In Troy, New York, Precision Manufacturing and Equipment Inc. designs and machines precision optics and components while handling the software and metrology in-house. Its work includes the protective optics used directly in the path of every National Ignition Facility fusion shot; after identifying their failure mechanism in 2003, PME developed a process that was adopted by France’s CEA fusion program. The company also builds browser-based tools for optical designers and metrologists, carrying its design-to-part approach beyond the machine shop.
American Center for Optics ManufacturingBased in Fairport, New York, the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM) strengthens the U.S. precision-optics base through manufacturing research, prototype development, and technician training. Its 10,000-square-foot COM-Lab gives industry, government, and academic partners access to optics fabrication and metrology equipment for process development before full-scale production. AmeriCOM also runs a national workforce-development network and free online courses that help prepare people for careers in precision optics manufacturing.ROCHESTER, NY
Rochester Precision Optics, LLCFrom its Greater Rochester, N.Y., headquarters, Rochester Precision Optics manufactures precision optical components, assemblies and electro-optical systems for applications ranging from night vision to medical devices. The vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer is notable for producing glass, polymer and infrared optics—including chalcogenide materials—in-house, with capabilities spanning design through volume production. RPO operates more than 40,000 square feet of climate-controlled Class 10,000 cleanroom space within its 110,000-square-foot facility and holds ISO 9001:2015 certification.WEST HENRIETTA, NY
Cosmo OpticsFounded in 1957 by German optician Hans Peters, Albany-based Cosmo Optics fabricates custom precision optical components and assemblies, from prototype work through production. In its 22,000-square-foot facility, the privately held company makes optics ranging from 1.5 mm parts to elements exceeding 40 inches, with in-house coating and inspection capabilities. Master Opticians and technicians bring decades of experience to work that the company describes as artisan optical fabrication.ALBANY, NY
Photon Gear, IncFor two decades, Photon Gear has built high-precision custom optical systems, taking difficult designs from optical engineering through prototype and production lens assembly. Its small, flexible team pairs complex lens design with a specialized clean facility and multi-wavelength testing spanning deep UV to mid-IR. Led by optical experts Gary Blough and John Bowen, the Ontario, New York company is also registered for ITAR-controlled work.ONTARIO, NY