The purpose of this course is to present concepts, tools, and methods that will help attendees determine optimal tolerances for opto-mechanical systems in optical applications. Detailed topics in the course apply to all volumes of systems being developed – from single systems to millions of units. The importance of tolerancing throughout the design process is discussed in detail, including determining robustness of the specification and design for manufacture and operation. The course also provides a background to effective tolerancing with discussions on variability and relevant applied statistics. A treatment of third-order aberrations is included, with emphasis on understanding their origins and how to influence cost and production yield by considering their impacts. Tolerance analysis and assignment with strong methodology and examples are discussed, including the development of a design trade for a simple IR system. Other considerations for IR systems will specifically be discussed in the class. References and examples are included to help researchers, designers, engineers, and technicians practically apply the concepts to plan, design, engineer, and build high-quality cost-competitive optical systems.

This course provides attendees with a working knowledge of reflective optical system design. The morning session concentrates on analytical differences from refractive systems, including basic 1st order layout considerations and optimization techniques. It provides an overview of the conceptual development of various reflective designs, and provides an understanding of the basic capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of many common reflective forms. The afternoon session offers insights into departing from symmetry, understanding aberration forms with off axis apertures, a discussion of segmented mirror systems, and a brief overview of assembly and test considerations and manufacturing techniques.