Events

You Can't Make Anything Better Than You Can Test It

Daewook Kim, Associate Professor, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences

Presented in-person in Goergen 101 and on Zoom

Join Zoom

Abstract

A Colloquium In Honor of James Wyant

In 2005, Professor James (Jim) C. Wyant extended an invaluable opportunity to an international visiting student by allowing him to audit the Optical Testing class at the College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona. Prof. Wyant's message, “You can’t make anything any better than you can test it,” deeply resonated with the student, who subsequently shifted his academic focus from Astronomy to Optical Sciences. This talk is being given in honor of Professor James Wyant and is the first colloquium in what will be an annual event.

Advancements in optical metrology are paving the way for groundbreaking astronomical telescopes. SALTUS (Single Aperture Large Telescope for Universe Studies) is a pioneering mid/far-infrared telescope concept with a 14-meter inflatable membrane mirror. This deployable space telescope boasts an innovative optical architecture that harnesses the potential of a vast aperture. High dynamic range, non-null Thermo-Vacuum (TVAC) tests with deflectometry have validated the optical performance of these prototypes under space-like conditions. As another mission, the Nautilus space observatory concept introduces a scalable telescope array of unprecedented sensitivity, utilizing multi-order diffraction engineered (MODE) optics to create a replicable primary aperture. Such scalable optics technology demands various metrology solutions and control capabilities, marking significant strides towards the era of extreme optics.

Biography

 Daewook Kim is an associate professor of Optical Sciences and Astronomy at the University of Arizona. He has devoted his efforts to a multitude of space and ground-based large optical engineering projects. His primary research focuses on precision freeform optics design, fabrication, and various metrology topics, including interferometry and dynamic deflectometry. His contributions cover a broad spectrum of wavelengths, ranging from radio to x-ray. For over a decade, he has actively participated in various conference programs and short courses related to optics, delivering more than 20 plenary, keynote, and colloquium talks at various international conferences and universities. His leadership roles include chairing the Optical Fabrication and Testing conference (OPTICA) and the Optical Manufacturing and Testing conference (SPIE). Kim's academic contributions include authoring over 300 journal/conference papers and serving as an associate editor for Optics Express (OPTICA) for 2013 - 2019. His academic achievements have led to his recognition as an SPIE Fellow and OPTICA Senior, and he was elected to the SPIE Board of Directors for the term spanning 2024 to 2026.