Development of diamond cutting technology for fabrication of optically efficient microstructures

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Numerous recent technological breakthroughs suggest that microoptics will represent one of the key enabling technologies of the future. Because of their active role in the control of naturally or artificially produced light, micro-optical components/systems have found a wide applicability in many economic sectors including but not limited to telecommunication, transportation, defense, consumer goods or healthcare. Regardless of their geometric complexity, microoptical components have to be produced in large quantities and at extremely high levels of accuracy, a goal that is generally achieved through high precision injection (micro)molding. However, the conventional techniques used so far in fabrication of molds/mold masters – generally based on material removal, lithographic, or laser ablation processes – tend to be costly and also cannot be used to produce certain types of microoptical surfaces, such as those characterized by microstructured and/or periodic patterns. To address this, the current proposal will be focused on the development of a comprehensive platform to integrate optical design/analysis with high performance five-axis computer numerically-controlled (CNC) single point cutting inverted cutting technology in an attempt to provide more effective means to fabricate this special class of microoptical components that are characterized by superior optical efficiencies. The knowledge to be generated in the framework of the proposed research is expected to facilitate downstream developments capable to position Canadian manufacturers among world leaders in fabrication of microoptical components. The trainees to become involved in the proposed research are expected to acquire a critical set of skills required for further promotion and development of this niche, but presently underrepresented sector of Canadian economy.