Opto-Mechanics Lab

The OptoMechanics Lab is dedicated to the study of Opto-Mechanical concepts taught at the College of Optical Sciences (OSC) such as: Stress and Strain, Deflections under loading, Finite Element Modeling, Thermal Distortions, Kinematic Constraints, Adhesives, Shock and Vibration, Motion Control, and Mounting of Optical Components. The Opto-Mechanics Lab has historically supported the OSC Opto-Mechanical Lab class. The Lab has a large optical table, workbench with excellent lighting, and nearby storage for mechanical fasteners.

The Opto-Mechanics Lab can dual as an Opto-Electronics shop for which various cables and electronics are designed and assembled to support various instruments. Our engineers are knowledgeable in using Load Cells, LVDTs, Pressure Sensors, Air Bearings, Stepper Motors, etc. The lab is outfitted with an electronics workstation and a large optical table for developing, mounting, assembling, and testing precision Opto-Mechanical components.

The Opto-Mechanics Lab designs custom optical instruments and fine alignment optical mechanical systems to further enable the Optical Engineering Fabrication Facility to develop and test novel optical systems. For the (DKIST) 4.2M Off-Axis Primary Mirror the Opto-Mechanics Lab developed four crucial metrology systems:

Breadboard Interferometer

CGH-Contact Ball Alignment Tool (CBAT)

Interferometer Assembly Mount

Mirror Tip/Tilt Adjusters

These systems comprised of linkages and mechanical mounts to hold the CGH and 4D interferometer as well as to have 6 Degrees of Freedom to align the metrology systems to the primary mirror through the use of pico motors and servo motors (linear actuators) with sub micron resolution.

The Opto-Mechanics Lab has strongly supported students working alongside professional engineers through the mentorship of the Introductory Optomechanical Engineering Lab classes 421/521L.