Replicated Optics

Replicated optics offer a cost-effective solution to producing low or high volume precision optics. The optical performance and environmental stability of replicated optics is equivalent to optics produced using conventional methods.

Typical replicated optics include parabolic mirrors (on and off-axis), elliptical mirrors and toroidal mirrors operating in the UV, VIS or IR with sizes up to 12" or greater.

Recently we have also started to produce high specification cube corner retro-reflectors - for further information, please contact our sales department

Available on a wide range of substrates, replicated optics can be used in a variety of applications where complex optical surfaces are utilized. Often an optical surface can be replicated onto the mounting structure leading to easier alignment and further cost savings. Substrates that are commonly utilized in replicated optics include glass (typically crown, fused silica or Pyrex), metal (typically aluminum, stainless steel or beryllium), plastic and graphite epoxy.

Replicated optics are manufactured by first producing a master to the required specification and then transferring the optical quality of the master to a substrate through a replication process rather than by conventional polishing (see the replication process explained). This process allows the production of optics that have the same high specification as the original (typically a surface quality up to λ/10 can be achieved) at a fraction of the cost.

Replicated optics can be:

• Transmissive or reflective optics
• Gratings, Plane Mirrors, Spherical Mirrors
• Aspheric Mirrors (on or off-axis: elliptical,
  parabolic, toroidal or cylindrical)
• Retro-reflectors, Complex optics,
  Nanostructures & Hybrid structures

Some of the reasons to select Replicated optics:

• Ideally suited to UV applications where stray light can be an issue
• Cost effective for volume production of complex surfaces
• Show very little variation from part to part, giving consistent quality
• Replicated optics can be manufactured as part of the mounting
  structure, reducing space, weight and cost