A dedicated event to exchange insights on advanced developments in the optics industry for Ion Beam Figuring.
This exclusive gathering, hosted in partnership with Optica, will focus on high-level technical exchange and forward-looking discussions that bridge research, industrial applications, and cutting-edge manufacturing methods.
Conveniently organized around SPIE Optifab, the event offers attendees the opportunity to engage directly with fellow experts, share perspectives on emerging trends, and explore collaborative possibilities that push the boundaries of optical performance.
The program features a concentrated half-day schedule of specialized presentations delivered by distinguished experts in the optics industry. Each talk is designed to foster knowledge exchange and provide valuable perspectives on the future of Ion Beam Figuring in precision optics manufacturing.
Recent upgrades on optical metrology and diffraction limited x-ray mirrorfabrication at NSLS-II
Mourad Idir earned his PhD at Pierre et Marie Curie University in 1994, starting his career at the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique on x-ray plasma diagnostics. After a postdoc at CXRO (Berkeley), he joined CNRS, then spent nearly a decade at Synchrotron SOLEIL leading the Optics and Test Beamline group. Since 2010 at NSLS-II, he heads Ex/In Situ Metrology and Optics Fabrication and is Experimental Development Program Manager, with 30+ years in synchrotron x-ray optics, metrology, instrumentation, and beamline operations.
3-grid RF sources for IBF and IBT: important parameters and latest developments at Bühler
Dr. Daniel Reppin studied material sciences at Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, earning his Bachelor and Master degrees at the “Physics Institute” with research on sputter deposition of semiconducting thin films. His doctorate focused on ion thrusters, gaining experience with ion sources. In 2014, he entered the optical coating industry in machine commissioning and hardware development. He joined Bühler in 2018 as hardware developer, and since 2023 is Product Manager for ion and plasma sources.
Ion Beam Figuring: Early Development Challenges
Mr. Allen has 40+ years in optics process development, manufacturing, testing, and business development, starting at Eastman Kodak and continuing through L3Harris Technologies. He pioneered Ion Beam Figuring (IBF) in the late 1980s, now a gold standard in optical fabrication, applied to major telescopes including Keck, HET, and SALT. He also advanced processes for large aspheric optics for ground and space systems. With degrees in Ceramic and Mechanical Engineering, he now leads Arling Consulting, LLC.
Overview of Deterministic Finishing Technologies for Large Precision Optics
Dr. Ted Mooney has over 25 years in the Precision Optics industry, holding roles in engineering, operations, R&D, program management, and business development across space, airborne imaging, semiconductor, directed energy, and advanced equipment sectors. Named to Aviation Week’s 2012 “40 Under 40,” he has served on SPIE and Optica committees. He earned a PhD in optical science and engineering and an MS in physics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and a bachelor’s degree in physics with a math minor from the University of Tennessee.
Precision by Design: Ion Beam Figuring Principles and Their Impact on Optical and Semiconductor Fabrication
Dr. Christian Schindler leads global sales and business development for ion beam machining at Bühler Group, serving optics and semiconductor clients. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering and specializes in process development, technology scouting, and equipment innovation.
With over 160 years of expertise, Bühler Leybold Optics is a global leader in thin-film vacuum coating technology. Our state-of-the-art solutions serve diverse industries, including precision and ophthalmic optics, semiconductor, automotive headlight metallization, architectural and automotive glass, and roll-to-roll substrates for capacitors and flexible electronics.
Our Ion Beam Figuring (IBF) systems provide a highly precise corrective polishing process under vacuum. Using accelerated argon atoms, IBF removes minute surface deviations—down to just a few nanometers—with sub-millimeter local resolution, ensuring exceptional accuracy and surface quality.
Bühler Leybold Optics maintains a robust global footprint with strategically located hubs to deliver cutting-edge thin-film vacuum coating and precision optics solutions:
Sales Development Representative
andrea.cabrera@buhlergroup.com
