From Braude to Breakthrough: a Career Journey in Precision Optics and Glass Innovation
Speaker: Shai Shafrir, Ph.D.
Abstract: This presentation will outline my career path, beginning at Braude College of Engineering (Israel), transitioning to the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), and ultimately to Corning Incorporated.
The first part of the presentation focuses on magnetorheological finishing (MRF) of optical glasses and ceramics using zirconia-coated carbonyl-iron (CI) particles in MR fluid. These particles, synthesized via sol-gel methods, demonstrated strong adhesion, corrosion resistance, and the ability to generate nanocrystalline zirconia abrasives for polishing. Extended testing revealed stable removal rates and smooth surface finishes without degradation of the fluid.
The second part explores the integration of glass wafers into silicon fabrication processes. Glass provides optical transparency and low RF nonlinearity, while silicon fabs offer unmatched precision and scalability. Combining these materials enables innovative device capabilities and cost efficiencies. Key challenges and solutions for incorporating glass into silicon processes will be discussed.
About the speaker: Shai Shafrir, Ph.D., is an Engineering Associate at Corning Incorporated Advanced Optics, where he currently serves as the Senior Optical Fabrication Technology Leader. In this role, he focuses on capability enhancement, cost reduction, and driving the growth of Advanced Optics businesses. Shai’s expertise lies in precision glass finishing, with significant contributions to enhancing surface and edge quality as well as scaling up and Design Transfer. His work has earned him worldwide recognition as a Subject Matter Expert in finishing technology. Most recently, Shai has been working on metrology and inspection systems, laser optics, and glass wafer fabrication for semiconductor manufacturing and augmented reality solutions.
Shai began his career at Corning in 2011 as a Senior Development Scientist within Corning Display Technologies and later served as the Finishing Technology Manager within Advanced Optics. Prior to joining Corning, he worked as a Senior Precision Optics Engineer at L3Harris, a Scientist at OptiPro Systems, and a Research Associate in the Materials Group at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester.
Shai earned his Ph.D. (2007) and M.S. (2005) in Materials Science from the University of Rochester, and a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from ORT Braude College (2003).
He previously served as a corporate board member of the American Precision Optics Manufacturing Association (APOMA) from 2021 to 2024 and as a member of the Visiting Committee for the Dean of Engineering at the University of Rochester from 2015 to 2023.
Shai is the primary author or co-author of five U.S. patents, six journal publications, and numerous conference papers and public presentations. He also serves as a journal referee for Applied Optics,
Journal of Materials Research, and J. Manuf. Sci. Eng., ASME.