Optics Manufacturing Technologies Research
AmeriCOM is committed to the evaluation of issues related to precision optics manufacturing technology development, performance standards implementation, and supply-chain-issues mitigation to ensure that the optics industrial base is responsive to the needs of the U.S. military. The goal is to catalyze the commercialization of new, mission-critical technologies. An advisory and review board made of industry and Department of Defense (DoD) representatives sets priorities and directs the execution of the AmeriCOM research agenda. Optics manufacturing companies based in the United States can collaborate with AmeriCOM by becoming members of the AmeriCOM Defense Precision Optics Consortium (DPOC).
To enroll in DPOC, fill out the application form and a member of the AmeriCOM DPOC team will contact you about next steps.
Areas of Focus & Facility
In our research and training lab facility and in collaboration with research centers across the country, the AmeriCOM research team focuses on several high impact areas within the defense optics supply chain. Optical fabrication automation through machine learning will improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce cost and lead times for high volume optics. Advancing production of novel and recyclable multi-spectral infrared materials enables advanced sensor systems for the next generation warfighter while reducing reliance on foreign materials. Developing advanced coating and metrology techniques extends the life and performance of challenging defense optics applications including high energy lasers and hypersonic platforms.
AmeriCOM’s 10,000 sq. ft. facility houses an optics prototype fabrication lab with state-of-the-art CNC optics fabrication tools and metrology equipment including:
| Keyence Corp. of America | VHX 7000 Series Digital Microscope |
| Zygo/Ametek | NewView 9000 3D Optical Profiler |
| Zygo/Ametek | Verifire HD-MST Interferometer |
| OptiPro Systems | PRO 160P+ CNC Spherical Polisher |
| OptiPro Systems | UFF 300 CNC UltraForm Finishing Asphere Polisher |
| OptiPro Systems | eSX 300 5-Axis CNC Grinder |
| OptiPro Systems | UltraSurf 5X 400 Non-Contact Metrology System |
| JA Woolam | V-VASE and IR-VASE Ellipsometers |
Future plans include a 5-axis diamond-turning machine for freeform and aspheric optics with diameters up to 12” or greater, a goniometer spectrometer for index of refraction measurements to the ppm, and an automated spectroradiometer for emissivity and transmission measurements from 1 – 15 µm.
DPOC member organizations gain access to the tools operated by AmeriCOM’s trained technicians.
Defense Precision Optics Consortium (DPOC)
Membership in the AmeriCOM Defense Precision Optics Consortium (DPOC) is open to U.S.-based optics companies and educational institutions. Benefits of DPOC membership include:
- Access to DPOC member meetings and networking events
- Participation in secure online users’ forums led by AmeriCOM’s Chief Scientist and Director of Engineering
- Access to research lab facility on a time-and-materials cost reimbursable basis including both equipment and AmeriCOM’s trained technical staff for process development and prototype fabrication
- Ability to view calls for proposals for AmeriCOM-funded grant opportunities for R&D projects
- Published papers on technical efforts
- Optics fabrication technology development solicitations
- Access to updates from AmeriCOM’s nationwide network of Optics Technician training ecosystems and its programs’ graduates
- Access to AmeriCOM’s marketing brand and social media platforms, shared public relations activities, and participation in the national outreach campaign, The Future Is Optics
There is no fee to join the Consortium, but DPOC members must agree to the following:
- Assigning a main point-of-contact from the company
- Completing the AmeriCOM manufacturing profile and supply-chain-risk survey
- Cross-linking of the member-company’s website to the AmeriCOM website and to the AmeriCOM page on LinkedIn
- Subscribing to the Optics Insider newsletter
- Attending the annual AmeriCOM Consortium Summit and other events
We also request that DPOC members provide support for one (or more) of AmeriCOM’s optics ecosystem training programs by joining the program’s advisory board, making staff available as adjunct teachers, or serving as program ambassadors and student recruiters.
More information about joining DPOC will be available in the coming months.
Contact
For information about our research facility, contact AmeriCOM’s Chief Scientist, Justin Sigley.
To enroll in DPOC, fill out the application form and a member of the AmeriCOM DPOC team will contact you about next steps.