An ultra-precision polishing technology firm has moved into a research lab at the University of Leicester’s £100m space research and innovation facility.
Zeeko Ltd, known for machines that produce high-precision optics for the space industry, has taken up a research lab at Space Park Leicester to further their work in optical innovation.
The lab at Space Park Leicester will serve as a hub for Zeeko Ltd’s research project focused on optics for laser fusion, a technology with the potential to change the landscape of energy generation.
This project, which brings significant research and development activity to Leicester, is set to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of freeform optics.
The research conducted in their lab will not only contribute to scientific advancements but may also play a direct role in the manufacturing of parts for future satellite missions.
Richard Freeman, Managing Director of Zeeko Ltd, said: “We moved to Space Park Leicester because it provides access to highly knowledgeable people, important diagnostic instrumentation and a fertile environment for developing links with potential end-users of research outputs.
“Our new lab is allowing us to further our research in optics for laser fusion and continue to provide groundbreaking solutions for the space industry.”
Zeeko Ltd’s Ultra-Precision Surfaces (UPS) research group has established an advanced optical manufacturing research facility at the Leicester venue run in collaboration with Space Park Leicester.
The group has been awarded the Super-polished Freeform Optical Systems (SFOS) project. Funded by the Eureka SMART program, the project is led by Zeeko Ltd and brings together Space Park Leicester and the University of Leicester with Thin Metal Films Ltd and Swiss academic and industry partners.
The project’s primary objective is to develop superior processes and metrology to deliver complex ‘freeform’ optics of unprecedented quality.
