Advanced Optical Technologies Group

After the rapid growth of the former Optical Free-Space Communications Group to more than 10 members, in 2011 part of the group was formed into the Advanced Optical Technologies Group (AOT), which deals with the scientific research of future application fields of optical free-space transmission in general. Areas of research comprise highly efficient sensors for Adaptive Optics under strong turbulence and very low signal levels, Frequency Links through the turbulent atmosphere, and the application of optical links for geostationary satellite feeder links, as well as for exploration missions to Moon and beyond. The assessment of the optical index-of-refraction turbulence by measurements, and its mitigation by fading-compensation techniques is another field of research.