DLR - Institute of Technical Physics

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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.

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Studies

Concept studies generally focus not only on the technical, but also on the overall system aspects of (defence technology-relevant) laser applications. The analysis and assessment of the performance of laser-active materials and nonlinear optical components also plays an important role. Further activity includes analyses of the potential threat as a result of laser radiation in various scenarios.

Laser Propulsion

The work on laser propulsion at the Institute of Technical Physics covers both basic investigations on pulsed thermal laser propulsion with stationary high power laser sources and the development and qualification of laser ablation based micro rockets.

Laser-induced Flow Control

The active control of a technical flow is a promising technology for reduction of aerodynamic drag. For example, it is possible to induce a modification of the shock wave structures as a result of an energy deposition in the flow field of a supersonic missile, reducing the wave drag.

Contact

Dr.rer.nat. Hans-Albert Eckel
German Aerospace Center
Institute of Technical Physics, Studies & Concepts
Stuttgart
Tel.: +49 711 6862-714
Fax: +49 711 6862-788

Precise space thrusters using pulsed lasers (0.39 MB)

Supersonic Flow Control using Laser-sustained (0.19 MB)