30 years of Magnetorheological Finishing: from the origin story to today
Abstract
Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) has become synonymous with high precision polishing of complex optical components. It is used all around the world for applications ranging from EUV lithography to laser fusion, from satellites looking down to multi-meter telescopes looking up. And it all started right here in Rochester NY, at the Center for Optics Manufacturing at the University of Rochester. I am honored to be presenting this year's Dr. Steve Jacobs Memorial lecture, because not only was he a good friend and colleague, but because he was instrumental in the development of MRF at the University. In this talk, I will share the early history of the MRF development program: from its origins in Belarus through its demonstration of asphere polishing at COM. I'll discuss the challenges QED needed to overcome for it to become commercially viable as well as the evolution of the technology over the past 30 years.
About the speaker
Paul Dumas earned a BS and MS in Optics from the University of Rochester in the early 1990’s. From 1992 through 1996, he pursued his PhD at the Institute of Optics, studying under Prof. Greg Forbes, and with Greg, began developing software to control prototype MRF machines the Center for Optics Manufacturing (COM). This code later became the foundation for QED Tehcnologies’s commercial Q22 product line. During this time, he first met and worked with Dr. Steve Jacobs, who was instrumental in the development of Magnetorheological Finishing research at COM. In 1997, Paul put his PhD on hold and helped co-found QED Technologies with the goal of commercializing MRF. During his 27 years at QED, he’s been responsible for Software development, Customer Service, System Engineering and most recently, Applications Engineering. His early MRF development work won him the OSA Engineering Excellence Award in 2003. In 2023, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Optica Society.
Parking and location
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW LOCATION FOR THIS TALK. The talk will be held in the Room 1400 of Wegman's Hall (Institute of Optics, 250 Hutchison Rd). The Map below shows Wegman's Hall in relation to the usual Goergen Hall. Parking is available in the lot across the street in Intercampus Drive Lot, and is free for talk attendees (no pass needed).
Pre-talk dinner
