Paul K. Manhart

Mr. Manhart has a B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Arizona, and an M.S. in Optical Sciences from the Optical Sciences Center at the U of A in Tucson. Mr. Manhart has thirty years experience in the design of optical systems for civil space, defense, and in the medical, commercial and consumer markets as well. While at JPL, Mr. Manhart designed optical systems for interplanetary spacecraft and developed technology for the Next Generation Space Telescope. At Raytheon Missile Systems, he designed and developed the advanced kinetic energy weapon for the Navy (LEAP). Mr. Manhart was also responsible for developing the design software, metrology and technology for large scale-axial gradient index glass (GRADIUM™) for LightPath Technologies. In 2002, he chaired the 2002 International Optical Design Conference (IODC) in Tucson, AZ with Dr. Jose Sasian. He has also been active in designing optical systems for digital displays, from personal viewers to large scale digital theaters since the late 80’s. Mr. Manhart has published over 35 papers in the field of optical design and engineering. He has 11 patents and 7 NASA awards for innovation.