Alzenau in Unterfranken, Bavaria, Germany
2021 - Process engineer who works on state-of-the-art ion beam systems. I have joined a world leader organisation that focuses on plasma-based processing and machines (vacuum technology). 2018 - Process and opto-mechanical engineer who worked on high-end optical systems for space optics. 2008 - Lecturer in Precision Engineer at Cranfield University. 2005 - Researcher on applied physics and material sciences. 2003 - PhD focused on Nanotechnology and Microsystems.
Process engineer on plasma based processes and vacuum technology. This role focuses on coating and photonic, it is carried out through a twofold activity. Firstly, I contribute to securing the latest processing capability on ion beam figuring (IBF) systems. Secondly, I contribute to coating capability using ion beam sputtering (IBS) systems and innovative monitoring strategies. I contribute to the machine commissioning and carry out the process commissioning of state-of-the-art systems.
I joined AMOS for strengthen the optical fabrication team that works using ion beam figuring technique on space optics. I applied my expertise that I gained through 10 years of academic research during which I focused on the correction at nanometre level of metre scale optical surfaces needed for E-ELT. I worked as a process engineer on state-of-the art Ion Beam Figuring (IBF) systems for which I developed innovative numerical solutions. The main activity was the programming and the creation of numerical solutions for a "right first-time processing" across the wide range of off-axis aspheric surfaces. The field of expertise extended to data handling, metrology (laser interferometry + CGH + CMM), opto-mecha design, and robot polishing.
_ My research work was focused on the fabrication of high end metre-scale optical surfaces (nanometre level form accuracy) using both plasma and laser energy beams. My research interests spamed from RF to microwave plasma beams operated at atmospheric pressure. My research led to developing non-contact test systems (Laser interferometry) for form measurements of metre-scale components. From 2016 up to 2018, I also focused on hybrid control systems for RF ICP plasma jets. _ My lectures (Master Level) were focused onto surface figuring methods, non-conventional machining techniques, laser processing, non-contact surface form measurements and heat transfer using Finite Element methods. _ As a Course Director , I led a post-graduate research degree for the Cambridge-Cranfield centre for doctoral training (CDT) in ultra-precision (UP). The CDT-UP research degree enabled the high calibre students to become independent researchers by the end of a four-year programme.
Creation of an AWE funded project for the demonstration of the processing capability of RF plasma jets on thin transparent shields created and used for metre-scale ultra-precise optics used in UK laser fusion research programs. Results highlighted the plasma-material interactions and the capability for plasma jets for improving form accuracy of optical shields.
Carried out a research project using 6 KW YAG laser, additive manufacturing (AM) titanium parts and a Fanuc robotic arm in the welding centre. This work supported the development of the Wire + Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) technology. The new surface finishing method enabled to improve both form accuracy and surface roughness of AM parts.
A further development of the fast surface figuring process named Reactive Atom Plasma (RAP) was made. The work was achieved through the creation of bespoke nozzles. Nozzles were used on inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch powered using a 1.2KW RF signal. Nozzle provided a range of processing footprints used for correction of mid-spatial frequencies observed on optical surfaces. The RAP process is based on dwell time technique and plasma technology.
Management and completion of a CNES (French National Space Centre) and Boostec-Mersen (French High-Tech Company) funded project for the demonstration of the processing capability of precision grinding on metre scale lightweight space optics made of silicon carbide. The project required both precision grinding and the use of advanced CMM metrology for a 600mm OD SiC optic.
Design and fabrication of a metre-sale optical test system (OTS) dedicated to measurements of 2-4 metre radius of curvature spherical surfaces. The OTS was designed using a vibration insensitive (spatial-carrier phase-shifting) laser interferometer. The OTS was pictured in the magazine Laser Focus World in 2013. Surfaces measured were 400mm in diameter and 3m ROC. Measurement repeatability was better than 1nm (std) rms when more than ten acquisitions were carried out (3.5nm (std) rms for one acquisition).
Development of a new fast surface figuring process - based on plasma technology and dwell time- for the correction of metre scale optics. The project successfully enabled to demonstrate a rapid plasma figuring capability at nanometre level. Indeed, a 400mm diameter 3m ROC surface (ULE) was corrected to Lambda by 30 within 1.5 hour (i.e. two iterations). The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure and plasma torch is unique. A solid expertise in programming of motion controllers (Aerotech and Fanuc) was gained.
I created novel multilayer actuators for air-flow control of aircrafts. The design of actuators were based on spirals. These high-performance actuators were integrated into silicon and polymer micro valves. Numerical simulations were carried out to optimise both geometry and thicknesses of active multilayer components. The fabrication process was enhanced using polyimide film for preventing electrical breakdown into piezoelectric layers. Expertise in precision grinding and bonding technology was gained.