Colloquia & Guest Speakers
Optical Metrology with Computer Generated Holograms: A legacy of Jim Wyant
Professor Jim Burge, President, Arizona Optical Metrology, Professor Emeritus, University of Arizona
Monday, September 8, 2025
3:30 p.m.
Presented in Goergen 101 and on Zoom
Abstract
Jim Wyant was an early pioneer in the application of computer-generated holograms (CGHs) for measuring aspheric surfaces. Dr. Wyant published the key elements of CGH testing long before manufacturing technology was capable of making useful holograms. Today, measurements with computer generated holograms are commonplace, both for precision optical components like mirrors for space telescopes, and for volume production of optics for consumer systems. This talk starts with Jim Wyant’s initial invention and follows the evolution of CGH technology and applications for precision metrology.
Biography
Jim Burge is President of Arizona Optical Metrology, a small company started in 2009 that manufactures computer generated holograms and incorporates them into measuring equipment, and Professor Emeritus of Optics and Astronomy at University of Arizona.
Dr. Burge started his adventure in optics at Ohio State University earning a BS in Engineering Physics and working as a mechanical engineer building stabilized platforms for optical systems. From there he went to the University of Arizona to learn about the optical systems themselves. He worked as a research scientist for the astronomy department for nearly a decade -- working on telescopes, instruments, and large mirror manufacture -- and earned a PhD. in optics along the way.
He then pursued a career in academia as Professor of Optical Sciences at University of Arizona, performing research and teaching in optomechanics, optical systems engineering, optical fabrication, and optical testing. He also served as advisor for many companies who build optical systems and government organizations who use them. Dr. Burge led the development of the measurement systems for a wide range of projects, including mirrors and lenses for the world’s most powerful telescopes.
Dr. Burge since graduated from the University and applies his energy to industry, leading AOM to develop custom metrology systems that support a wide range of applications from precision machining to consumer optics to space telescopes.
He is a Fellow of SPIE and Optica, and 2011 recipient of the OSA Fraunhofer-Burley award which recognizes significant research accomplishments in the field of optical engineering.