Key Takeaways This article details optical system design for wide spectrum star trackers, vital for spacecraft attitude determination. It covers reflective, catadioptric, and transmissive types, highlighting their benefits for space applications. A compact, athermalized f/2.8 star tracker lens design example for 450-1000nm is presented, optimized for 2048×2048 sensors, ensuring stable, high-performance star identification across extreme […]
Key Takeaways: Miniaturized optics are revolutionizing CubeSats by enabling high-resolution imaging, agile beam steering, and real-time spectral analysis in compact form factors. Innovations like folded telescopes, MEMS mirrors, and compact spectrometers allow advanced performance in tight 1U–6U payloads. Optical engineers overcome challenges—vibration, thermal shifts, and radiation—using techniques like additive manufacturing, athermal designs, and hermetic sealing. […]
Key Takeaways Deep space optical communication (DSOC) uses laser-based systems for high-bandwidth, interplanetary data transfer. NASA’s DSOC project achieved a 266 Mbps downlink from 19 million miles using photon-efficient modulation and precision optics. The system includes a dual-wavelength flight transceiver, ground-based multi-laser uplink, and photon-counting receiver at Palomar Observatory. Key challenges include beam stability, extreme […]
Key Takeaways This Aspherical Lenses Reverse Engineering case study details the reverse engineering of a double aspherical lens used in laser cutting systems. By precisely measuring geometry, modeling surface equations, and analyzing material and coatings, Avantier reduced R&D time by over 60% and cut costs by 50%. Advanced tools like interferometers, profile meters, and Zemax […]
Key Takeaways Free space optical communications (FSOC) uses modulated laser or LED beams to wirelessly transmit data through free space. It offers high bandwidth, low latency, and secure transmission—ideal for space, air, sea, and land applications. FSOC systems vary by type (coherent/incoherent), range, platform, and architecture. Despite benefits, FSOC faces challenges like signal alignment and […]
Silicon carbide optics, known for excellent thermal stability and complex shapes, also boast unique optical properties.
