RPO Teams with University of Rochester   

University Of Rochester and RPO to Research Creation and Benefits of Birefringence in Glass

Rochester Precision Optics and the University of Rochester collaborate to research the beneficial effects of stresses in optical elements. This research is funded through New York State’s Centers for Advanced Technology (CAT) and University of Rochester’s Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences (CEIS) whose mission is to conduct applied research in the field of electronic imaging. RPO was chosen to participate in this work due to their expertise in the molding of precision glass optics.

Whether for the purpose of minimizing or exploiting the formation of manufacturing stresses, both the University of Rochester and Rochester Precision Optics will benefit from this research through the understanding of stress creation mechanisms and magnitudes, distribution patterns, and the effects of specific stress patterns within a molded optic. The converse issues of minimizing stress in an optic and engineering specific stress patterns into an optic both require an accurate means to measure their results, and polarimetry will be used to quantify the results. These results will then be compared against analytic and finite element models.

Rochester Precision Optics has combined the assets and know-how of over 25 years experience at Kodak Optical Imaging Systems into an ultra modern 65,000 square foot facility. This expertise in aspheric optics including precision glass molded aspheres, traditional optics fabrication and diamond turning provides unique solutions to our customers. With vertically integrated support functions such as thin film coatings and machine shop, our comprehensive design and manufacturing capabilities allow for the rapid prototyping and high volume production of lenses, assemblies and sub-assemblies.