SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation

Enhanced Aluminum Coating on 1 M Telescope Mirror

June 7, 2018

SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation

SPIE Events Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation Conference

The SPIE Events Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation Conference was held in Austin, Texas from June 10th – 15th. It is considered to be the most prestigious event for developers of ground and space-based telescopes, the supporting technologies, and the latest instrumentation. This year’s event brought together over 2,300 individuals from all scientific backgrounds for this tech and science based extravaganza. Scientists, engineers, and other tech savvy individuals all collaborating and engaging in conversations that were “out of this world” for five whole days!

Learn more about this year’s exhibitors and presenters.

Paul Schulz (President of EMF) and Michelle Henderson (Sales Account Manager at EMF) were both in attendance representing EMF. They were ecstatic about the opportunity to attend and exhibit at the SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation conference and could not have been more appreciative of the positive comments and feedback that they received.

Michelle was happy to report that they made contact with more qualified leads at this show than from any other show prior to. Paul and Michelle also ran into several of EMF’s customers. For example, EOS Space Systems, an Australian manufacturer of high-end telescopes who needed a precision aluminum coating for a very large (1 meter) optical component in one of their telescopes. Given EMF’s depth of knowledge and experience in highly-specialized coatings, they managed to coat the component in 4 days, a turnaround time that was significantly shorter and light years ahead of its competitors’.

Paul and Michelle enjoyed multiple workshops while at the conference including one on coatings. One technical workshop, in particular, gave them a better understanding of the challenges that large observatories face in regards to their own coating facilities.

Between the exhibitions, engaging conversations, workshops, people, great food and music, the EMF team left feeling inspired and motivated to continue their great work!