The slightest defect in the design of precision optical systems will affect the performance of even the most sophisticated optical elements. Many clients overlook the impact that opto-mechanical design flaws have on the entire system when customizing optical components. SUPERIOR® Optics’s design and optimization service can help you avoid prototyping/design pitfalls.

Our engineering team will first and foremost seek to understand your optical goals as well as the performance requirements of the system. Our team will first gain a thorough understanding of your application through technical communication. The investment made in the initial design phase is crucial for setting up the right opto-mechanical design constraints according to the system’s function. These constraints allow us to transform the precision optical components into an optical system that is high-performance and reliable.

SUPERIOR® Optics has over 20 years experience in the design and manufacture of opto-mechanical design. Our customers can expect cost-effective solutions as well as fast delivery. We use our engineering design expertise and streamlined production techniques to create the best design and production process. When comparing with other optical manufacturers. We provide:

• Cost-effective solutions.
• 20% faster time to delivery for research and engineering projects.
• 20% to 30% faster time to market for manufactured products.

1. Our mechanical team works with you to understand the requirements of the optical parameters in respect to the mechanical system
2. Our optical team works with you to understand the impact of mechanical design on the overall optical system performance
3. Our mechanical and optical engineering teams work collaboratively to:
4. Formulate spacing and centration requirements of complete optical components
5. Determine material specifications
6. Determine packaging requirements (e.g. minimum and maximum size and weight restrictions, environmental  standards such as shock, vibration, operating temperature)
7. Perform cost and production yield analysis
8. Finalize production schedule and requirements
9. Verify the design by using SolidWorks to create 3D models and structures

Performace Analysis

Preliminary Design Tasks
– Define Opto-mechanical Structure
– Define Mechanical Materials
– Define Assembly Methods
– Define Processing Techniques
– Define Systematic Tolerance Distribution

Design Analysis
– Optical Performance
– Structural Analysis
– Thermal Analysis
– Mechanical Modeling

Final Solution

• Design review based on custom requirements and specifications
• Develop engineering trade-off research and tolerance distribution
• Manufacturability evaluation
• Measurement design development and test data analysis
• Complete engineering report, including all design documents, drawings, engineering analyses, manufacturability evaluation, and measurement recommendations

SUPERIOR® Optics provides Opto-Mechanical Design and prototyping services for a variety of component materials including optical glass, metals (such as Alunimum stainless steel, copper and brass), plastics, and other materials.

We will also suggest the best metal oxidation method based on the wavelength you are working at. We recommend Micro-arc Oxidation blackening for NIR and SWIR applications instead of anodization. MAO blackening has the unique advantage of reducing Ravg to a minimum level.

Starting at the near-infrared range, arc oxidation provides low reflectivity on inner walls of devices to minimize noise while increasing optical performance. Our team conducts extensive research and R&D on metal surface oxidation so we can help our customers reach optimal decision making regarding optomechanical components.

SUPERIOR® Optics closely integrated design teams and production teams combine their skills and expertise to create custom optical instruments, assemblies and optical systems. From initial concept, prototyping and final product manufacturing, they design and implement plans. They create each Opto-Mechanical Design optomechanically by:

• Performing a detailed analysis at the initial RFQ stage.
• Studying the challenges of building custom optical instruments.
• Considering and estimating the effects of environmental factors (stress, shock, temperature, vibration, and work environment) on the instrument.
• Choosing materials carefullymeticulously to avoid functional failures due to deflections of opto-mechanical systems
• Applying optimization practices from the earliest design stage to final production.

Mechanical parts (housings and spacers) are also available. Engineers must choose metals based on their weight, durability, price, and stability. The mechanical components in Opto-Mechanical Design system must be made of the correct material/metal. SUPERIOR® Optics offer mechanical components in a variety of metals. They include:

• Aluminum alloy: Used in many brands and types of optical mechanical components. Components with a black-oxidized surface treatment are also available.
• Copper: Used as thermal conductive materials, screws and abrasion-resistant materials.
• Indium steel: Used for its good thermal stability.
• Stainless steel: Used widely for structural parts, particularly vacuum instrument designs and manufacturing. We take extra care when we process small, threaded-diameter barrels.
• Titanium: Used for its high stability and light weight, titanium is used in many high-end optical applications, despite its being difficult to process.