Reynard Corporation successfully completes a Navy Phase II SBIR development
Reynard Corporation, a leading global supplier of custom optics and thin film coatings has successfully completed a Phase II SBIR development program for the Navy by delivering a specialized, multi-functional optical filter.
The filter integrated several optical functions into a single device, including these various types:
- Narrow bandpass filter
- Wide out-of-band blocking
- Novel arc-gradient variable filter
The solution was based on a combination of custom designed thin film filters, utilization of specialized filter glass, and the development of proprietary tooling for the implementation of the gradient function. The final filter met the environmental and durability requirements of MIL-PRF-13839B and MIL-C-48497A.
The arc-gradient function was a key element that challenged the leading global optical supplier in one of its core competencies. Not only did the gradient have to follow a very precise exponential function that changed optical density from OD 0 to OD 6 in less than 0.25 inches, but it had to make this transition in a radial-arc segment. Specialized coating tooling, as well as metrology instrumentation were designed and built to implement and validate the gradient function.
The filter design targeted air-to-air missiles commonly used in Navy fighters, and can be adapted for the specific needs of other optical target detectors. The delivered filter met the requirements of the program, which was to design a precision filter that would fit into a small space and provide the necessary optical filtering compatible with the unique detector design. Reynard Corporation was able to leverage from their custom design experience and defined an approach that proved ultimately successful. A Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) design approach, utilizing available discrete optical elements could not be used due to the system requirements and limited space.
“Using custom optical element solutions to combine multiple optical functions into a single element instead of a COTS based solution saves in overall system weight, space, and cost,” says Randy Reynard, President. “It’s a fallacy that custom solutions are always more expensive than COTS solutions, especially when multiple optical functions are required, or large volumes are needed.”
About Reynard Corporation
Established in 1984, Reynard Corporation manufactures custom precision optical components & thin film coatings 0.2 µm to 50 µm (UV-IR) to demanding specs for military, commercial, industrial and medical applications. Their expertise in these markets enables them to provide advanced optical solutions while building strong reliable relationships with customers. Other in-house services include optical & mechanical fabrication, diamond turning, photolithography patterns & environmental testing. Prototype to production, ISO 9001:2015 Certified, ITAR Registered and CMMC Cybersecurity Compliant. Reynard looks forward to working with you in Perfecting Your Light ™.
For more information, please visit: https://www.reynardcorp.com or contact us at (949) 366-8866 & sales@reynardcorp.com