Modal vs Kapton: countering environmental effects in optical systems using Kapton tape

In Person: Wednesday, 24 April 2024 • 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM EDT | National Harbor 8

 

Optical systems are frequently used in non-laboratory environments. Extra-orbit launch accelerations and gunfire vibrations can put dangerous stresses on lenses. In addition to general mechanical ruggedization, Kapton® tape was added to optical surfaces as a go-between for the glass/crystal and the metal structure components. The tape acts as a thin, compliant layer that greatly reduces mechanical stresses on the lens element surface. Kapton® tape has a CTE nearly matching that of Aluminum 6061-T6 and has an effective temperature range of -269ºC to 400ºC, which makes it an ideal material for use over a wide variety of temperature ranges. Hand calculations formulated from equations were used in conjunction with Finite Element Analysis via ANSYS. Practical examples used in the field were cited as well.

 

Presenter: Joshua B. Bettinger, Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Joshua Bettinger is an opto-mechanical engineer for G&H | Stingray. Over the past 6 years he has designed optomechanical systems for a wide variety of projects, from machine vision to space based. In addition, he programs the custom test software that G&H | Stingray uses as well as performs Finite Element Analyses as needed.