With significant involvement in meticulous optomechanical assembly, design, and fabrication, Avantier is a reliable partner in key space programs globally.
Avantier’s space optics solutions, such as optical systems for space remote sensing payloads, including space cameras and satellite-borne optical cameras, meet the strict criteria of space science and Earth Observation missions, guaranteeing high accuracy, precision, and quality.
Optics for Space. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Discover High Precision Optics: Silicon Carbide Mirror
Video Credit: Avantier Inc.
Silicon Carbide Mirrors (Front). Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Gold Coated Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Custom Optical Domes. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Source: Avantier Inc.
| |
Substrates |
Standard Spec |
Coatings |
Key Features |
OAP
Mirrors |
Aluminum |
Surface Roughness: R5 nm.
Surface Accuracy: 1/10 λ RMS.
Surface Shape: 1/8 λ.
Surface Quality: 60-40. |
Aluminum (Protected,
Enhanced, UV Enhanced),
Gold (Protected, Bare),
Silver (Protected,
Ultrafast Enhanced) |
Customizable Specifications
and Coatings,
Precision Manufacturing |
| SiC Mirrors |
Silicon
Carbide (SiC) |
Surface Shape: Flat,
Sphere, Aspheric.
Surface Flatness: Up to
λ/100 RMS. |
Aluminum (Al),
Silver (Ag), Gold (Au),
and high laser
damage threshold
dielectric coatings. |
Lightweight,
High Strength and Stiffness,
High Thermal Conductivity,
Thermal Stability, |
| Optical Domes |
Fused Silica,
Sapphire, Germanium,
Zinc Selenide (ZnSe),
MgF2 Ceramic |
Surface Accuracy: 1/10-1 λ.
Dimensional Tolerance: ±0.1 mm.
Surface Quality: 20/10 to 60/40.
Clear Aperture: 90 %. |
Anti-Reflection (AR)
Coatings: Available for
VIS, SWIR, NIR, MWIR,
LWIR, and broadband. |
Customizable Sizes,
High Durability,
Precision Manufacturing,
Application Versatility |
*Other specifications (materials, angles, sizes etc) and custom coatings are available upon request
Comprehensive Micro-Satellite Solutions
Avantier designs and supplies various optical parts for microsatellites utilized in defense, remote sensing, and scientific applications.
Space Applications
Navigation with Optical Sensors:
- Satellites utilize fundamentally high-precision cameras called star trackers to distinguish and monitor certain stars. This data enables the satellite to control its orientation and change its course.
- Space telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, utilize a sophisticated system of lenses and mirrors to focus faint light from faraway objects.
Optical Communication:
- Free-space laser communication enables high-bandwidth data transfer between the spacecraft and Earth and between the spacecraft itself. There are substantial benefits to using lasers over conventional radio waves for these applications.
Space Telescopes:
- Space telescopes are prominent uses of optical technologies. Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope is renowned for its findings on the expansion rate of the universe and dark energy. Its 2.4-meter primary mirror gathers ultraviolet and visible light.
Observation and Science:
- Multiple scientific tools on spacecraft utilize optical components. Spectrometers assess the light emitted by objects to calculate their configuration.
- Recent lunar missions have used lasers to find ice deposits in permanently shadowed craters.
Photovoltaic Devices:
- Photovoltaic devices are critical for space applications, facilitating spacecraft in orbit. Solar cells translate sunlight into electricity, which powers the spacecraft’s systems and recharges its batteries.
Advanced Capabilities and Technologies for Space Optics
- Coating: Utilizes sophisticated approaches such as IAD E-Beam and IBS to make coatings for beam splitters, filters, and beyond, crucial for multiple industries and spectral areas.
- Optical Polishing: Able to process any refractive optical substance and mirror substrates (glass, Silicon Carbide [SiC], etc.) up to 4 meters. Avantier produces high-precision plano, freeform, spherical, and aspheric surfaces utilizing computer-controlled polishing and ion-beam-figuring methods.
- Precision Alignment and Integration: Proven approaches for lens centering, mounting, and mirror attachment. Parts are aligned and integrated before comprehensive environmental testing for space qualification.
Key Products and Services
D187 mm Germanium Optical Dome. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Parabolic mirror in telescope. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Ritchey Chrétien Telescope. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Silver Coated Off Axis Parabolic Mirror. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Optical Space Systems from Avantier
Avantier offers optical solutions for Earth Science, space-based optical communication, photonics in satellite optical payloads, space-based quantum communication, and photonic technology for space use cases.
Optimize your space missions with Avantier’s high-performance optical systems. Contact the team today to learn more about its capabilities and support.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Avantier Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.