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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q: How do you control your processes?
    A: We deeply value the importance of metrology; we maintain a suite of tools we can customize to ensure our polishing, coating, and assembly processes are best in class.
  2. Q: How do you ensure repeatability?
    A: Our team of engineers and technicians work in concert to ensure that all steps in our processes are understood, maintained, and executed to the highest degree. We do this through a suite of metrology tools that accurately track lot to lot specifications.
  3. Q: Can you improve product performance?
    A: We bring together a dedicate team of engineers, coating technicians, and metrology scientists to understand the performance requirements at your system level application and then recommend the best combination of optical components to maximize performance. We have extensive metrology labs to confirm performance is meeting or exceeding expectations. 
  4. Q: What are your metrology capabilities?
    A: We have state-of-the-art metrology labs with Zygo interferometers; custom Twyman-green interferometers that allow wavefront testing at various wavelengths, including 266 nm, 355 nm, 405 nm, 467 nm, 488 nm, 515 nm, 532 nm, 632 nm, 785 nm, 976 nm, 1064 nm, and 1321 nm. We can easily adapt these instruments to test other wavelengths as needed.  Our labs also have wavefront sensors for visible light testing. In general, we readily achieve <0.05 waves RMS wavefront.  We test on-axis and off-axis for a range of assemblies (beam expanders, microscope objective, relay telescopes, tube lenses, etc). In addition to wavefront testing, we measure focal length and transmission. We also make precision mechanical measurements that are critical to assemblies. Our customer count on us for designing and constructing custom testbenches for specifications and performance levels that are critical to their applications. Visit our Metrology page to learn more.
  5. Q: What are your optical assembly capabilities?
    A: Our assembly capabilities can range from drop-ins that require no active alignment, up to precision actively aligned assemblies using multiple alignment turning systems to achieve high precision optical and mechanical alignment.  We use optical spindles for precision optical alignment (<2 um centration typical) and have perfected processes to achieve tightly controlled lens airspaces. We have a full suite of state-of-the-art metrology labs and regularly create custom tooling from our in-house machine shop to assist in assembly. At the component level, we regularly cement doublets and triplets with precise alignment and incorporate into assemblies. Our in-house machine shop also generates high precision metal parts used in assemblies (e.g. lens cells, barrels, etc.). Visit our Optical Assemblies page to learn more.
  6. Q: What is purpose of the IDEX Optical Technologies platform and what companies are represented? 
    A: The purpose of the platform is to bring dedicated teams of engineers, coating, and fabrication experts, metrology scientists, and supply chain specialists together to design brilliant optical solutions that often exceed our customer’s expectations. Our state-of-the art facilities around the globe have specialized equipment to manufacture and assemble custom optical systems. Our sites have been actively collaborating for over 10 years. The  IDEX Optical Technologies platform includes: CVI Laser Optics in New Mexico; Advanced Thin Films in Colorado; and CVI Infrared Optics in Leicester, United Kingdom; plus collaboration from the Center of Excellence in Rochester, NY.  Each business unit has a set of unique capabilities and specialties serving specific clients and markets. However, as a united platform, we win together and so do our customers. Learn more about IDEX Optical Technologies.