Visible quality aluminum and nickel superpolish polishing technology enabling new missions

Keith G. Carrigan

doi:10.1117/12.884296

10 June 2011 Visible quality aluminum and nickel superpolish polishing technology enabling new missions

Keith G. Carrigan

Proceedings Volume 8012, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVII; 80123F (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884296
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

It is now well understood that with US Department of Defense (DoD) budgets shrinking and the Services and Agencies demanding new systems which can be fielded more quickly, cost and schedule are being emphasized more and more. At the same time, the US has ever growing needs for advanced capabilities to support evolving Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance objectives. In response to this market demand for ever more cost-effective, faster to market, single-channel, athermal optical systems, we have developed new metal polishing technologies which allow for short-lead, low-cost metal substrates to replace more costly, longer-lead material options. In parallel, the commercial marketplace is being driven continually to release better, faster and cheaper electronics. Growth according to Moore's law, enabled by advancements in photolithography, has produced denser memory, higher resolution displays and faster processors. While the quality of these products continues to increase, their price is falling. This seeming paradox is driven by industry advancements in manufacturing technology. The next steps on this curve can be realized via polishing technology which allows low-cost metal substrates to replace costly Silicon based optics for use in ultra-short wavelength systems.

Citation Download Citation

Keith G. Carrigan "Visible quality aluminum and nickel superpolish polishing technology enabling new missions", Proc. SPIE 8012, Infrared Technology and Applications XXXVII, 80123F (10 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884296

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