Build precision and complex optical systems with a new opto-mechanical design

Invited talk by Professor Shugang Liu
Date: 2 April 2019
Venue: C38, Advanced Manufacturing Building, University of Nottingham

Abstract:
What is optomechanics? What is the optical cage system? Is Thorlabs’ cage system the best? Most researchers neither seriously consider nor have the right experience with opto-mechanical design before building an optical system, often leading to measurement systems that give subpar results. It is very difficult to build a mechanically stable precision system without severe optical aberrations when lacking a proper design and the right components to realise the design.

This talk will address the issue building a modern high-precision complex optical system by following four criteria: (1) Reference; (2) Stability; (3) Simplicity; (4) Integrity. Moreover, I will introduce our innovative multi-axis cage system that eases the difficulty in building complex bench-top precision optical systems. The new multi-axis cage system will be compared with Thorlabs’ cage system in solving practical problems faced by researchers. Some new opto-mechanical technologies will be introduced, focusing on the applications of nano-precision motion stages. Finally, a couple of prototype systems will be demonstrated, including a 4pi microscope for super-resolution cell imaging, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microscopy, phase-shifting interferometry and white light interferometry.

Bio:
Prof. Shugang Liu received his PhD degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University Nottingham in 2000 and worked as a research fellow in the Optics and Photonics Group, EEE, University of Nottingham between 2000 and 2010. In June 2010, he became a professor in optics at Heilongjiang University, Harbin, China. In December 2017, he joined in Beijing Zhonglong Yicheng Technology Company as the chief technical expert. Prof. Liu’s research interests and expertise include optomechanics, atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, interferometry and techniques relying on applications of polarisation of light. He has published more than 20 academic papers and been granted 5 invention patents.