Metrology of Visibly Opaque, Infrared-Transparent Aerodynamic Domes, Conformal Windows, and Optical Corrector Elements Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2 Topic No.: N152-105 Topic Title: Metrology of Visibly Opaque, Infrared-Transparent Aerodynamic Domes, Conformal Windows, and Optical Corrector Elements Proposal No.: N152-105-0489 Firm: OptiPro Systems LLC 6368 Dean Parkway Ontario, New York 14519 Contact: Ed Fess Phone: (585) 265-0160 Abstract: The challenging material requirements, large sizes, and complex geometries for current and future advanced military optical systems are creating numerous manufacturing challenges. These include the methods to fixture the components, advancements in grinding and polishing machines, processing techniques, and methods for measuring them to their demanding optical tolerances. Our goal in this Phase I effort would be to develop a metrology solution that is capable to accurately measure both the surface irregularity and transmitted wavefront of these visibly opaque, infrared-transparent aerodynamic domes, conformal windows, and optical corrector elements. OptiPro will evaluate software, algorithms, and hardware enhancements that would �super charge� its existing UltraSurf 5 axis non-contact measuring machine thus improving the performance and precision of the measurement system to meet these more difficult demands. The Phase I effort will focus primarily on two main areas: identify opportunities for improved performance and accuracy, as well as refinement / enhancement of usability and analytical tools. We believe that this path forward will lead to a metrology system in Phase II that could demonstrate a more cost effective production of aerodynamic domes. The Phase III commercialization plan would be to demonstrate and offer this unit for sale as a product by OptiPro. Benefits: OptiPro, as a founding member of the Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO), has gained important knowledge as to the commercial, military, industrial, and Government needs for freeform and conformal optics. The Center for Freeform Optics (CeFO), a National Science Foundation (NSF) �Science and Technology Center�, is an Industry / University Research Center consisting of the University of North Carolina Charlotte, the University of Rochester, Government agencies, and several industrial partners. Together, all invested parties are teaming up to push the technology research and developments for these new complex optical systems. Being part of this organization since its inception in 2012 has allowed us to closely observe and understand new optical system component requirements for many commercial, industrial, and military applications. Metrology for all of these systems continues to be one of the more challenging aspects in the manufacturing process. By pushing the envelope of OptiPro�s metrology capabilities in this Phase I and potentially Phase II effort we would work to have a more accurate, robust, and easy to use large platform UltraSurf metrology system capable of measuring the advanced ogives, corrector optics, and conformal windows. The solutions developed in this effort if awarded would also help us to develop enhanced metrology solutions for not only the freeform windows and aerodynamic domes, but also for many other military, space exploration, renewable energy, homeland security, industrial, and commercial optical systems. Finally, OptiPro has recently been approached for future development of manufacturing solutions for lightweight transparent ceramic armor which would also benefit greatly from a successful effort in this proposed SBIR. Return