Tag: fabrication

Ford on plasma research and nuclear engineering

This week we sat down with Kris Ford to discuss plasma research, higher education, and motivation. Mr. Ford is a P.hD candidate pursuing his doctoral degree in nuclear engineering, specifically plasma research. He discusses the intricacies of his current work, including the ultra high precision fabrication capabilities and the statistical uncertainties related to the methods used. Further, we explore the motivations and challenges of remaining mentally healthy when engaged in high demand work, and some approaches to overcome the challenges associated with such a situation.

References:

  1. 4-START:Fourth State Applications Research Group (Research group Mr. Ford is currently part of)
  2. Mindset: The new psychology of succes by Dr. Carol S. Dweck
  3. Vasimr plasma engine
  4.  Photo Credit: Kris Ford. An oxygen plasma is created, which should have a cylindrical shape due to the powering coil shape. Ionization occurs in the power deposition region. In this case, an ‘orb’ forms however, a phenomenon currently unexplained.

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Spires on Optical Fabrication

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This week we sit down with Oliver Spires to discuss optical fabrication. This is a topic often taken for-granted by optical scientists, as optical fabrication is the conversion of a theoretical component to a real and usable piece. Spires discusses techniques and methodologies such as diamond turning and mold pressed optics. Additionally, some of the difficulties and limitations of these methods are covered.

Dr. Dae Wook Kim on Creating Extremely Large Optics

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Dr. Dae Wook Kim is the head of the LOFT group at the College of Optics at the University of Arizona. While his original background was in astronom, he came to the University of Arizona and completed his PhD in optical sciences. His dissertation covered computer controlled surface figuring for fabrication of complex large extremely large optics. From there, Dr. Kim has contributed to a wide range of academic research projects as well as fabrications of various optics, including the 4.2 m DKIST primary mirror. We sit down with Dr. Dae Wook Kim to learn about his current deflectometry and fabrication research projects, what he finds most exciting in optics right now, and what projects he hopes to do in the future.

To learn more about Dr. Dae Wook Kim’s recent work, we recommend reading his recent publication in Business Insider discussing how the world’s largest mirrors are created. The publication can be found at:

TheConveration_BM_DKim_2016Jan

The Large Optics and Fabrication Group

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This week we introduce the first series for The Spotlight Report, which will be the LOFT Group. The LOFT Group (large optics and fabrication technology) focuses on metrology research, such as CGH’s and deflectometry, as well as fabrication breakthroughs, including polishing methods, materials, and control. Tune in to see what the LOFT Group is all about and to get an idea of the topics we will be covering in the coming episodes of this series!

Also, this week we mentioned swing arm profilometry, which was indeed created in the LOFT Group. You can find the journal article discussing the swing arm profilometer at:

Anderson Proc SPIE 2536