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©G&H Finished OpticsPrecision Optics, Reinforced: The Impact of G&H | Phoenix as Key Market Enabler
Technical
The precision optics market is on a rapid growth trajectory. In a 2023 BIS Research analysis[1], the marketplace is projected to expand from $23.24 billion in 2022 to $60.03 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 11.1%. This surge in demand for high-performing optical solutions is largely driven by technological and material advancements in aerospace, defense, life sciences, and R&D. Industry leaders such as NASA, JAXA, ESA, Airbus, and Boeing are actively shaping this optical technology revolution, calling for more investments in optical systems that can keep up with emerging tech demands.
As a key player in this transformation, G&H (LON:GHH) delivers customized, high-performing, ruggedized optical elements that meet the evolving needs of these high-tech sectors.
G&H | Phoenix: Strengthening Optical Innovation
Maintaining leadership in high-precision optics requires continuous investment in both technological depth and portfolio expansion. In 2024, G&H strengthened its capabilities by adding G&H | Phoenix, a Wales-based optical hub with over 30 years of expertise in high-quality optical manufacturing. Specializing in machined and molded blanks for lenses, prisms, plano optics, mirrors, and filters, G&H | Phoenix joins the G&H Group as one of the few suppliers with a fully in-house, vertically integrated production network. This ensures superior quality control for the entire production process – from R&D to high-volume manufacturing.
More than just a manufacturing facility, G&H | Phoenix embodies a culture of innovation. The team challenges conventional limits in optical design. Such an achiever mentality helps the Wales team manage a near-to-zero defects operational line, which boosts both efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
©️ G&H | Phoenix chemically toughened glass
Cutting-Edge Optical Solutions for Diversified Applications
G&H | Phoenix offers first-rate product lines and services, designed for a vast range of applications, from airborne machines to research devices in laboratories. Take a closer look at some key capabilities:
- Chemically Toughened Glass
Imagine a material with the optical benefits of glass such as light transmission and shape versatility, without its traditional fragility. That is precisely what the R&D experts at G&H | Phoenix achieved with the Armourdillo™ chemically toughened glass. This original solution is 6x stronger than regular protective glass, and it also maintains optimal optical performance. Subjected to several flexural strength tests (known as modulus of rupture) at the National Physical Laboratories in the United Kingdom, the new glass is qualified and has a legacy of being used by blue chip companies around the world. Designed with 4-point bending stress in mind, this glass is the perfect material choice for slumped combiners, protective windows, and space exploration systems. The Armourdillo™ chemically toughened glass is exclusively produced and distributed by G&H | Phoenix for applications on land, sea, and air.
©️ G&H High-speed diamond turning
- High-Speed Diamond Turning
G&H | Phoenix’s diamond turning facilities offer high capacity with production speeds 4x faster than the industry average.
G&H Technologies: Single Point Diamond Turning achieves the smoothest, most accurate surfaces, which are critical for aerospace and defense applications. Diamond turned products manufactured by G&H | Phoenix include IR diffractive hybrid and aspheric lenses with exceptionally smooth surfaces, accommodating lens sizes from 15mm to 270mm (including dome windows).
- Bespoke Product Assembly
G&H | Phoenix implements high-precision techniques to ensure that complete optical systems are assembled at the highest accuracy standards. By incorporating clean room manufacturing and assembly line into one structured process, G&H | Phoenix enables a smooth transition between production stages, delivering a one-stop solution for our customers. This, in turn, enhances quality control and reduces lead times.
G&H | Phoenix offers flexible assembly solutions, whether for small-scale R&D projects or long-term agreements with larger production volumes over months or years. As demand for cost-effective scalable optical systems grows, our sub-assembly capabilities represent a key growth area for the engineering team.
©️ G&H Advanced optical coatings
- Advanced Optical Coatings
Thin film optical coatings are integral to modern technological developments. At G&H | Phoenix, all coatings are manufactured by plasma assisted electron beam deposition, which provides high spectral stability independent of temperature or humidity variations. These coatings are extremely rugged and comply with all applicable military specifications and aerospace requirements. G&H offers an expansive portfolio of optical filters, designed to cover a wide spectral range from ultraviolet to visible and near infra-red wavelengths.
- Precise CNC Polishing
With the latest CNC polishing suite installed in 2024, G&H | Phoenix delivers industry-leading polishing precision, ensuring repeatable, high-quality results. With full in-house testing, the manufacturing team ensures exceptional product quality. We offer both prototype optics and batch production, especially for complex optical components.
A Vision for the Future of Precision Optics
The optical capabilities provided by G&H | Phoenix and the wider G&H Group illustrate how a dedicated team, combined with innovative technology, can impact optical manufacturing. Gooch & Housego strives to integrate expertise in optics and photonics to deliver the highest quality precision optics for tomorrow’s breakthrough technologies.
[1] Research, B. (2023, March 17). Precision Optics in the Next Decade: What to Expect and What’s Possible. BIS Research. https://blog.bisresearch.com/precision-optics-in-the-next-decade-what-to-expect-and-whats-possible.
