DLR - Institute of Technical Physics

Abteilungen

Solid State Lasers and Nonlinear Optics

The task of the Solid State Lasers and Nonlinear Optics department is the development and adaptation of laser radiation sources for application in aerospace as well as security and defence applications. Some of these applications require sources of the highest power and beam quality – for example for energy transmission via laser ("power beaming") or the interception of mortar grenades and missiles. For other areas of application, laser sources are required which combine wavelength selectability with a high frequency stability, for e.g. remote detection of harmful and hazardous substances, for atmospheric research or for optical communication.

Active Optical Systems

The department Active Optical Systems is involved in the development of methods of wavefront control being emitted and received by optical systems. These methods are utilized for active imaging and for automatic tracking on objects. The know-how in this area is an important prerequisite for the realization of an active laser-based SSA system for the detection and orbital data acquisition of space debris. A second field is devoted to the qualification of laser optics being used for application in high power laser systems and space use.

Atmospheric Propagation and Effect

Key topics of the Atmospheric Propagation and Effect department are the development of a high-brightness laser source (Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser, COIL) and the research on atmospheric laser beam propagation and laser effect for selected fields of application. Present R&D work is focused on the development and evaluation of laser-based standoff detection of harmful and hazardous substances.

Studies & Concepts

The Studies & Concepts department is concerned with experimental and theoretical studies on specific tasks and applications of laser systems that have already been explored in principle as well as conceptual study investigations on the design and application potential of new laser systems. Particularly relevant to aerospace are the experimental studies on laser induced flow control and laser propulsion.