Significant Optical Manufacturing Advancement (SOMA) Process Development

"Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) offers the Significant Optical Manufacturing Advancement (SOMA) Process Development program. We recognize that new technologies require an appropriate manufacturing process and that affordability is a significant factor ofany military system. Prototype systems require an investment in Design For Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA), but often this funding is only available late in the acquisition cycle. DoD manufacturing thrusts are typically aimed at the component, notthe systems level. Two key thrusts are innovative manufacturing technologies and dual-use manufacturing where the government reaps the cost advantages of using a system that is also making commercial products. These processes are well understood byelectronic and mechanical system manufactures. Optical system manufacturing processes are absent or are closely held secrets of major consumer companies, generally unavailable to entrepreneurs. If these manufacturing techniques are developed at the systemlevel, MDA will receive significant technological advancements for missile defense. The SOMA Process Development Program will make revolutionary advancements in the manufacturing optical systems that will provide two direct benefits to MDA. The first willbe advancement in optical signal processing technologies. The second will be the application of the SOMA process to a wide range of optical systems, accelerating optical prototypes into the pro