Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF

Active and Adaptive Optics

Improvement of optical system properties through targeted influencing of light

 

The Active and Adaptive Optics group at Fraunhofer IOF specializes in the development and testing of application-specific deformable mirrors and complete AO systems for active beam shaping.

Main application areas of these technologies are turbulence correction for laser and quantum communication as well as beam shaping with respect to optimal imaging properties in laser material processing.

 

Your partner for the development of active and adaptive optical components and systems

We develop application-specific and flexible solutions for our customers from industry and research. Our portfolio in the field of adaptive and active optics ranges from highly dynamic focus mirrors for laser material processing to long-term stable as well as space-qualified deformable mirrors to individual system components.

Thanks to our many years of expertise and the excellent technical equipment at Fraunhofer IOF, we can offer our customers developments along the entire optical process chain. Numerous partners from science and industry benefit from our know-how in various projects.

 

Our range of services:

 

Our range of services in the field of active and adaptive optics includes the following:

  • ​Concept and system design for systems with active optical elements
  • Optical design for adaptive optical components and systems
  • Mechanical design for adaptive optical components and systems
  • Design of adaptive optical control
  • Simulation of free-space optical systems with adaptive optical control
  • Electronics and software development
  • Production planning and manufacturing
  • Integration and design of optical systems
  • Characterization of optical links (free-beam links), link budget calculation
  • Wavefront measurements
  • Prototyping and laboratory tests
  • Measurement campaigns

Tell us your desired application and we will develop the customized solution for you.

 

We're shaping light!

Portfolio of developed components and systems

Active optical components for space applications

Active optical components for space applications

Mirrors produced by the ultra-precision metal optics manufacturing of our institute have been successfully used in satellite-based observation systems for many years. Future missions can benefit significantly from the combination of metal mirror manufacturing and active optics at Fraunhofer IOF. One focus of our research is the development of active-optical components for the correction of wavefront errors of low spatial frequencies (tip/tilt, focus, astigmatism) and deformable mirrors, which allow the correction of static, higher-frequency system errors. For this, we rely on temperature and long-term stable solutions.

We follow ECSS standards for the development of components and systems close to the prototype.

Active optical components for space applications

Active optical components for space applications

Our expertise in the development of active metal mirrors for space applications covers the following aspects:
  • Analysis of the optical system requirements: Which wavefront errors need to be corrected? With which temporal frequency should corrections be made? Under what environmental conditions should the system operate?
  • Based on the requirements analysis, we can adapt the layout of the mirror substrate with its deformation characteristics and evaluate its compensation capability.
​
In close cooperation with in-house ultra-precision machining and coating, we develop appropriate opto-mechanical designs and manufacture prototypes. Qualified metrology allows continuous monitoring of the optical surfaces during the process chain as well as comprehensive characterization of the prototype after its completion.
Free beam optics for terrestrial laser communications

Free beam optics for terrestrial laser communications​

The topic of free-beam optics for terrestrial laser communications benefits greatly from our many years of experience in the areas of conceptual design and manufacturing of active-optical components as well as in the design and realization of the most precise imaging optics. Especially our expertise in the development of metal mirror telescopes provides an excellent basis for free-space optical communications systems in a wide wavelength range.

Developments in free-space optics for terrestrial laser communications

Developments in free-space optics for terrestrial laser communications​

  • Terminals for free-space links in quantum communications: designing and testing transmitter and receiver optics for free-space links. (more information)
  • QuBUS - mobile experimental platform: QuBUS is a mobile experimental platform and enables us to perform application-oriented measurement campaigns - also for laboratory setups (quantum sources, state analysis), which have not yet been further developed for use in the field. The platform is equipped with a periscope, which allows us to establish a line of sight to stationary or moving communication partners and to test free-space links.
  • PhotonBox​: PhotonBox as part of our own open beam path across urban areas. On the one hand, it enables rapid testing of newly developed hardware under laboratory conditions, and on the other hand, it represents a prototype for trusted nodes in future quantum-safe communications networks.

Download Data sheet: Multi-wavelength transceiver system

Developed system for satellite communications

Developed system for satellite communications

  • AO-Box: In free-space systems, it is imperative that signals are transmitted between the ground station and the satellite without interference. The turbulent atmosphere can become a problem and cause signal interference. At Fraunhofer IOF, we are developing adaptive optics that can be used for signal correction: so-called “AO boxes”. These are adaptive optical modules that can be used in an optical ground station or telescope. Turbulence-induced wavefront errors are corrected or preventively compensated by this “AO box”. Afterwards the signal can be measured or a transmission to a fiber network can be performed.

Via the following link, you will find more information about the AO-Box for quantum communication: AO-Box for quantum communication.

Download Data sheet: AO-Box for quantum communication

Active-optical components for correction of low spatial frequencies

Active-optical components for correction of low spatial frequencies

For the correction of low spatial frequencies, we develop mirrors with perpendicular force application or with a force application parallel to the optical surface (unimorph). The mirrors have between 1 and 50 actuators and diameters between 25 and 250 mm. In addition to reflective surfaces, dispersive elements with large apertures (gratings) can also be actively captured.

Download Data sheet: High-power focus mirror for dynamic beam shifting

 

Markets and applications

 

With the adaptive and active optics, Fraunhofer IOF aims to promote new, innovative applications in the fields of space and communication systems, microstructuring and 3D material processing with high-power lasers. Furthermore, the advantages of active and adaptive components as well as systems can be targeted in the following applications:

  • Deformable mirrors for laser material processing
  • Deformable mirrors for space telescopes
  • AO systems for satellite-based laser and quantum communications
  • AO systems for terrestrial laser and quantum communications
  • AO control systems for low and high spatial frequency correction
  • and much more ...
Front and back of a focus mirror in the hands of a researcher.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Active unimorph focus mirror for tracking the beam focus in laser material processing. Connections for power supply, sensor evaluation, and cooling water are located on the rear side.
Active metal mirror for correction of quasi-static aberrations in space telescopes - fully mounted and non-mounted semi-monolithic mirror substrate.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Active metal mirror for correction of quasi-static aberrations in space telescopes - fully mounted and non-mounted semi-monolithic mirror substrate.
Extreme-AO (XAO) mirror demonstrator to study actuator integration in smallest space (3.7 mm actuator spacing) - with exchangeable actuator module (4x4 piezo stack actuators).
© Fraunhofer IOF
Extreme-AO (XAO) mirror demonstrator to study actuator integration in smallest space (3.7 mm actuator spacing) - with exchangeable actuator module (4x4 piezo stack actuators).
 

Your advantages of working with us

 

This field of expertise benefits especially from the interdisciplinary cooperation at our institute. Our many years of experience and continuous development in the fields of optical design and coating as well as in the development of precision mechanics provide an excellent basis for top results in active and adaptive optics. Our customers can benefit from significant performance improvements in photonic applications enabled by adaptive optical components and systems.

Due to the extensive range of manufacture and broadly trained, highly qualified personnel, we have the possibility to address your challenges at any point of the photonic process chain. We look forward to your challenge!

 

Technical equipment

The development of adaptive optical components and systems benefits greatly from the excellent equipment as well as the interdisciplinary cooperation between all departments of the institute. Ranging from the discussion of the principle, and opto-mechanical design and manufacturing to the application-oriented measurement campaign, we can meet all requirements with know-how and technical equipment. Among others, our equipment includes the following aspects:

  • Diverse and state-of-the-art tools for measurement, design, and simulation
  • Laser sources of different wavelengths and power
  • Various methods for surface measurement (vibrometer, interferometer, wavefront measurement, triangulation)
  • Air-conditioned optics laboratories under standard and clean room conditions
  • Permanent access to excellently equipped workshops for the production of optical and mechanical components as well as for extensive in-house electronics manufacturing
  • Characterization of adaptive optical systems under real conditions with free-space measurement paths of different lengths (50 m up to 1.7 km)
  • Scintillometer for the characterization of turbulence conditions

 

 

Active metal mirror during final shape correction.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Fully integrated active metal mirror during final shape correction.

Our research strength

 

Annual report articles

The articles in the annual report show, among other things, the research strength of our experts at Fraunhofer IOF. Every year, selected research results from the previous year (Archive annual reports) are published in the annual report. You can find the articles on developments regarding adaptive optics from the past years in the following list:

  • "Adaptive optics box for quantum communication ground station"
  • "Deformable mirrors for highly dynamic beam oscillation"
  • "Dynamic focus-shifting mirror for laser processing" 
  • „Adaptive optics box for quantum communication ground station"

Full texts of research reports

 

Excellent scientific publications and patents

Our researchers publish many of their scientific results in scientific journals. Both the large number of scientific publications and patents speak for the excellence of our researchers. We offer adapted licenses for our patent-protected process.

A list of scientific papers as well as patents on the subject of active and adaptive optical technologies can be found below:

Selection of scientific publications

Selection of patents

 

Focus-shifting mirror for laser processing

Functionality of the mirror with dynamic focus shifting

Right side view of the focus mirror.
© Fraunhofer IOF
Active unimorph focus mirror for beam focus tracking in laser material processing.
Front view of the focus mirror.
© Fraunhofer IOF
The deformable mirror is based on a unimorph concept.
Left side view of the focus mirror.
© Fraunhofer IOF
For this purpose, a thin glass substrate with a highly reflective multilayer coating system was deposited on a piezoelectric disk.
Left side view of the focus mirror.
© Fraunhofer IOF
An integrated copper layer improves heat dissipation, increasing the damage threshold of the mirror by the laser. The piezoelectric disk bends the mirror substrate, changing the radius of curvature of the mirror to a minimum of 3.4 m.

Do you have questions about our services?  

In a personal meeting, we will advise you on our (individual) range of services and our core competencies. Please contact us. 

Obtain consultation

Are you interested in a cooperation? Contact us!

We develop special and visionary solutions - tailored to the needs and wishes of our customers. Let us talk about your idea(s).

 

Find solution

You would like to work with us?
Then apply with us!

We are always looking for creative minds and committed people who want to develop innovative solutions with light together with us. Visit our job portal or send us a speculative application:

Become part of the team

This might also interest you:

Optical Quantum Technologies
Optical and Mechanical System Design
Laser and Fiber Technology
Functional Surfaces and Coatings
Precision Optical Components and Systems
Micro- and Nanostructured Optics
Imaging and Sensing
Opto-mechatronical Components and Systems