DLR - Institute of Technical Physics

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Abteilungen

Active Optical Systems

The Active Optical Systems department develops control systems for the conditioning and alignment of laser radiation (beam control), for applications over large distances such as optical detection for orbital data acquisition of space debris. This also includes high-resolution imaging by means of active and adaptive optical systems. Another task is the qualification of optical components under the influence of laser radiation for their use in the high-power range and under space conditions.

Atmospheric Propagation and Effect

Main topics of the Atmospheric Propagation and Effect department involve research concerning propagation and effect of laser radiation under real atmospheric conditions at long distances, as well as the development and evaluation of laser-based techniques for the detection of harmful and hazardous substances. Experimental studies in this area are carried out on the 130-metre optical test range at the DLR site Lampoldshausen. Various continuous wave and pulse laser sources with different emission wavelengths and output powers are available for application.

Solid State Lasers and Nonlinear Optics

The Solid State Lasers and Nonlinear Optics department deals with the optimisation of the beam quality of solid state lasers – in particular thin-disk lasers – in continuous wave or pulsed operation and their power scaling in the multi-kilowatt range. The focus is on the application of laser radiation over large distances and the development of eye-safe laser designs. Laser-based measurement techniques are also being developed and studied for applications such as atmospheric research and the remote detection of harmful and hazardous substances. This includes, in particular, non-linear optical methods to permit selection of the emission wavelength with high frequency stability. Even flight security can benefit from these technologies: The implementation of optical sensors into flight instruments is another field of research of the institute.