Modern Defense, Aerospace and NewSpace customers require high performance optical systems which minimize Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) while maximizing optical performance. One proven technique for achieving demanding SWaP requirements is to require light-weighted optics.
Light-weighting is a process by which material is removed from the optical component by machining or other methods while preserving the optical performance. This is often performed with low-expansion ceramics and glasses, and careful attention must be paid to the light-weighting structure to ensure optical performance and rigidity. ZYGO experts are available to assist in our partners design of these components for manufacturability.