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EvolvOptic Selected to Provide Prototype Mirror Components for NSF OPAL Development

On Jan. 20, 2026, EvolvOptic was selected to fabricate prototype lightweight mirror components for evaluation by the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics as part of early-stage NSF OPAL development.
NSF OPAL is planned as a mid-scale facility with two 25-petawatt beamlines to enable frontier research areas including particle acceleration and quantum electrodynamics.
EvolvOptic will supply small-scale mirror "coupon" prototypes designed to test manufacturable lightweighting approaches and relies on lightweighting, shaping, bonding, and metrology expertise.
Dr. Ted Mooney, President of EvolvOptic, said `We are pleased to contribute prototype components that support NSF OPAL's development`, and the selection reinforces Rochester's role and leverages STELLAR programs.
Successful prototype development could inform future mirror procurement and scalable manufacturing for large-aperture optics, supporting research across particle acceleration, quantum electrodynamics, laboratory astrophysics, and nuclear/high-energy physics while strengthening U.S. science and manufacturing capacity.

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EvolvOptic Selected to Provide Prototype Mirror Components for NSF OPAL Development

EvolvOptic has been selected to fabricate prototype lightweight mirror components for evaluation by the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics as part of early-stage development supporting NSF OPAL. The work supports research into manufacturable, large-aperture mirror technologies for next-generation,…

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