Departments

The DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems is structured in the following departments:

Department Real-Time Data Processing

The focus of this department is on the development and evaluation of models, algorithms and data processing chains for the sensors developed by the institute, for example for FireBird or IPS.

Department High-Speed Electronics

The department High-Speed Electronics comprises the Institute’s expertise in the development of focal plane units and detector electronics for VIS/NIR satellite cameras. It evolved from the department of Optical Sensor electronics. It builds on the expertise of focal plane unit development for high-resolution spaceborne cameras.

Department In-Situ Sensing

The department In-Situ Sensing (ISS) at the DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems researches and develops methods for in-situ measurements on planetary bodies such as Mars, the Moon and asteroids. Examples are laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy with close-range image data for in-situ analysis of geomaterials.

Department Security Research and Applications

The Department of Security Research and Application (OS-SEC) combines the Institute's activities in the field of civil security and defense. Our work is strongly application-oriented and always with a view to developing relevant contributions to the protection of modern societies.

Department Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy

The department of Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy (TLS) has a long track record in instrumentation development for and application of laser-based spectroscopic techniques ranging from the UV to the deep THz spectral range. Particular expertise exists in techniques for sensing the vibrational and rotational fingerprint of matter.

Department Space Instruments

The department Space Instruments comprises the instrument development activities which previously were distributed across several departments. Major missions with significant contributions of the institute are ESA’s planetary missions Envision, BepiColombo, CHEOPS, PLATO and NASA`s VERITAS mission.