Manufacturing Technologies
The AmeriCOM Defense Precision Optics Consortium [DPOC], a member-based organization, is committed to the evaluation of issues related to precision optics manufacturing technology development, performance standards implementation, supply-chain-issues mitigation, and education 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.
In its COM-Lab, AmeriCOM provides access to state-of-the-art optics manufacturing equipment for use by industry, government, and academia to help develop optics manufacturing processes that lead to improving the defense precision optics industrial base. Under the direction of its Chief Scientist, AmeriCOM, together with partner organizations, conducts Primary Research activities and invites proposers to respond to research solicitations.
DPOC Membership
Membership in the AmeriCOM Defense Precision Optics Consortium (DPOC) is open to U.S.-based optics manufacturing companies, academic institutions, and other nonprofit organizations.
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 organization
- 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.
To join DPOC, submit this Application Form and a member of the AmeriCOM DPOC team will contact you about next steps.
Questions? Contact Adam Dunn, Program Manager.
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. DPOC member organizations gain access to the tools operated by AmeriCOM’s trained technicians. Interested parties should contact Bill Strong, Director of Engineering, for next steps.
Research Activities
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.
In line with the mission to bolster the defense optics manufacturing industrial base, AmeriCOM focuses its primary research activities towards Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 4 – 7.
Research Solicitations
All currently open solicitations are listed below. To download, select the title of the project and submit your contact information. Instructions for submitting a proposal in response to these solicitations are provided here: AmeriCOM RFP Instructions
If you have any questions, contact Justin Sigley, Chief Scientist.
Standardization of High Energy Laser Optics Metrology Solicitation #: ACOM-24-01
Optics Manufacturing Technology Area: High Energy Laser Optics, Metrology
Objective: Develop metrology procedure and standards for high energy laser (HEL) optics that would be sufficient to prevent pre-mature optics damage.
Duration: Up to 9 months
Award: Up to $250,000
Freeform Optics Design for DE/HEL Tracking Camera Solicitation #: ACOM-24-02
Optics Manufacturing Technology Area: High Energy Laser Optics, Freeform Optics
Objective: Demonstrate design of freeform optical system for a SWIR or longer wavelength camera with an IFOV distribution such that the IFOV at the center of the image is small while the IFOV at the edge of the image is large.
Duration: Up to 9 months
Award: Up to $250,000
Germanium Refinement Development for Infrared Optics Solicitation #: ACOM-24-03
Optics Manufacturing Technology Area: Optical Material Supply Chain, Germanium
Objective: Establish standards and a procedure to refine germanium from coal ash extract to a purity of 99.999% or better for use in infrared optics manufacturing.
Duration: Up to 12 months
Award: Up to $500,000
High Temperature Window Characterization System Solicitation #: ACOM-24-04
Optics Manufacturing Technology Area: High Energy Laser Optics, Freeform Optics
Objective: Design and demonstrate a metrology system capable of measuring the spectral emissivity of a window as a function of temperature from 20C to 1000C and over the spectral range from 3 µm to 14 µm.
Duration: Up to 12 months
Award: Up to $400,000