Optomechanical performance of 3D-printed mirrors with embedded cooling channels and substructures

Joni Mici; Bradley Rothenberg; Erik Brisson; Sunny Wicks; David M. Stubbs

doi:10.1117/12.2188533

2 September 2015 Optomechanical performance of 3D-printed mirrors with embedded cooling channels and substructures

Joni Mici, Bradley Rothenberg, Erik Brisson, Sunny Wicks, David M. Stubbs

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9573, Optomechanical Engineering 2015; 957306 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188533
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2015, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Advances in 3D printing technology allow for the manufacture of topologically complex parts not otherwise feasible through conventional manufacturing methods. Maturing metal and ceramic 3D printing technologies are becoming more adept at printing complex shapes, enabling topologically intricate mirror substrates. One application area that can benefit from additive manufacturing is reflective optics used in high energy laser (HEL) systems that require materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), high specific stiffness, and (most importantly) high thermal conductivity to effectively dissipate heat from the optical surface. Currently, the limits of conventional manufacturing dictate the topology of HEL optics to be monolithic structures that rely on passive cooling mechanisms and high reflectivity coatings to withstand laser damage. 3D printing enables the manufacture of embedded cooling channels in metallic mirror substrates to allow for (1) active cooling and (2) tunable structures. This paper describes the engineering and analysis of an actively cooled composite optical structure to demonstrate the potential of 3D printing on the improvement of optomechanical systems.

Citation Download Citation

Joni Mici, Bradley Rothenberg, Erik Brisson, Sunny Wicks, and David M. Stubbs "Optomechanical performance of 3D-printed mirrors with embedded cooling channels and substructures", Proc. SPIE 9573, Optomechanical Engineering 2015, 957306 (2 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2188533

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE