New Solutions in Optomechanics

by Daniel Vukobratovich oemagazine, August 2005 The growth of optomechanics was at least partially fostered by the publications, conferences, and short courses of SPIE. In particular, SPIE helped publicize and provide forums for discussing two important concepts in optomechanics: sub-cell lens mounting and the use of alternative materials such as silicon carbide. The technology associated with sub-cell mounting moved from idea to standard practice in high-performance aerospace applications in less than 15 years. Silicon carbide technology for mirror substrates is at the same stage of development as sub-cell mounting was three decades ago. Designers are applying it in some systems, but it is not yet standard practice. As time passes, however, that should change. Read more