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May 14, 2013, James C. Wyant
Precision Interferometric Measurements In Non-ideal Environments
Precision optical components are essential for modern optics/photonics systems. Modern electronics, computers, and software have made it possible to greatly improve the fabrication and testing of optical components and optical systems and the resulting improvements in the new optical instruments and devices we use are evident. Once the data obtained testing an optical system is in the computer it is possible to do sophisticated computer analysis to determine what is wrong with the optical system and what needs to be done to correct the system, and how well the system will perform if it is not improved. It is now practical to test optical systems much better than the reference optics used in the optical test setup. Until recently, a major limitation of interferometry for precision metrology was the sensitivity to the environment. In recent years many techniques for performing high quality interferometric measurements in non-ideal environments have been developed and new techniques are being introduced all the time. This talk discusses some of the different techniques for reducing the effects of vibration and atmospheric turbulence on interferometric measurements. The application of these techniques for the measurement of surface vibration, the testing of optical components including large astronomical optics, and the measurement of deformations of diffuse structures will be described.
2013 Council Election
The NES/OSA election is now underway. NES/OSA members will be receiving ballots for next year's council members. The nomination committee has selected individuals for each council position but write-in candidates are welcome. If you would like to become more involved in the NES/OSA please contact any council member with your interest.
Candidate information for this year's ballot are:
NES/OSA Supports Science Fairs
The NES/OSA continues to support science fairs in Massachusetts with financial support and member participation. The Science fair season starts in early March with six regional fairs. Each regional fair received $200 to support overhead and prizes from NES/OSA. Participants from the regional fairs are eligible to participate in the statewide fairs held from May 2-4 for high school students and on June 1st for middle school students. NES/OSA donated $2000 to the statewide fairs with support from OSA though an Educational Outreach Grant. Members of the NES/OSA will provide Optics Demonstration at the two statewide fairs.
If you are interested in being a judge or optics demonstrator please contact:
G. Groot Gregory
Synopsys
377 Simarano Drive
Marlboro, MA 01752
617-320-6354
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About Us
We are a group of industry professionals and interested individuals promoting the knowledge of Optics including applications and phenomena.
Monthly Meeting
The NES/OSA meets monthly from September to May, generally excluding December, on the third Thursday of each month. Our meetings include a social hour, dinner and talk. These meetings are open to all individuals while members receive the benefits of a monthly mailing, reduced meeting dinner price and voting privileges during council elections. Please sign up online.
Activities
The NES/OSA is active in the support of optics education in area schools. The organization sponsors symposia and invited speakers for teachers, teaching grants for optics projects and science fairs.
Information
For information please contact a member of our Executive Council.
Membership
If you are interested in becoming a member please see the PDF (10Kbytes) application form.
