Join the Optical Society of Southern California (OSSC) this October for an insightful technical presentation by AOM president, Dr. Jim Burge! Dr. Burge will be sharing his talk, “Precision Measurement of Aspheric Optical Surfaces – A Personal Journey from University Research to Industry.” Discover the fascinating evolution of precision metrology as Dr. Burge takes us through his experiences, from groundbreaking university research to the latest innovations in the optical industry. Read on for the abstract and Dr. Burge’s bio!
Abstract:
The manufacture of complex aspheric optical surfaces is limited by the ability to measure them. The mirrors in giant telescopes that are now operational on mountaintops and space were enabled by advances in measurement technology including applications of computer-generated holograms (CGHs). These measurement techniques are now used to guide the finishing of a wide range of complex surfaces and optical systems. This talk follows the story of specialized measurement technologies that grew up as university research to a mature state where they have become commonplace in industry.
Bio:
Jim Burge is President of AOM – Arizona Optical Metrology, a small company started in 2009 that manufactures computer-generated holograms and incorporates them into measuring equipment, and Professor Emeritus of Optics and Astronomy at the University of Arizona. Dr. Burge started his adventure in optics at Ohio State University earning a BS in Engineering Physics and working as a mechanical engineer building stabilized platforms for optical systems. From there he went to the University of Arizona to learn about the optical systems themselves. He worked as a research scientist for the astronomy department for nearly a decade — working on telescopes, instruments, and large mirror manufacture — and earned a PhD. in optics along the way. He then pursued a career in academia as a Professor of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, performing research and teaching in optomechanics, optical systems engineering, and optical testing. He also served as advisor for many companies that build optical systems and government organizations that use them. Dr. Burge led the development of measurement systems for a wide range of projects, including mirrors and lenses for the world’s most powerful telescopes. Dr. Burge since graduated from the University and applies his energy to industry, leading AOM to develop custom metrology systems that support a wide range of applications from precision machining to consumer optics to space telescopes. He is a Fellow of SPIE and Optica and a 2011 recipient of the OSA Fraunhofer-Burley Award which recognizes significant research accomplishments in the field of optical engineering.
Details:
The presentation will be available in person, with an optional dinner for a fee, or for free as an online webinar. To register, visit the OSSC website.
