Scanner systems

The development of scanners has a long tradition at Fraunhofer IOF. The development of polygon scanners with aerostatic and aerodynamic bearings, galvo scanners with solid joint structures for discrete angle ranges and rotating mirrors fitted with roller bearings for space telescopes are the subject of completed and ongoing development work. Investigations relating to the manufacture, assembly and balancing are at the center of activity. In addition to mirror-based systems, prisms or complex optics are also combined with rotating assemblies.

A scanner with a large aperture was developed to detect vortex trails left behind aircraft taking off or landing, and scans a sufficiently large area in front of the aircraft with a laser beam based on the LIDAR principle. Light back-scattered from particles in the air is detected.

Optical, mechanical and thermal simulations form the basis for the successful development of complex systems.