SBIR-STTR Award

LightWorks Optics, Inc. is teamed with Raytheon, Brush Wellman and Axsys Technologies to conduct an SBIR Phase I research project on manufacturability improvements to an all-Beryllium version of the new EKV Sensor design. This study will focus on the EKV optical system redesign that incorporates a telescope intended to enhance producibility in an all beryllium configuration. There is currently a prevalent perception in the industry that Beryllium assemblies are significantly more expensive and time consuming to produce than other alternative materials. It is fact that Beryllium requires special handling and processing. However, many alternative materials also require this. Beryllium offers many performance advantages and is an excellent choice for the new EKV Sensor design. Therefore, it is our intent, as a focused team, to assure that the beryllium design is optimized for the specific manufacturing processes planned in order to minimize end-to-end cycle times and costs. This optimization process is not a well refined science, and our team intends on extending this art into a more clearly defined and usable process. The outcome of applying this process will be a cost-saving EKV redesign, as well as a documented optimization approach that can be applied to other complex MDA designs

LightWorks is fully involved in the next generation kill vehicle telescope design optimization for manufacturability. We understand the future goals of a modular, scalable, low-cost Kill Vehicle, capable of multiple missions, starting from a basic design. We are excited to be a part of the increase in the industry support base for Kill Vehicle manufacturing, and are committed to continuous improvement and reduction in overhead costs associated with development and manufacturing. LightWorks Optics, Inc. is teamed with Raytheon, Brush Wellman and Axsys Technologies to continue the SBIR Phase I (number 044-1124) into the Phase II of developing, manufacturing and testing a 100% beryllium LCKV Telescope. The main focus of this SBIR Phase II effort will be to demonstrate that the methodologies and design concepts from Phase I are demonstrated. During this Phase II, LightWorks and team will manufacture a full size (10 inch) prototype in beryllium, using nickel plating designed for the operating temperature range and to allow for precision diamond machining and post polishing of key surfaces.

Keywords:
Beryllium, Lckv, Design For Manufacturing, Diamond Machining, Computer Controlled Polishing, Precision Optical Assembly, Optical Testing, Cost Savings