MRI: Acquisition of Nano-Solid Freeform Generator for Micro-optics Replication

该主要研究仪器（MRI）奖用于购买(1)用于制造微纳米级光学结构和模具的多自由度固体自由曲面生成系统和(2)控制循环压缩成型系统。它是一个快速发展的合作研究计划的关键组成部分，在光学材料，器件和制造工艺的微模具先进的光电器件。该设备将用于模具制造的微铣削研究，这将允许连续的三维轮廓模具，补充二维光刻模具。模具制造将与新型溶胶-凝胶和含氟聚合物光学材料的压缩成型材料加工研究相结合。由于几何和材料特性取决于复制过程，因此在微光学元件的设计和复制方面的科学研究将与同步的计量学研究计划相吻合。该设备构成了一个跨越卡罗莱纳州学术和工业机构的大型跨学科复制计划的制造基石，该计划将导致分布式微光学复制铸造厂。铸造厂将允许工业界开发和原型产品，直接与参与预开发研究的教师和学生合作，并让学生了解制造需求和完整的研发周期。成型基础设施和能力也将用于高级实验室模块、继续教育研讨会和持续复制研究。该项目位于精密计量中心和新成立的光电子和光通信中心之间，并将在卡罗莱纳微光学三角协议的保护下进行。这是一项多机构协议，旨在通过高影响力的研究刺激经济增长，为学生和教师提供先进的独一无二的设施，并提供训练有素的光技术劳动力。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award is for the purchase of (1) a multi-degree-of-freedom solid freeform generation system for the manufacture of micro- and nano-scale optical structures and molds and (2) a controlled-cycle compression molding system. It is a critical component of a rapidly developing collaborative research program in optical materials, devices, and manufacturing processes to micro-mold advanced optoelectronic devices. The equipment will be used for micromilling research for mold fabrication that will allow continuous profile 3-dimensional molds, complimenting 2-dimensional lithographic molds. Mold fabrication will be integrated with studies of material processing in compression molding of new sol-gel and fluoropolymer optical materials. Because geometry and material properties depend on the replication process, the scientific research in the design and replication of micro-optical components will dovetail concurrent metrology advances in the research program.This equipment forms the manufacturing keystone of a large interdisciplinary replication program spanning academic and industry institutions in the Carolinas that will lead to a distributed Micro-Optics Replication Foundry. The Foundry will allow industry to develop and prototype products, working directly with faculty and students involved in pre-development research, and expose students to manufacturing needs and the complete research and development cycle. The molding infrastructure and capabilities will also be used for advanced laboratory modules, continuing education workshops, and continued replication research. The program falls at the interface between the Center for Precision Metrology and the new Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, and will fall under the umbrella of the Carolinas MicroOptics Triangle Agreement. This is a multi-institution agreement that aims to stimulate economic growth through high-impact research, to provide joint access for students and faculty to advanced one-of-a-kind facilities, and to deliver a well-trained workforce in opto-technologies.