Abstract

In the next twenty years, the demand for precision optics will grow at a rate faster than at any time in the optical industry’s history. New technology-driven and special-use products being developed for miniaturized optoelectromechanical systems, megapixel recording devices, optical communications, metrology, machine vision systems, laser processing, digital projection, medical equipment, computer storage, optics for integrated-circuit fabrication, and other emerging technologies will significantly increase the demand for highly precise optical components. These technology-driven products will significantly raise the benchmark for “typical” optical system performance. In addition, there will be a dramatic increase in the demand for aspheres and freeform (no regard for symmetry) optical components in order to further extend optical system performance and offer creative system packaging. The shops that can supply the demand for highly precise optics, at a reasonable cost, will profit and grow.

© 2000 Optical Society of America