Late-stage failures are a through-line in polymer optics.
Most polymer-optics programs that slip late slip on interactions between stress, alignment drift, material behavior, environmental exposure, and process variation — the kind of failure that does not show up on a dimensional report but does show up on the bench. These references are how we talk about the material, the process, and the program with engineering teams scoping a build.
Working references
Common polymers
Side-by-side comparison of the optical polymers Sandia molds and turns: nd, vd, Tg, water uptake, transmission band, and what each one is and is not the right answer for.
Open → ReferenceGlossary
Working A-to-Z glossary of the optical-materials, process, coating, and program-discipline terms used across the site. Every term is anchor-linkable.
Open → ConversationFAQ
Engineer-oriented answers to the questions we hear early in program conversations — when polymer wins over glass, PPAP, tolerancing, typical timelines, and prototype work.
Open →After launch (v1.1)
These resources are scoped and on the v1.1 list, not the launch list. We would rather ship reference material with the depth it needs than rush it.
Insights
Long-form writing on optical-polymer process, materials, and program practice. Lands in a v1.1 update — no email gate, no signup wall.
Not yet availableDFM checklist
A printable design-for-manufacture checklist for engineers preparing a polymer-optics prescription. Lands alongside Insights in v1.1.
Not yet availableReference reading helps, but the fastest way to scope a program is a conversation.
Send the prescription, the release criteria, and the operating envelope. We will read it and reply with the path that fits — molding, SPDT, or honest 'glass is the right answer here.'