DLR - Institute of Technical Physics - Active Optical Systems

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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.

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Atmospheric real time laser tracking

The detection and continuous tracking of fast propagating, distant objects like UAVs and space debris necessitate precise and highly sensitive tracking systems having an accuracy in sub µrad range and bandwidth on the order of kHz. These systems are continuously tested in the field and improved, taking atmospheric conditions into account.

Compensated imaging in the field

With the help of adaptive-optical methods atmospheric turbulences are compensated before the data acquisition. The requirements depend strongly on the actual turbulence conditions. The aim is to achieve images of high resolution of objects being hidden behind atmospheric turbulences.

Laser-based space debris monitoring

The increase of space debris in low earth orbits imposes an increasing threat for accessing space. Space debris parts of size larger than 1 cm are of great importance. The laser based detection of space debris has a great potential for an accurate and efficient monitoring of the corresponding orbits.

Test centre for space optics

At the DLR laser damage laboratory, investigations are performed according to international standards optoelectronics and standard optics to analyze damage processes and laser-induced damage thresholds. The system is continuously extended and improved to achieve reliable operation under long term tests and under vacuum operation. In addition, systems for evaluating laser-induced contamination and efficiency tests of NLO crystals are operated.

Laser-induced contamination

Laser systems which are operated in space suffer from outgassing effects of organic materials which are used as glue or isolating materials. To mitigate the concomitant risks basic investigations are necessary to analyze the development and growth of contamination layers.

Qualification of frequency conversion crystals

Nonlinear crystals used for frequency conversion are important optical components in laser systems used to access the visible or ultra violet spectral range. The stability of these crystals under long term operation is great importance and has to be defined in extensive tests.

Contact

Wolfgang Riede
German Aerospace Center
Institute of Technical Physics, Active optical Systems
Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 711 6862-515
Fax: +49 711 6862-788

Laser-based space debris monitoring (0.35 MB)

Atmospheric Real-Time Laser Tracking (0.69 MB)

Field-Based Compensated Imaging (0.21 MB)

Laser Optics Test Center (0.25 MB)