Our contribution to the EU-funded project MYRTE for the transmutation of radioactive fission residues was the engineering construction of a 4 m long RFQ structure to reduce protons to an energy of 1.5 MeV for further acceleration in subsequent structures. This RFQ has now been successfully tested with beam. More information can be found here:
https://www.sckcen.be/en/news/myrrha-protons-accelerated-successfully
Pushing the limits: 40µm Sub-Aperture Ion Beam Processing
For 30 years we have been dealing with ion beam processing systems for the production of ultra-precise optical surfaces. State-of-the-Art are machinable optics diameters in a range of 5 mm – 2000 mm with freely definable shapes.
Now we are pushing the limits towards smaller optics with sizes of <1 mm to 5 mm. These optics are mandatory for key technologies in the growth markets of medical technology, physical metrology, communication technology, energy technology, analytical chemistry, laser technology and aerospace technology. Highly curved and free-form elements enable compact efficient systems.
Our new tool, an RF-driven ion beam source, features an ion beam cross section of 40 µm (Gaussian shape FWHM) with a central removal of >40nm/s. This allows a high-volume ablation and enables efficient processing of micro-optical components with the highest demands on roughness and shape accuracy. A newly designed 5-grid extraction system enables flexible beam size for ion energies up to 3 keV. Customized systems for higher energies or larger beams can be developed based on beam dynamics simulations. Maintenance intervals in the range of 2000 hours enable long term processing of multiple optics in one run.
The first system was commissioned at a customer site in 11/2020. Further machines are under construction and will be delivered this year.
Further informations can be downloaded here: IBF5
This was the title of Dr. David Schäfer’s presentation at the 10th Wetzlar Autumn Conference on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 – one of the few face-to-face events that took place this year.
For 30 years we have been dealing with ion beam processing systems for the production of ultra-precise optical surfaces. State-of-the-Art are machinable optics diameters in a range of 5 mm – 2000 mm with freely definable shapes.
Now we are pushing the limits towards smaller optics with sizes of <1 mm to 5 mm. These optics are mandatory for key technologies in the growth markets of medical technology, physical metrology, communication technology, energy technology, analytical chemistry, laser technology and aerospace technology. Highly curved and free-form elements enable compact efficient systems.
Our new tool, an RF-driven ion beam source, features an ion beam cross section of 40 µm (Gaussian shape FWHM) with a central removal of >40nm/s. This allows a high-volume ablation and enables efficient processing of micro-optical components with the highest demands on roughness and shape accuracy. A newly designed 5-grid extraction system enables flexible beam size for ion energies up to 3 keV. Customized systems for higher energies or larger beams can be developed based on beam dynamics simulations. Maintenance intervals in the range of 2000 hours enable long term processing of multiple optics in one run.
The first system was commissioned at a customer site in 11/2020. Further machines are under construction and will be delivered this year.
The complete presentation by Dr. David Schäfer can be found here: Pushing the limits: 40µm sub-aperture ion beam processing
Here you can find an article about our smallest and youngest ion beam processing machine: IBF 5
Inspired by the “Main-Kinzig-blüht” nature protection campaign sponsored by the government of Hessen, we began the first step in late summer 2020 with the planting of hedges in 15 different species, which were specifically chosen for the needs of native bird species that will hopefully breed there in great numbers. In addition, with the active help of our first-year apprentices, we have created a wild shrub border for wild bees and butterflies.
200 perennials in over 20 species were planted. Thanks to our shareholder, Mr. Karl Gutmann, who brought several meters of dead wood, not only an insect hotel was created, but a true insect metropolis, which also becomes a living space for small animals.
Click here for the press article
In the coming years, we will continue to ensure that the biodiversity in the business park continues to expand on our 5,600 m2 site. We are already looking forward to the first blooming of the wildflower areas.
You can find more information about this project here: Naturschutzkampagne-Hessen
This is the title of the lecture which Dr. David Schäfer will give on November 25th in Aachen. The Photonics HUB GmbH in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IPT offers the seminar “Replicative Manufacturing of Glass Optics”. Further information
about this seminar can be found here: Replikative Fertigung von Glasoptiken
With the support of many local companies, the painting and workbooks can be distributed free of charge to elementary school children in the Main-Kinzig district. A commitment that we are very happy to support.
Would you like to learn more about the project? You can find more information here: www.verlagsgruppe-kim.de
Picture credits: Abb. @ Verlagsgruppe-KIM