Successful Implementation of Precision Optical Systems Utilizing Polymeric Materials
Abstract
Optical systems can be improved or ruined by the use of plastic optical materials. To successfully utilize plastic materials in precision optical systems, each stage of the design and implementation is different in its details from conventional glass systems. Material selection, optical design rules, drawing requirements, manufacturing limitations and assembly practices are presented to give a path to success for the optical designer and system engineer who wish to use plastic optics. Real examples from imaging devices such as laparoscopes, cameras objectives and eyepieces will be given. Both the advantages and limitations of polymeric materials will be summarized.
Brief biography:
David Schmidt is currently the Chief Scientist for Rochester Precision Optics in West Henrietta NY. In the past he was the Director of the Research Molding Department at American Optical which became AOtec. Later he was a Senior Engineer at Insight Technology Inc. tasked with bridging the design and manufacture of electro-optical systems. He then helped found Molded Plastic Optics LLC, which merged with Rochester Precision Optics two years ago.
David Schmidt Holds a BS in Physics from University of North Carolina and a MS in Electro-Magnetism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
