Planning Grant: I/UCRC for Freeform Optics

自由光学（CeFO） I/UCRC计划资助1238264罗切斯特大学；Jannick Rolland 1238278北卡罗来纳大学夏洛特分校；安吉拉戴维斯1238271宾夕法尼亚州立大学；拟建的自由形式光学中心旨在通过一个专门的、持续的工业合作伙伴关系，推进自由形式光学科学、工程和应用方面的研究和教育。研究工作将由罗切斯特大学（UR）作为牵头机构，与宾夕法尼亚州立大学（PSU）和北卡罗来纳大学夏洛特分校（UNCC）合作。该中心将专注于三个主要研究重点，包括：自由曲面光学基础、自由曲面光学制造的先进材料和自由曲面光学的光学测试。该中心形成了一个独特的研究环境，结合了三所顶尖研究型大学的优势，以及国际工业人才的经验、见解和需求，这些人才专门从事构建支持先进光学系统制造、集成和实施的系统。具有自由曲面的光学系统将引领下一代传感、成像、可视化和诊断仪器的创新，通过定向光而不是一维，而是三维。新颖的3-D光路设计将允许紧凑的光学系统取代目前使用自由形状光学的内联设计（由平面折叠镜封装）。越来越多的应用需要具有严格形状精度的创新表面几何形状，以提高成像和传感能力以及整体光学性能。参与CeFO的大学致力于招募和留住女性和来自代表性不足群体的学生。积极招收来自弱势群体的学生是该中心的首要任务之一。学生积极参与中心研究活动的主要目标是通过推进自由曲面光学工程和科学的研究和教育，加速对光学技术新领域的理解。学生将直接与中心的工业成员沟通和转移关键的使能技术，包括设计，制造，组装，测试和集成。

Planning Grant for an I/UCRC for Freeform Optics (CeFO) 1238264 University of Rochester; Jannick Rolland 1238278 University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Angela Davies 1238271 Pennsylvania State University; Eric Marsh The proposed Center for Freeform Optics aims to advance research and education on the science, engineering and applications of freeform optics through a dedicated, continuing industrial partnership. The research efforts will be anchored by the University of Rochester (UR) as the lead institution, partnered with the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). The proposed Center will focus on three main research thrusts that include: Fundamentals of Freeform Optics, Advanced Materials for Fabrication and Manufacturing of Freeform Optics, and Optical Testing for Freeform Optics. This Center constitutes a unique research environment combining the strengths of three top-tier research universities with the experiences, insights, and needs of international industrial talent specialized in building systems supporting the manufacturing, integration, and implementation of advanced optical systems. Optical systems with freeform surfaces will usher in the next generation of innovation in sensing, imaging, visualization and diagnostic instrumentation by directing light in not 1-D, but 3-D. Novel designs with 3-D light paths will allow compact optical systems to replace the current in-line designs (packaged by flat fold mirrors) using freeform optics. Applications are emerging that require innovative surface geometries with tight form-accuracy to increase imaging and sensing capabilities and overall optical performance. The participating universities in CeFO are dedicated to the recruitment and retention of female and students from under-represented groups. The aggressive recruitment of students from under-represented groups is one of the Center's top priorities. The primary goal of active student involvement in the Center's research activities is to accelerate the understanding of this new horizon in optical technology by advancing research and education on the engineering and science of freeform optics. Students will work directly with Center industrial members to communicate and transfer key enabling technologies including design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and integration.