Hydroxide Catalysis Molding Optics for High Power Directed Energy Systems

Exploration of molding techniques for optical components has been a major development effort for the industry for over half a century. There are many pitfalls with the current methods used to mold optics, many of which rule out these processes for the development of high-performance optics. OptiPro Systems has developed a novel molding technique aimed to circumvent the current issues associated with molding optics, while maintaining the low-cost allure of these processes. The Hydroxide Catalysis Molding (HCM) Development team at OptiPro has already demonstrated the capability of this process to mold parts with surfaces that have high resolution, full volumes that have limited inhomogeneity, and good stability relative to the stage of this process’ development. The team intends to build upon these results to form better parts with this method, parts that are capable of optical characterization testing for attributes related to high power directed energy systems. Approved for Public Release | 25-MDA-12220 (23 Sep 25)