New Orleans Tech Workshop 2024
Thank you for joining us at the 2024 APOMA Technical Workshop in New Orleans!
The American Precision Optics Manufacturers’ Association (APOMA) held its 2024 Technical Workshop October 8th through the 11th in New Orleans, LA at the landmark Roosevelt Hotel. The well-attended event kicked off with a welcome reception in the hotel’s famous Blue Room followed by two full days of technical presentations and was capped-off by a visit to the Laser Interferometer Gravitation Wave Observatory (LIGO) operated by Cal Tech and MIT in Livingston, LA whose founders received the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics for direct detection of gravitational waves predicted by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. LIGO was chosen in part because of the precision optics marvels it showcases – bulk material, polishing, coating and assemblies.
Academics, research scientists and leading subject matter experts gave 18 exceptional talks covering a range of topics including advancements in freeform polishing, metrology and polishing materials, ultrasonic cleaning, superpolishing and ultrafast optics. Some of the most popular talks were Fractography and Fracture Mechanics During Optical Fabrication by Dr. Tayyab Suratwala from Lawrence Livermore National Lab; Laser Damage, Causes, Mitigation and Measurement by Dr. Nathan Carlie from Edmund Optics; Developments in Machine Automation by Dave Mohring of OptiPro Systems; Metrology of Glass Materials using Frequency Scanning Interferometry by Dr. Thomas Dunn of Corning Tropel; Chalcogenide Glass Recycling and Plans for Infrared Material Growth by Dr. David Shelton from AmeriCOM and Why You Can’t Ignore the CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0) by Kyle Simonis of Isadore Data Management Consulting.
Satisfaction with the Workshop was reported unanimously high by those who responded to a survey afterwards. Here are several examples:
“It was my first APOMA Workshop and I found it to be a very valuable experience. We have sent people to the last few workshops and have seen a huge benefit implementing what we have learned into our business” – Doug Jenkins, Operations Manager, Thorlabs
“I had an absolutely amazing time in New Orleans! Superb presentations! Great organization, venue, tour, etc. Thanks again for everything!” – Keith Joye, R&D Chemist, Pureon
“It was a great pleasure to meet you at the APOMA workshop and your leadership and kind care for the APOMANS shined through. I enjoyed all the technical talks and have learned so much. Thank you very much.” – Dr. Daewook Kim, Associate Professor of Optical Sciences and Astronomy, Univ. of Arizona
I think it is fair to say that the 2024 Tech Workshop was a resounding success. That success was made possible by the organization, guidance and direct efforts of Lee Steneken, Steve Rowe and Michele Stolberg, as well as the knowledge and conscientious preparation of the presenters, the generous support of the sponsors and the enthusiastic participation of the more than 80 attendees.
It was my pleasure to serve as Chair for this event and interact with all involved.
Thank you,
Travis Green, APOMA Tech Workshop Chair
