Optical manufacturing workshop in Tucson to explore critical processes
The 2014 Tucson Technical Workshop on advanced optical manufacturing takes place November 10-11, at the University of Arizona. Sponsored by the American Precision Optics Manufacturers Association (APOMA; Rochester, NY) the members-only event brings together optics technical and operations leaders in a semi-annual meeting that will feature presentations on freeform optics, optical polishing, metrology, and other topics.
Among these presentations are:
• Polishing silicon carbide-–David Valleli, Hardin Optical (Bandon, OR)
• A method for polishing the FPL glasses--Bob Matthews, Mathews Optical (Poulsbo, WA)
• Subsurface damage management and scratch forensics--Tayyab Suratwala, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Interferometry in challenging environments--Tyler Steele and Dan Musinski, Zygo (Middlefield, CT)
• Marketing & sales for engineers--Michele Nichols, PLS Launch Solutions (Rochester, NY)
The event will also include tours of the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory Mirror Lab, where UA scientists and engineers fabricate giant, lightweight, powerful mirrors for next-generation optical and infrared telescopes.
“This program is really unique,” APOMA Board Member and Program Chair Justin Mahanna said. “It’s one of the few designed specifically for operational and technical peers. We’re proud of the technical learning program, but the real magic is in the sharing and collaboration among our members.”
For more information, visit apoma.org/techworkshop
Conard Holton
Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.