GOALI: Enabling Freeform Optics

目标：该GOALI项目的目标是启动光学设计和测试相关领域的综合研究，以支持一种变革性技术——基于磁性浆料的光学表面精加工。这一目标将彻底改变这一领域，远远超出近期目标的研究范围，然后将关键的新技术应用于美国制造的非旋转对称光学器件，包括完全自由曲面。这些类型的表面还没有经济精确地制造用于新兴的十亿像素探测器。智力优势：有许多前沿可以促进科学的发展。首先，QED提出了新的曲面定义，为复杂曲面参数制造公差的制定提供了有效的数学基础。其次，罗彻斯特大学正在进行的工作是开发和传播围绕节点像差理论的技术，该理论为无对称光学系统的基本理论提供了革命性的见解。此外，人们正在积极研究为这些新表面寻找新的原位测试方法。更广泛的影响：该计划的足迹是巨大的。它涵盖了同时推进实现高性能光学系统以支持其他先进技术的行业，例如高清视频，具有千兆像素传感器的遥感以及使计算机更快更小的光学光刻技术。除了有机会影响研究生的生活之外，该项目还将为本科生提供研究经验，专门针对代表性不足的少数族裔。

Objective: The objective of this GOALI project is to initiate integrated research in the related fields of optical design and testing to support a transformational technology - Optical surface finishing based on slurry with magnetic properties. This GOALI will specifically transform the field by moving well beyond the near term goals to research and then apply key new technologies to the U.S.-based manufacture of optics that are not rotationally symmetric, including fully freeform surfaces. These types of surfaces have yet to be economically manufactured with precision for use with emerging Gigapixel detectors.Intellectual Merit: There are a number of fronts available to advance science. First, there are the new surface definitions proposed by QED to provide a valid mathematical basis for developing manufacturing tolerances on the complex surface parameters. Second, there is the ongoing work at the University of Rochester to develop and disseminate the technology surrounding Nodal Aberration Theory that provides revolutionary insight into the fundamental theory of optical systems without symmetry. In addition, there is ongoing active research in finding novel, in-situ testing methods for these new surfaces.Broader impact: The footprint of this program is substantial. It covers advancing simultaneously the industries that enable higher performance optical systems in support of other advancing technologies, for example high-definition video, remote sensing with Gigapixel sensors, and optical lithography for making computers faster and smaller. Expanding beyond the opportunity to influence the lives of graduate students, the program will also incorporate research experiences for undergraduates, aimed specifically at underrepresented minorities.