Surface integrity in diamond machining germanium for infrared optics

Doctoral Candidate Name: 
Nicholas Sizemore
Program: 
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract: 

Ultra-precision manufacturing is a deterministic method of producing optical-grade components. Continuous and interruptive machine operations are the main focus of this research with the goal of improving the manufacturing communities knowledge. The original contributions of this research are: (a) a comprehensive analysis of the cutting mechanics of single-crystal germanium, specifically studying the effects of major crystal orientation in germanium and cutting speed; (b) methodology for producing
flat, damage-free test samples in single-crystal germanium; and (c) machine learning model for estimating surface finish parameters Sa, Sq, and Sz for SPDT of single-crystal germanium and oxygen-free high-conductivity copper. As a final product of this research, a pair of collimating lenses were produced. AFRL funded the research for development of these lenses.

Defense Date and Time: 
Monday, November 30, 2020 - 9:00am
Defense Location: 
Committee in person and stream via Google Meet
Committee Chair's Name: 
Dr. Matthew A. Davies
Committee Members: 
Dr. Christopher Evans, Dr. Youxing Chen, and Dr. Thomas Suleski