Surface Methodology for 3D Printed Multispectral Systems

In this study, a methodology is developed to enhance additively manufactured surfaces for use as 3D printed optical mirrors. Utilizing vacuum deposition and pulse-reverse-current electroplating, a grain size smaller than one-tenth the wavelength can be achieved for mmWave, IR, visible, and UV. A shared-aperture, multispectral imaging system consisting of 3D printed optical mirrors is proposed for military and security applications. Being centered and aligned along the same optical axis provides the advantage of exploiting multi-beam target illumination while maintaining a consistent reference for image processing. With the use of additive manufacturing and surface treatment techniques, complex designs can be achieved to develop passive apertures with predictable resolution and dimensional tolerance. Optimization and integration of this surface methodology would enable the ability to additively manufacture multispectral optical systems.