Advanced Molded Glass Lenses

There is a critical need for lighter, smaller, and higher performance optical components in many military programs. Glass molding technology can meet these demands through its ability to mass produce complex geometries with high degrees of accuracy and precision. Nearly all future programs that contain optics will benefit greatly if current and future molded technologies are integrated early in the development cycle. RPO is proposing innovative research which will further advance molded optics technology and assist in the reduction of SWaP throughout the optics industry. Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) will demonstrate the advantages of glass molding technology and its importance for current and future government programs, the feasibility of creating novel surfaces such as diffractives by producing tooling and a limited number of samples that possess the desired attributes, and extend molding technology to encompass larger diameters and achieve higher manufacturing yields. We will also research the availability of complimentary manufacturing technologies to identify a path for producing lower cost molded optics with superior surface qualities. Commercialization of this technology is discussed based upon the existing breadth of manufacturing experience at RPO and our ability to quickly add capital resources. This technology is an accurate, highly repeatable, and cost effective means for producing optical elements. Successful Phase I and Phase I Option programs will enable the production of glass molded articles in Phase II that have application with current US Army products. Current Army programs that will benefit from size and weight reduction efforts are Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS), Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG), Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD), Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS), Sniper Night Sight (SNS), Clip-on Sniper Night Sight, Laser Target Locating System (LTLS) Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR) and Small Tactical Optical Rifle Mounted (STORM).