Peak HAwkSight LGRIN Optics: How They Are Made

Optical lenses are crucial components in a myriad of devices, from cameras and smartphones to military equipment like night vision goggles. Traditionally, lenses have been made from glass, but Peak is revolutionizing the field with our innovative use of nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. Our HawkSight™ LGRIN (Layered Gradient Refractive Index) optics offer significant improvements in performance and weight reduction when used with or replacing glass lenses. 

The Foundation: NanoPlex Metamaterials

At the heart of Peak's technology is NanoPlex, a family of engineered metamaterials that can be engineered precisely to alter its optical, mechanical, electrical, or chemical properties by changing the layers’ composition, thickness, or sequence. These materials are measured in nanometers, with a single nanometer being one-billionth of a meter. To put this into perspective, a human hair is about 50,000 nanometers thick.

NanoPlex materials emerged from research conducted by Case Western Reserve University, DARPA, and the Naval Research Lab. Originally studied for ballistic shields, these materials have unique optical properties that make them ideal for advanced lens applications. NanoPlex films are created by blending and extruding plastic materials into precise layers with varying refractive indexes. This process, known as rheology, involves manipulating these nano-layers to achieve specific optical qualities.

The Role of AI: HawkAI™ Software

One of the keys to Peak's lens-making process is our HawkAI software. This software uses Maxwell's equations, fundamental principles in electromagnetism, and much more to optimize the design of optical lenses. By quickly simulating and testing millions of combinations of NanoPlex layers, the HawkAI software determines an ideal configuration for a HawkSight lens with specific property requirements. This allows Peak to create hybrid optical designs that can integrate with or replace multiple traditional glass lenses, resulting in smaller, lighter, and more efficient optical systems.

The Production Process

The production of Peak's HawkSight optics involves several precise and automated steps:

1. Material Preparation: The process begins with plastic pellets that are melted and extruded into NanoPlex films. These films are then spooled into rolls up to 3,000 meters long.

2. Cutting and Testing: The rolls are cut into 6-inch squares, each of which is tested and labeled with a barcode indicating its unique refractive index. This meticulous sorting ensures that each piece of film meets the required specifications.

3. Layering: Robots select and layer the films based on their refractive indexes, following a specific recipe determined by the HawkAI software. This stacking process is conducted in a controlled environment to prevent contamination.

4. Fusing: The layered films are placed into a vacuum forming machine, where they are fused into a solid sheet of lens material.

5. Shaping: The fused sheet is cut into circular shapes and then precisely shaped to add the proper curvature. This step, known as diamond turning, is so precise that it can remove layers as small as two molecules.

6. Validation and Assembly: The lenses are tested in Peak's metrology lab to ensure they meet the desired specifications. Once validated, the lenses are paired with housing assemblies and incorporated into various devices.

Advantages of LGRIN Optics

Peak's LGRIN optics offer several significant advantages over traditional glass lenses:

• Weight Reduction: These lenses are up to 50% lighter than their glass counterparts, making them ideal for applications where weight is a critical factor.

• Improved Clarity: The precise control of refractive indexes results in lenses with superior optical clarity.

• Expanded Field of View: The advanced design allows for a wider field of view, enhancing the performance of devices using these lenses.

Applications and Impact

Peak's innovative lenses can be used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to military equipment. For instance, the U.S. military will employ these lenses in night vision devices, fire control systems, and unmanned aerial systems (UASs). By ensuring superior performance and reducing the weight of these devices, Peak's technology contributes to enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Peak is transforming the field of optics. Our HawkSight LGRIN optics represent a significant leap forward, offering lighter, clearer, and more efficient lenses. As Peak continues to innovate, we are not only advancing optical technology but also ensuring U.S. leadership in this critical field.

For more information and detail, watch our How Peak HawkSight LGRIN Optics Are Made video or visit our website.