Key Takeaways ISO 10110 is the global standard for representing optical components in technical drawings, ensuring clear communication between designers and manufacturers. It defines specifications for surface form, material quality, surface texture, coatings, tolerances, and alignment—critical for precision lens design. By standardizing symbols and notations, it minimizes errors, improves quality, and supports international collaboration. Adhering […]
Key Takeaways: Thermal management in space optics Thermal management in space optics ensures stable performance across the wide thermal variations typical of orbital environments—using passive techniques like matched-CTE materials, athermal optical design, and radiative shielding. These strategies prevent focus shift, wavefront distortion, and mechanical misalignment without adding mass or complexity. From CubeSats to deep space […]
Key Takeaways Projects in aerospace, biomedical imaging, and other high-precision sectors often hinge on expert optical engineering. Warning signs you need this expertise include: when optical performance is mission-critical, prototypes rely on trial-and-error, off-the-shelf optics fail specs, integration issues degrade performance, or timelines can’t support in-house hires. Skilled optical engineers apply advanced modeling, custom design, […]
Introduction to SSI Subaperture Stitching Interferometry In the evolving landscape of optical systems manufacturing, test results with high measurement accuracy are critical—especially for large aperture and aspherical surface components used in technologies such as astronomical telescopes and EUV lithography. Conventional interferometers struggle to capture precise full aperture measurements due to limitations in range and aberration […]
How to Manage Wavefront Error Budgets in Space Telescopes Meeting strict wavefront error (WFE) budgets is essential in the design and manufacturing of space telescope optics. These performance thresholds determine how clearly and accurately a telescope can capture images of distant celestial objects or monitor Earth from orbit. For optical manufacturers, maintaining ultra-low surface figure […]
Key Takeaways In ion trapping experiments, precision optics are critical for delivering UV laser excitation and collecting ion fluorescence efficiently. This application note details the design, manufacturing process, and practical performance of a custom microscope objective for ion trapping with a long working distance (≥52 mm) and large numerical aperture (NA ≥ 0.48). The system […]
Key Takeaways Optical systems are vital to ADCS performance in small satellites, enabling precise attitude determination with star trackers, sun sensors, and Earth horizon sensors. Avantier supports SWaP-constrained missions with compact, radiation-hardened optics, precision assembly, and mission-specific designs. Avantier’s miniaturized, thermally stable components enhance pointing accuracy and environmental resilience. From beam steering to photon torquers, […]
Key Takeaways: Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) defines the laser energy or power at which materials sustain permanent damage. It varies with laser type—pulsed or continuous—and is influenced by factors like pulse duration, wavelength, material defects, and thermal properties. Pulsed lasers often cause non-thermal damage via ionization, while CW lasers primarily induce thermal effects. Testing methods […]
Wide Field Space Imaging Project Overview Meeting the growing demand for large-area Earth observation requires optical systems that combine wide field of view, high optical performance, and compact design. One such solution is a space camera optical system based on an off-axis four-mirror freeform design, achieving a 70° ultra-wide field of view from a 640 […]
Key Takeaways Satellite telescope coatings must support wide spectral ranges (UV to LWIR) while enduring radiation, AO exposure, and thermal cycles. AR coatings for lenses and windows require high transmittance, environmental resistance, and minimal outgassing. Gold and silver reflective coatings are essential for high-efficiency IR mirrors in thermal imaging telescopes. AO-resistant layers like ALD-deposited Al₂O₃ […]
