Optimax's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Pete Kupinski elaborates on the various considerations that must be balanced in the development of optical components. He explains that, in addition to the necessary tradeoffs between mirror reflectivity, wavefront quality, laser-damage threshold, and overall cost, there is now the added advantage of utilizing new low stress coatings. These innovative coatings not only enhance the optical performance but also provide significant benefits in terms of weight reduction, allowing for lighter and more efficient designs. Furthermore, they offer greater flexibility in geometry, enabling more complex and customized shapes to be achieved without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, these coatings improve thermomechanical performance, which is crucial for maintaining stability and reliability under varying thermal conditions. This expanded range of design possibilities opens up new avenues for engineers and designers to explore, ultimately leading to more advanced and capable optical systems.
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