithic multi-surface telescopes combined with freeform optical surfaces provide improvements in optical performance in a smaller footprint as compared to systems with spherical surfaces, while providing superior mechanical stability to …

The significance of these geometries is that they will reflect or refract light, resulting in several distinct functions: dispersion, deflection, reflection, and rotation. These go on to serve critical applications in dual channel instruments, anamorphic systems, imaging systems, and any other application where beam steering and/or image manipulation is needed.

Optimax develops optics solutions to suit a variety of needs. Our industry-leading custom optics are developed by expert engineers. Discover our expertise, solutions, and opportunities today.

30 60 90 prism

When multiplexing ultrashort laser beams of different wavelengths into a single beam, the pulse shape of each color must be managed individually due to the various accumulated GDD. This presents …

The wixárika people, an indigenous tribe living in Mexico, has a culture rich in stories and legends. They have one important and fundamental mission: to protect the earth.

Freeform optical systems are becoming increasingly common due to new design and manufacturing methods. We present an example compact freeform optical system and describe considerations for transfer of the prescription …

Poly prism

This presentation will discuss efforts at Optimax to address this need through advancement of robotic smoothing platforms and processes.

We are a world leader in high precision optical manufacturing, delivering custom optics to a wide range of innovators around the globe. Meeting these goals demands the right people. Teamwork, adaptability, and an enthusiastic approach to problem-solving are central to the Optimax culture. But what unites all our employees best is a hunger to continuously learn. We strive to find driven individuals who are committed to lifelong learning; who will continue to add value in their work throughout long and successful careers.

At Optimax, we are manufacturing the future, creating the highest precision optics underlying high-tech systems in key markets and applications. We offer rapid and expedited delivery upon request and are committed to our customers in the long term.

Optical designers assume a mathematically derived statistical distribution of the relevant design parameters. However, there may be significant differences between the assumed distributions and the likely outcomes from manufacturing.

Sapphire poses very difficult challenges to optical manufacturers due to its high hardness and anisotropic properties. These challenges can result in long lead times and high prices. Optimax is developing …