Based in Santa Paula, CA, Abrisa Technologies provides precision custom optical components, from prototype to high-volume OEM production. They specialize in specialty glass materials, thin film optical coatings, and custom glass fabrication. Offerings include chemically strengthened glass, AR coatings, beam splitters, filters, and various mirrors for diverse photonic applications.
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Precision Optics Manufacturers
Last updated: January 2026
This directory lists 92 precision optics manufacturers across the United States, from custom prototype shops focusing on aspheres to high-volume production facilities for standard spherical lenses.
Buyers are typically solving challenges like achieving tight transmitted wavefront error for demanding applications such as aerospace guidance systems or high-resolution microscopy, ensuring robust optical coatings for harsh environmental conditions, or fabricating complex freeform optics for advanced display technologies. The fundamental problem often lies in effectively translating optical design requirements into manufacturing tolerances, a process that, if not managed carefully, can lead to significant cost overruns or components that fail to meet performance expectations.
Supplier types in this space range broadly: some are specialized job shops excelling at rapid prototyping of GRIN lenses or diffractive optics, others are vertically integrated facilities capable of producing complete optical assemblies, and a significant segment focuses solely on high-volume production of standard components. What distinguishes them often includes their sweet spot in terms of production volume, their material expertise (e.g., UV fused silica vs. exotic IR materials like Germanium), and their proficiency with complex geometries such as aspheres or plano-convex lenses.
To engage effectively, buyers should prepare detailed optical drawings (ideally ISO 10110 compliant), precise specifications for surface quality (scratch-dig), transmitted wavefront error, and optical coating performance curves. Suppliers, in turn, expect a clear Statement of Work that outlines anticipated volumes, required metrology reports, and target pricing, enabling them to provide accurate quotes and identify the most suitable manufacturing processes and quality control measures.
Company Directory
92 companies nationwide
Based in Pewaukee, WI, Advanced Optics manufactures precision and commercial grade optical components. They specialize in custom fabrication of optical flats, mirrors, and windows, polished up to λ/20 with NIST traceability. The company also provides anti-reflective coatings and resurfacing services, offering solutions from prototype to production.
Based in Santa Rosa, CA, Alluxa manufactures high-performance optical filters and thin-film coatings. Specializing in ultra-narrowband and IR filters, the company utilizes advanced deposition technologies. Alluxa provides custom filters for diverse applications from UV to LWIR, including LIDAR, fluorescence microscopy, telecommunications, and demanding aerospace instruments.
Based in Sarasota, FL, American Photonics specializes in manufacturing exceptional precision lenses. They cater to leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for various applications, including prominent laser and optical system companies such as Trumpf® and Coherent.
Based in Woburn, MA, AMF Optical Solutions LLC engineers and manufactures precision optical components. Specializing in aspheric lenses, infrared optics, and custom diamond turned optics, they also produce mirrors and windows. Serving defense, commercial, scientific, and space applications, the company leverages 50 years of expertise and American manufacturing.
Based in Meriden, CT, Aperture Optical Sciences designs and manufactures precision optics components and systems. The company specializes in providing advanced solutions for critical applications such as space-based imaging and optical communications, serving industrial and commercial B2B customers.
Based in Rochester, NY, Apollo Optical Systems specializes in precision polymer optics manufacturing. The company delivers innovative, manufacturable polymer optical solutions from concept to high-volume production for medical, automotive, consumer, and defense applications.
Based in Pleasant Hill, CA, Applied Optics specializes in manufacturing precision optical components and assemblies. The company provides precision-crafted lenses for optical systems, meeting exacting specifications, and operates with a zero defect quality policy.
Based in Wilmington, MA, ARO is a manufacturer of high precision optics and thin film coatings. The company offers both catalog and custom optical components, including laser mirrors, beam splitters, polarizers, and filters. ARO utilizes advanced manufacturing capabilities and extensive metrology to serve customers worldwide.
Based in Santa Cruz, CA, Asphera, Inc. is a precision optics company developed by optical industry experts. They specialize in advanced optical manufacturing, providing custom solutions for various industrial applications and leveraging deep expertise to deliver high-quality optical components.
Blue Ridge Optics specializes in precision optics fabrication, creating custom and standard laser optics with high-quality materials and advanced techniques. They manufacture superpolished optics, optical assemblies, and custom laser optics solutions, including precision thin film coatings (UV-MWIR). Offerings span prisms, windows, mirrors, lenses, and beam splitters.
Based in Santa Ana, CA, Cascade Optical Corporation specializes in custom thin film coatings and optical solutions for the industry. Since 1975, they have provided anti-reflective (AR) filters, various mirrors including high LIDT V-mirrors, IR EUV-AR-notch filters, and Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coatings. They also offer coating deposition services and plano optics.
Based in San Diego, CA, Commonlands LLC provides custom optical design, lens assembly, and high-quality imaging lens manufacturing. They produce M12, C-mount, and M8 lenses, integrating IR-Pass and bandpass filters. With US-based engineering support, they are poised for volume manufacturing.
Based in Costa Mesa, CA, Coursen Coating Labs Inc provides optical thin film coating services and products. With over 50 years of experience, the company delivers reliable solutions for various applications within the precision optics industry, serving clients globally.
Based in Milford, NH, Diamond Turning Innovations provides custom optical manufacturing services, specializing in diamond turning. The company delivers ultra high-quality precision optical components, handling prototype development to full-scale production of intricate geometries crafted from diverse optical materials like crystals and plastics.
Based in Richmond, CA, DiCon Fiberoptics specializes in precision optical manufacturing with over 30 years of thin film coating expertise. They design and provide custom fiber optic solutions for mission-critical applications, including 3D MEMS matrix switches, photonic device test automation, and government and defense systems.
Diverse Optics manufactures high-precision polymer optics, serving critical applications in the medical, defense, and aerospace sectors. Utilizing advanced processes, the company specializes in producing custom optical components tailored to meet stringent industry specifications. Their expertise ensures precision and reliability for demanding environments.
Based in Palo Alto, CA, DynaOptics specializes in FreeForm lens technology, providing precision projection lenses for high-performance imaging systems. Their solutions enable smaller, lighter optical designs with reduced distortion and fewer aberrations. They serve industries like mobile phone and automotive, and offer related design, manufacturing, and testing software.
Based in Barrington, NJ, Edmund Optics manufactures a wide range of precision optics, imaging components, and laser optics. The company produces advanced optical and imaging technology for various industrial and scientific applications, drawing on over 80 years of industry expertise.
Based in Oak Ridge, NJ, Esco Optics, Inc. manufactures custom and catalog precision optical components. They specialize in plano and spherical optics for the UV/VIS/IR spectrum, utilizing in-house capabilities like machining and coating. Esco Optics is an ITAR registered, US-based provider of precision optical solutions.
EvolvOptic, based in Rochester, NY, manufactures precision optical components and assemblies. They combine advanced glass fabrication techniques, including cutting, shaping, polishing, and metrology, to deliver custom optical solutions. The company serves demanding industries such as aerospace, defense, medical, semiconductor, and research programs.
Based in Toledo, OH, First Surface Mirror manufactures optical grade first surface mirrors for science and engineering applications. They provide precision-cut mirrors with aluminum coatings, including UV enhanced, λ/4, and λ/8 options, ensuring superior accuracy and undistorted reflection. They offer durability and thermal resistance for industrial customers.
FISBA manufactures advanced optical systems and precision optical assemblies, utilizing proven development and manufacturing processes. The company provides tailored solutions for medical, diagnostic, industrial, defense, biotech, and aerospace markets. Their expert team offers design, prototyping, and high-volume production services for complex photonics requirements.
Fresnel Technologies is a US-based manufacturer specializing in polymer optics. They support programs from initial optical design through prototyping, offering extensive catalog items and custom solutions. The company provides expertise in various optical components, serving industrial and commercial B2B customers with precision manufacturing capabilities in Texas.
Based in San Jose, CA, GAMDAN Optics, Inc. manufactures custom nonlinear optical crystals for UV and high-energy applications. They specialize in precision crystal fabrication, including LBO, KGW, BBO, KTP, and YV04, offering high LIDT and extended lifetimes.
Based in Milford, OH, Greenlight Optics specializes in optical systems engineering and manufacturing. They provide precision optics services, including glass lens fabrication, plastic optics molding, diamond turning, and CNC machining. Capabilities span design, prototyping, and assembly for projection displays, illumination, and imaging systems.
Guild Optical Associates, based in Amherst, NH, specializes in custom sapphire optical components, including high-tolerance windows and lenses. They provide precision crafting of optical mirrors, fused silica, and coated optics for laser, military, industrial, and medical applications. All components are manufactured in the USA.
Based in Bandon, OR, Hardin Optical manufactures high-quality precision optical components, including visible/UV and infrared optics, with thin film coatings. The ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered company serves demanding applications in military, medical, and industrial/commercial sectors with reliable, on-time solutions.
Based in Henrietta, NY, IDEX Optical Technologies is a global platform of companies specializing in the engineering and manufacturing of high-performance optical components and assemblies. They offer advanced thin films, fabrication, coating, and metrology services for markets like semiconductor, optical communications, aerospace, and defense.
Based in Northvale, NJ, Inrad Optics specializes in fabricating precision optical components and assemblies from advanced materials. They employ proprietary methods for processing optical crystals, diamond turning metal optics, and micro-thinning x-ray crystals. Capabilities include large form factor, extreme precision components, and advanced thin film coatings.
Based in Santa Clara, CA, ios Optics manufactures custom precision optical components, opto-mechanical assemblies, and optical coatings. Leveraging over 40 years of industry expertise, the company produces filters, lenses, light pipes, mirrors, prisms, reflectors, and windows for various applications, ensuring high-quality products.
Based in Anderson, CA, Industrial Optics Unlimited fabricates precision optical components, including lenses, windows, mirrors, prisms, diffusers, and optical flats. Since 1990, the company has provided optical finishing and thin film coatings, supporting both small and large companies with commercial and precision optical manufacturing solutions.
JML Optical specializes in the design, manufacture, and testing of custom precision optical assemblies, components, and systems. They provide prototype to production volumes, with in-house fabrication for aspheric, cylindrical, and spherical/plano lenses. Capabilities include optical design, clean room assembly, and comprehensive coating services for imaging challenges.
JNS Glass provides precision glass fabrication and thin film optical coatings for OEMs. Capabilities include CNC cutting, chemical strengthening, heat tempering, drilling, and precision slicing and dicing. The company inventories anti-reflective glass, beamsplitter mirrors, Borofloat, Gorilla Glass, and ultra-thin glass components.
Based in Orlando, FL, LightPath Optics manufactures custom precision optical and thermal imaging solutions. They design and build to precise specifications, from proprietary materials to complete assemblies and integrated cameras. Serving aerospace, defense, and industrial OEMs, LightPath provides high-quality engineered optical components.
Based in Indio, CA, L & L Optical Services, Inc. specializes in single and multi-layer optical coatings. They provide protected and enhanced metallic coatings, anti-reflective coatings, thin film coatings, and custom solutions like beam splitters and cold mirrors for various optical applications.
Based in Torrance, CA, Luminit Inc. manufactures precision holographic optics and light shaping diffusers. Using patented technology, they produce thin film, rigid sheets, glass-on-glass, and injection molded optical components. Products serve diverse industries such as architectural lighting, displays, bio-medical, automotive, and machine vision.
Manasota Optics, Inc. is an ISO 9001:2015 certified "build to print" manufacturer of precision metal optical components. Based in Sarasota, FL, they specialize in diamond turning, polishing, and grinding for Defense and Aerospace applications, including laser rangefinders and space systems.
Based in Providence, RI, Meller Optics, Inc. specializes in manufacturing high-precision optical components from sapphire and other hard materials including Spinel, ALON®, ZnS, Ge, and Si. They fabricate windows, lenses, prisms, and domes for critical aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial applications. Meller Optics is ITAR and ISO 9001:2015 registered.
NiPro Optics, Inc. provides ultra-precise optical component manufacturing, specializing in diamond turning, thin film coating, and optical electroforming. They develop proprietary durable coatings, including enhanced rhodium for harsh environments, ensuring peak reflectivity and adhesion for challenging optical demands.
Based in Carson, CA, NLS Lighting specializes in manufacturing state-of-the-art silicone optics. These precision components are optimized for automotive dealerships, serving applications such as perimeter display, interior display, and pad lighting solutions.
Sonoma Photonics, Inc., operating as part of Northrop Grumman, develops and manufactures high precision optical and RF products. The company specializes in providing materials and deposition systems to solve complex challenges for customers in advanced defense and aerospace applications.
Based in Brattleboro, VT, Omega Optical specializes in manufacturing and coating precision optical components, including crystalline lenses from Calcium Fluoride and Germanium. They design and produce highly customized filters for aerospace, defense, industrial, and commercial OEM enterprises, enabling advanced imaging, targeting, and navigation systems.
Based in Pittsford, NY, Optics Technology, Inc. designs and manufactures precision micro and miniature optical and mechanical systems and assemblies. Established in 1986, the company specializes in custom microscope objectives and miniature optics for aerospace, medical, industrial, and military applications, providing comprehensive design and fabrication services.
Based in Temecula, CA, Optiforms, Inc. manufactures precision optical and mechanical metal components. They specialize in first surface mirrors, optical coatings, and electroplating finishes. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ITAR, and NIST 800-171 standards, they offer high-quality reflective solutions.
Based in Ontario, NY, Optimax Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of precision optics. They provide engineered solutions for critical projects, leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies from conventional machinery to highly deterministic CNC machining. The company produces high-quality optical components tailored to complex client requirements.
Based in Costa Mesa, CA, OptoSigma Corporation manufactures precision optical components. The company offers a broad selection of optical mirrors, including Super Mirrors, low PPM mirrors, and spherical mirrors, for various industrial and commercial applications. They cater to a wide range of optical system needs.
II-VI Optical Systems manufactures high precision optical components and systems, including assemblies, objectives, infrared optics, and thin film coatings. They provide vertically integrated visible, infrared, and laser-based solutions for medical, defense, aerospace, and commercial industries.
Based in Wilmington, MA, OSE Optics specializes in custom optical manufacturing, optomechanical engineering, and precision lens assembly services. The company provides advanced fiber optics, IR imaging, and laser optics. Serving defense, aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and medical industries, OSE Optics is ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered.
Based in Santa Ana, CA, Precision Glass & Optics (PG&O) is a global supplier of high-quality precision glass, optics, and thin film optical coatings. They offer complete in-house turnkey solutions including precision cutting, assembly, and scribing. PG&O manufactures optical products such as windows, mirrors, beamsplitters, and prisms for military, aerospace, and medical applications.
Precision Micro-Optics manufactures a variety of precision optical components, including prisms, windows, and lenses, suitable for telecommunication and biomedical applications. Based in Burlington, MA, the company provides engineering services like design optimization, modeling, and automatic measurement, offering complete solutions with quality products and expert support.
Based in Littleton, MA, Precision Optics Corporation provides vertically integrated services for the design, prototyping, and manufacturing of optical imaging systems and components. They specialize in micro-optics and endoscopes, serving various industries with advanced optical solutions.
PowerPhotonic manufactures high-quality, wafer-scale freeform optics, specializing in precision components with exceptional smoothness and low scatter. They offer bespoke design and manufacturing services for industrial laser processing, ophthalmology, and laser display markets.
Based in San Francisco, CA, Precision Optical Inc. manufactures optical components, thin film coatings, and assemblies. With 65 years of experience, the company produces precision optics for demanding applications, offering services like custom prisms, optical polishing, large optical flats, metrology, and CNC machining.
QED Technologies, based in Rochester, NY, is a precision optics manufacturer serving the aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and research sectors. With over 30 years of experience, the company provides advanced optical solutions and manufacturing expertise to meet stringent industry standards.
Reynard Corporation manufactures custom optics and thin-film coatings, providing optical fabrication and diamond turning expertise for demanding applications. They specialize in UV-VIS-IR and infrared optics (1-20 microns), supporting projects from prototype to production volumes. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR registered, and CMMC compliant.
Based in Union City, CA, RivCut specializes in rapid optical prototyping and R&D, offering a 48-hour turnaround for critical projects. They collaborate with Bay Area photonics startups and imaging companies, providing essential precision optics manufacturing services and development support.
Based in Lafayette, CO, Rocky Mountain Instrument Corporation manufactures custom precision optics and advanced thin-film coatings, spanning Deep UV to Far IR. Capabilities include UV/DUV, IR, diamond-turned aspherical optics, and custom lens/prism assemblies. They serve diverse laser, imaging, semiconductor, and industrial applications.
Based in El Paso, TX, Ross Optical manufactures precision optics and assemblies for OEMs in medical devices, automation, and other industries. They specialize in micro lenses from sub-millimeter to 6mm, offer custom fabrication up to 150mm, and provide in-house optical coating and complex assembly services.
Based in West Henrietta, NY, Rochester Precision Optics, LLC specializes in manufacturing precision optics and optical assemblies. The company provides design, glass molding, diamond turning, CNC grinding, polishing, and thin film coating services for various applications, including night vision systems.
Based in San Jose, CA, Sanmina Corporation provides advanced optical design, testing, and custom manufacturing services for free space optics applications. The company specializes in delivering comprehensive, high-quality optical manufacturing solutions for complex systems, supporting various technology sectors with their extensive expertise.
Sierra Precision Optics manufactures high-quality optical components, offering excellent performance and superlative service. The company addresses a full range of optics challenges, from simple to complex, and handles both small and large quantities. It strives for industry-leading turnaround times and cost-effective pricing for its clients.
Simplify Optics is an independent optical laboratory based in Santa Clarita, CA, specializing in precision optical product manufacturing. Leveraging over a century of family experience, they utilize advanced equipment and local professionals to produce high-quality optics. The company emphasizes efficient production and reduced turnaround times for optical practices.
Based in Elmira, NY, Swift Glass provides precision optical glass fabrication services. They offer custom glass manufacturing capabilities, including CNC machining, edge grinding, polishing, and surface lapping. The company adheres to stringent industry standards like ISO 9001:2015, MIL-Specs, ASTM, and ITAR for various projects.
Based in Rochester, NY, Sydor Optics is a custom manufacturer of plano optics, specializing in wafers, windows, filters, mirrors, and optical flats. They leverage extensive double-sided polishing machines, CNC technology, and laser cutters to achieve high precision and premier quality for demanding production needs.
Syntec Optics is one of the largest custom optics and photonics manufacturers in the United States, based in Rochester, NY. They specialize in manufacturing a range of optical solutions, including simple lenses, complex opto-mechanical components, and electrically/mechanically actuated tunable lenses for diverse industry applications.
Torrent Photonics is a vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer of optical components, assemblies, and photonics solutions, headquartered in Largo, FL. The company specializes in optical engineering and provides a complete supply chain for mission-critical programs, serving commercial, defense, and aerospace markets with precision lenses, prisms, coatings, and spectral devices.
Based in Southbridge, MA, United Lens Company is a vertically integrated manufacturer of custom optics, serving the medical and bioscience industries. They offer comprehensive capabilities including forming, annealing, machining, polishing, and thin film coating, all performed at a single facility. ULC also provides laser debris shields and specialized optical solutions.
US Optics is a US-based manufacturer specializing in custom riflescopes and precision optics. Established in 1991, the company produces durable and clear optical systems, including their Foundation, TS, and X-Series, as well as RISE Red Dots. They serve both commercial and military/law enforcement clients.
Based in Shirley, MA, Valley Design specializes in high precision CNC machining, lapping, optical polishing, backgrinding, and dicing. They process technical ceramics, quartz, glass, sapphire, and metals, manufacturing optical glass lenses for digital cameras, video cameras, projectors, microscopes, and optical sensors.
Based in Victor, NY, Vertex Optics manufactures precision aspheric, spherical, plano, and freeform optics, alongside optical domes and prisms. They offer prototype to production quantities, serving critical sectors such as Defense, Aerospace, Medical Technology, Energy, and Semiconductor industries.
Based in Torrance, CA, Younger Optics is an independent manufacturer specializing in ophthalmic lenses, a key segment of precision optics. Established in 1955, the company provides high-quality vision care products from its US facilities, supporting the optical industry with a long-standing tradition of expertise.
Based in Middlefield, CT, ZYGO manufactures custom optical components and complex electro-optical systems. They specialize in innovative, precision metrology instruments and optics solutions, delivering high-energy laser components and systems under extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for various industries.
Aperture Optical Sciences, Inc. (AOM) manufactures precision computer-generated holograms (CGHs) for optical metrology, along with opto-mechanical mounts and optical alignment systems. They provide custom metrology references for complex optical surfaces and wavefront tests, supporting volume manufacturing applications for aspheric and freeform optics.
Clear Align, based in Eagleville, PA, specializes in precision optical component manufacturing, particularly infrared optics. The company employs advanced techniques like 5-axis CNC optical machining and single-point diamond turning for rapid prototyping, serving demanding applications in electro-optical systems, surveillance, and critical infrastructure.
Based in Batesville, AR, LaCroix Precision Optics manufactures custom precision optics and assemblies. The company specializes in aspheric, achromatic aspheric, and double-sided aspheric lenses. They provide services from quick-turn prototyping to high-volume production, operating with ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR compliance in the USA.
Based in Amherst, MA, Myrias Optics specializes in precision optics manufacturing. The company offers advanced solutions for both diffractive and focusing lenses, leveraging deep expertise and custom manufacturing capabilities for diverse client needs.
Based in Ocean Springs, MS, PFG Optics manufactures high-quality custom optical components, including prisms, beamsplitters, lenses, and assemblies. With over 45 years of experience, they serve advanced industries such as defense, research, and semiconductor applications. The company is ISO 9001 and ITAR Registered.
Based in Los Angeles, CA, Vice Chief specializes in high-end prototyping and optomechanics for AR/VR applications. They prototype at the convergence of optics, mechanics, and human vision, utilizing a state-of-the-art workshop to build projects quickly and confidentially.
Access Optics is an ISO 13485 certified contract design and manufacturing company based in Broken Arrow, OK. They specialize in optical imaging and diagnostic devices for medical OEMs. Offerings include precision optics and assemblies, micro optics, thin film coating, hermetic optical cells, and surgical endoscopy design and repair services.
Based in Rochester Hills, MI, CMM Optic specializes in manufacturing precision diamond-turned optics. The company produces mirrors and lenses using metal and polymer substrates, achieving tight form accuracy and exceptional surface finish. They serve various industries requiring high-precision optical components for demanding applications.
Coherent manufactures precision optical components including diffractive optical elements (DOEs), gratings, and metalenses for diverse applications. The company specializes in innovative photonics solutions, enabling ultra-high-speed data transmission and optimized power efficiency across datacenter, communications, and industrial markets.
Mark Optics Incorporated, based in Santa Ana, CA, manufactures precision optical components. Specializing in extremely thin substrates (25 μm minimum), they offer CNC machining of quartz and glassware. Capabilities include ID sawing, shaping, and polishing for aerospace, semiconductor, and optical industries. ITAR Registered and ISO 9001-2015 Compliant.
Based in Irvine, CA, MKS Newport operates an advanced optics manufacturing facility. The company specializes in precision-focused optics, providing custom solutions from its state-of-the-art lab.
Based in Irvine, CA, Newport Corporation manufactures custom lenses, coatings, and high-quality optical components within their precision-focused optics lab. They offer ultra-accurate measurements and products covering UV, VIS, NIR, and IR wavelengths, catering to diverse applications requiring advanced precision optics.
Based in Anza, CA, Ostahowski Optics specializes in high-quality spherical, parabolic, and flat precision optics. They manufacture off-axis parabolas, laser, industrial, defense, and LiDAR optics, providing optical coatings and refiguring services for small to custom production runs. The company serves industrial, aerospace, and defense sectors.
Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, RxSight is an ophthalmic medical technology corporation. They commercialize and provide the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL), a precision intraocular lens system customizable after cataract surgery. The LAL corrects astigmatism and optimizes vision for patients, serving the medical optics industry.
Based in New Haven, IN, S & S Optical Company, Inc. custom fabricates precision glass and quartz parts. They offer advanced machining capabilities including grinding, polishing, and CNC machining. Serving industries like military, aerospace, and electro-optical sensors, they provide components such as lens covers, beam splitters, and gauge glass for diverse manufacturers.
Surface Optics Corporation specializes in electro-optics engineering, providing analytical modeling, optomechanical design, and production unit delivery. They offer advanced optical property measurements, including HDR, BRDF, and emissivity testing. The company also performs thin film vacuum coatings using thermal, electron beam, and ion beam-assisted deposition for surface engineering.
Based in Fairport, NY, Westech Optical Corporation provides precision optics manufacturing and custom lens design for various industries. They offer rapid fabrication of components like achromatic, OEM, CCD, CMOS, and M12 lenses, beam splitters, and precision windows. The company ensures product precision through rigorous QC management.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Excelitas specializes in delivering custom optical component and assembly solutions. They possess highly specialized abilities for manufacturing precision lenses and mirrors, catering to demanding applications across various industries.
TRIOPTICS USA provides comprehensive precision optics manufacturing services, including rapid prototyping, advanced testing, and engineering support. Operating from US facilities in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Rochester, the company assists customers with complex optical challenges. As a member of the JENOPTIK Group, TRIOPTICS USA delivers tailored optical solutions.
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How to Choose a Company
- Verify they possess in-house interferometers (e.g., Zygo, Veeco) for transmitted wavefront error measurement, spectrophotometers for optical coating characterization across your required spectral range, and surface profilometers. These are crucial for validating high-performance components and not relying solely on external labs.
- Inquire about their specific coating chambers (e.g., E-beam, Ion-Assisted Deposition), their experience with your required spectral range (e.g., deep UV, SWIR, LWIR), and environmental durability testing capabilities (e.g., MIL-C-675, adhesion, abrasion). Generic 'AR coating' capabilities aren't enough for demanding applications.
- Confirm their experience with the specific optical materials your design requires, especially challenging substrates like calcium fluoride, germanium, or chalcogenide glasses. Discuss their capabilities for handling material birefringence if your application is polarization-sensitive.
- A strong supplier will not just quote a drawing but provide optical DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback, pointing out areas where tolerances for surface quality (scratch-dig) or centration could be relaxed without impacting functional performance, or where costs could be reduced through slight design modifications.
- Be wary if a supplier quotes significantly lower prices without asking detailed questions about your required metrology reports for transmitted wavefront error or surface figure, or if they don't inquire about the specific optical coating performance tests. This often indicates a lack of understanding of the technical challenges or necessary equipment, leading to expensive rework or non-conforming parts later.
Supplier Types at a Glance
| Type | Best For | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|---|
| Prototype & Niche Specialists | Complex, low-volume designs; aspheres, freeforms, diffractive optics; R&D projects requiring high NRE. | 1-100 units |
| Mid-Volume Precision Manufacturers | Moderate volumes (e.g., 100-10,000 units); spherical lenses with tight transmitted wavefront; some aspheres; integrated optical assemblies. | 100-10,000 units |
| High-Volume Commodity Producers | Large-scale production of standard spherical lenses, prisms, windows; lower complexity; cost-sensitive applications. | >10,000 units |
| Integrated Optical System Assemblers | Turnkey solutions from component fabrication to full system integration; optical-mechanical-electrical assembly. | Varies widely, project-dependent |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake buyers make when specifying surface quality (scratch-dig), and how can I avoid it?
Buyers frequently over-specify scratch-dig values (e.g., 20/10) for non-imaging surfaces or for applications where cosmetic defects won't impact optical performance. This unnecessarily inflates costs. To avoid this, understand the functional impact of defects on your specific application and use looser specifications like 60/40 or 80/50 where appropriate. Alternatively, specify tighter scratch-dig only for critical zones within the clear aperture, not the entire surface, referencing standards like MIL-PRF-13830B intelligently.
How do I evaluate a supplier's capability for custom optical coatings beyond just 'they do AR coatings'?
Go beyond basic 'AR coating' claims. Inquire about their specific coating technologies (e.g., Ion-Assisted Deposition for dense, durable films; E-beam evaporation for multi-layer designs), in-house metrology (e.g., spectrophotometers for transmission/reflection curves across your precise spectral range), and their experience with environmental durability testing (e.g., adhesion, abrasion, humidity per MIL-C-675 or ISO 9211). Ask for performance data from similar projects and inquire about their typical yield rates for complex, multi-layer designs at your specified wavelength.
When is it critical to specify transmitted wavefront error (TWE) versus just surface figure, and what metrology should I expect?
TWE is critical for imaging systems, laser applications, or any design sensitive to optical path difference, as it accounts for both surface deviations and material homogeneity of the element. Surface figure, conversely, only addresses the form error of a single surface. For TWE, you must expect interferometric testing (e.g., using a Zygo or similar Fizeau interferometer) with accompanying data (e.g., RMS, Peak-to-Valley values) that directly validates the component's impact on beam quality or image fidelity. If your system performance is driven by image quality or beam integrity, TWE is paramount.
What information should I provide to get an accurate quote for a complex optical component like an asphere or freeform optic?
Beyond a standard 2D drawing, you need to provide the complete surface prescription (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, or CAD files with surface definitions), material specification with refractive index data, clear definitions for surface quality (scratch-dig), transmitted wavefront error or form error, and centration tolerances. Crucially, specify the clear aperture and any required alignment features. Also, indicate the expected production volume and whether tooling costs (e.g., diamond turning inserts, specialized polishing laps) are included in the Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) fees.