Ion Beam Figuring Insights | Bühler Leybold Optics

Shaping Optics: The Ion Beam Figuring Insights Meetup by Bühler Leybold Optics

October 23rd, 2025
12:00 to 5:00 PM
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Rochester NY

Unlocking Predictable Precision in High-End Optics and Advanced Applications​ ​

A dedicated event to exchange insights on advanced developments in the optics industry for Ion Beam Figuring.​


Why Attend?

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.​

Keynote Speakers

Recent upgrades on optical metrology and diffraction limited x-ray mirrorfabrication at NSLS-II 

Dr. Mourad Idir, Brookhaven National Lab, United States

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, Bühler Alzenau GmbH, Germany

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​

Lynn Allen, Arling Consulting, United States

​​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.

Recent upgrades on optical metrology and diffraction limited x-ray mirror fabrication at NSLS-II

Dr. Ted Mooney, EvolvOptic, United States

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, Bühler Alzenau GmbH, Germany

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. 

Agenda and Speaker Updates

  • A complete agenda will be emailed to all participants before the event.
  • Two distinguished industry leaders will be announced soon — stay tuned for updates.

About Bühler Leybold Optics​

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.


Leybold Optics IBF series

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' Global Presence

Bühler Leybold Optics maintains a robust global footprint with strategically located hubs to deliver cutting-edge thin-film vacuum coating and precision optics solutions:​

  • Alzenau, Germany – Our global headquarters and flagship Application Center, coordinating R&D, machine manufacturing, sales, and support.​
  • Raleigh, North Carolina, USA – North America’s hub for application and process support, sales, and machine refurbishment.​
  • Beijing, China – The Asia-Pacific Application Center, overseeing machine production andclient service in the region.​
  • Leipzig, Germany – A state-of-the-art Center of Competence focusing on ion beam figuring & trimming, optical measurement systems, and automation technologies. ​

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown

October 23rd, 2025 (12:00 to 5:00 PM)



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Sales Development Representative

Andrea Cabrera


andrea.cabrera@buhlergroup.com