This tutorial presents optomechanical modeling techniques to effectively design and analyze high-performance optical systems. It discusses thermal and structural modeling methods that use finite-element analysis to predict the integrity and performance of optical elements and optical support structures. Includes accompanying CD-ROM with examples.

Optomechanics is a field of mechanics that addresses the specific design challenges associated with optical systems. Intended for practicing optical and mechanical engineers whose work involves both fields, this describes how to mount optical components, as well as how to analyse a given design. Common issues involved with mounting optical components are discussed, including stress, glass strength, thermal effects, vibration, and errors due to motion.

Opto-Mechanical Systems Design, Fourth Edition is different in many ways from its three earlier editions: coauthor Daniel Vukobratovich has brought his broad expertise in materials, opto-mechanical design, analysis of optical instruments, large mirrors, and structures to bear throughout the book; Jan Nijenhuis has contributed a comprehensive new chapter on kinematics and applications of flexures; and several other experts in special aspects of opto-mechanics have contributed portions of other chapters. An expanded feature—a total of 110 worked-out design examples—has been added to several chapters to show how the theory, equations, and analytical methods can be applied by the reader. Finally, the extended text, new illustrations, new tables of data, and new references have warranted publication of this work in the form of two separate but closely entwined volumes. This second volume, Design and Analysis of Large Mirrors and Structures, concentrates on the design and mounting of significantly larger optics and their structures, including a new and important topic: detailed consideration of factors affecting large mirror performance. The book details how to design and fabricate very large single-substrate, segmented, and lightweight mirrors; describes mountings for large mirrors with their optical axes in vertical, horizontal, and variable orientations; indicates how metal and composite mirrors differ from ones made of glass; explains key design aspects of optical instrument structural design; and takes a look at an emerging technology—the evolution and applications of silicon and silicon carbide in mirrors and other types of components for optical applications.

Good optical design is not in itself adequate for optimum performance of optical systems. The mechanical design of the optics and associated support structures is every bit as important as the optics themselves. Optomechanical engineering plays an increasingly important role in the success of new laser systems, space telescopes and instruments, biomedical and optical communication equipment, imaging entertainment systems, and more. This is the first handbook on the subject of optomechanical engineering, a subject that has become very important in the area of optics during the last decade. Covering all major aspects of optomechanical engineering - from conceptual design to fabrication and integration of complex optical systems - this handbook is comprehensive. The practical information within is ideal for optical and optomechanical engineers and scientists involved in the design, development and integration of modern optical systems for commercial, space, and military applications. Charts, tables, figures, and photos augment this already impressive handbook. The text consists of ten chapters, each authored by a world-renowned expert. This unique collaboration makes the Handbook a comprehensive source of cutting edge information and research in the important field of optomechanical engineering. Some of the current research trends that are covered include:

Covers the fundamental principles behind optomechanical design This book emphasizes a practical, systems-level overview of optomechanical engineering, showing throughout how the requirements on the optical system flow down to those on the optomechanical design. The author begins with an overview of optical engineering, including optical fundamentals as well as the fabrication and alignment of optical components such as lenses and mirrors. The concepts of optomechanical engineering are then applied to the design of optical systems, including the structural design of mechanical and optical components, structural dynamics, thermal design, and kinematic design. Optomechanical Systems Engineering: Reviews the fundamental concepts of optical engineering as they apply to optomechanical design Illustrates the fabrication and alignment requirements typically found in an optical system Examines the elements of structural design from a mechanical, optical, and vibrational viewpoint Develops the thermal management principles of temperature and distortion control Describes the optomechanical requirements for kinematic and semi-kinematic mounts Uses examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts and equations presented in the book Provides supplemental materials on a companion website Focusing on fundamental concepts and first-order estimates of optomechanical system performance, Optomechanical Systems Engineering is accessible to engineers, scientists, and managers who want to quickly master the principles of optomechanical engineering.