Ultra-precision Machining of Optical Surfaces

"Ultra-precision Machining of Optical Surfaces"

Senthil Kumar, Ph.D.
Professor and Co-Director of the SimTech-NUS Center for Large Format Machining, National University of Singapore
Meeting Link: https://primetime.bluejeans.com/a2m/live-event/ubhetfwv

Abstract: In general, functional optics are made of non-rotational and non-cylindrical surfaces which are widely used to reduce wave front errors and overall size as compared to the rotational surfaces. Diamond turning together with fast / slow tool servo (STS/FTS) techniques are widely used in the modern materials processing technology, especially for ultra-precision applications that demand extreme form accuracy and excellent surface quality. In this talk, the recent advances on diamond turning of optical moulds will be discussed. This talk will also focus on the ultra-precision machining of functional micro structures on roller moulds for roll-to-roll manufacturing of optical film; and machining of optical moulds made from difficult-to-cut materials (non-diamond-turnable metals and brittle materials) for injection moulding of plastic optical components. Several technological innovations developed will also be discussed in this presentation.

Bio: A. Senthil Kumar is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore. His expertise is in manufacturing with focus on Ultra precision machining, hybrid machining of micro/nano structures and fixture design. He has co-authored 2 books in fixture design and has published over 150 technical papers in International Journals. He is in the editorial board of the Journal of Manufacturing Processes, USA, Journal of Micro Manufacturing, Nanotechnology and Precision Engineering and International Journal of Materials, Manufacturing and Optimization. Earlier he has served as an associate editor of IEEE transactions of Automation Science and Engineering, USA. He is the recipient of several awards including the Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineering Award and IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award from the Institute of Engineers, Singapore. He is a member of IIE, ASME. He has 2 patents to his credit and has licensed the technology to start a spin-off company called Mikrotools Pte. Ltd., which specializes in the manufacturing of ultra-precision machine tools.