Business Details
32 Years
experience
Custom Optical Engineering Solutions in Tucson, AZ
Cardinal Optics was founded in 1994 as Ruda & Associates, building a legacy of innovation in optical engineering. Our team combines nearly 200 years of collective experience in optical and optomechanical systems design, modeling, assembly, and testing. We specialize in optical alignment, tight tolerancing, and custom high-precision designs for aerospace, defense, and medical applications. Our staff includes PhDs in Optical and Mechanical Engineering, certified GD&T professionals, and experts in sub-micron tolerancing and space-qualified systems. We maintain ITAR compliance, AS9100D certification, and an ISO 14644-1 Class 5 Cleanroom.Our engineers regularly contribute to industry conferences like SPIE and OSA, advancing optical engineering knowledge. We deliver end-to-end solutions from concept to delivery, ensuring clients retain full design ownership. Our quality management system emphasizes continuous improvement, supplier excellence, and timely delivery of high-quality products. We invest in employee development and quarterly management reviews to maintain accountability and operational excellence. With over two decades of technical leadership, we remain committed to solving complex optical challenges for global clients.
Services
Optical Design
Optomechanical Assembly
Custom High-Precision Designs
Tolerance Analysis
Stray Light Analysis
Finite Element Analysis
Optical Testing
Cleanroom Manufacturing
GD&T Certification
Space-Qualified Systems
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have nearly 200 years of combined experience in optical engineering
- Our team includes PhDs in Optical and Mechanical Engineering
- We maintain AS9100D certification and ISO 14644-1 Class 5 Cleanroom standards
- Our engineers specialize in sub-micron tolerancing and space-qualified designs
- We implement a proven quality management system with continuous improvement
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- AS9100D
- ITAR Compliant
Services
Optical Design
We create custom optical designs optimized for performance, manufacturability, and environmental requirements. Our engineers use advanced software tools to develop precision lens systems for aerospace, defense, and medical applications. The process includes trade-off studies, tolerance analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations to ensure reliable performance under real-world conditions.
Optomechanical Assembly
Our optomechanical assembly services integrate optical components with mechanical systems using sub-micron tolerancing. We design custom mounting solutions that maintain optical alignment under thermal, vibration, and shock stresses. The process includes tooling design, adhesive selection, and alignment compensators to achieve optimal system performance.
Tolerance Analysis
We perform comprehensive tolerance analysis during optical design to account for manufacturing and assembly variations. Our engineers use sensitivity studies and Monte Carlo testing to predict system performance. This ensures designs remain functional despite real-world production tolerances in both optical and mechanical components.
Stray Light Analysis
Our stray light analysis identifies unwanted optical radiation paths that could degrade system performance. Using FRED software, we simulate ghost reflections and scattering effects. This analysis optimizes optical coatings, baffling, and component placement to maintain imaging quality in precision optical systems.
Cleanroom Manufacturing
We maintain an ISO 14644-1 Class 5 Cleanroom for precision optical assembly. This controlled environment prevents contamination during critical manufacturing stages. Our cleanroom supports particle-sensitive processes for aerospace and medical devices requiring ultra-high optical clarity and reliability.
People
Dr. Kate Medicus
Owner
Dr. Kate Medicus leads Cardinal Optics as owner and chief technical officer. With extensive experience in optical engineering and systems design, she oversees all technical operations and strategic direction. Dr. Medicus ensures the company maintains its reputation for solving complex optical challenges while fostering innovation and quality excellence.
Questions
What optical engineering services do you offer?
We provide complete optical system design, tolerance analysis, optomechanical assembly, stray light analysis, and cleanroom manufacturing for aerospace, defense, and medical applications.
Are you certified for quality standards?
Yes, we maintain ISO 9001 certification since 2007 and AS9100D certification for aerospace quality management systems.
What industries do you serve?
We primarily serve aerospace, defense, and medical industries requiring precision optical solutions for demanding environments.
How do you handle complex optical tolerancing?
Our engineers perform sensitivity studies and Monte Carlo simulations to optimize designs for manufacturing and assembly tolerances, ensuring reliable performance.
Do you maintain cleanroom facilities?
Yes, we operate an ISO 14644-1 Class 5 Cleanroom for precision optical assembly and contamination-sensitive processes.
Can you handle space-qualified designs?
Our team has extensive experience creating space-qualified optical systems that meet rigorous environmental and performance requirements for orbital and deep-space applications.
