Optical design software maker Optical Research Associates and QED Technologies, finishing and metrology products provider to the precision optics industry, today announced a cooperative agreement that will integrate QED's aspheric characterization formulations into ORA's CODE V® software to facility easier design, analysis and tolerancing of aspheric surfaces. Although aspheric surfaces offer significant advantages to optical systems, the conventional characterization of their nominal shape is problematic. The Forbes Polynomial surface formulations, a mathematical representational tool for describing aspheres that was developed by Dr. Greg Forbes of Rochester-based QED Technologies, represents a novel solution to conventional aspheric characterization challenges, the companies said. “Aspheric optics have been known to significantly improve the performance of optical systems, but have historically been challenging to incorporate in optical design and cost effectively manufacture,” said Marc Tricard, director of business development for QED Technologies. “Through the introduction of the Forbes Polynomials and their implementation in the leading edge CODE V software from our development partner ORA, a complete design and manufacturing solution will now become available to the industry.” For more information, visit: www.qedmrf.com or www.opticalres.com