Earth Observation with Satellite Cameras

Camera systems for earth and climate observation

State-of-the-art satellite technologies are an indispensable aid in earth observation, climate observation and navigation. Worldwide, wind speeds can be determined via satellites using UV lasers, for example, or the sizes of cultivated areas of special plants can be determined using special filters. Satellites also play a decisive role in disaster management, the optimization of transport infrastructure, environmental protection and nature conservation.

In earth observation, for example, high-quality camera systems are used. They have a very high resolution to capture the events on earth in detail. In order to enable the high resolutions of such precision cameras, powerful and precise optics are required. Camera systems in satellites can also be modified for different spectral ranges, from ultraviolet to infrared beams. The optical coatings specifically separate parts of the received light signals. Adherence to the required quality and the special location require high performance, durability and particularly strong resistance of the optics to external influences. However, disturbances during recording, such as movements of the atmosphere, can cause blurred images. The camera systems are additionally equipped with stabilization elements, such as gyroscopes

Regardless of whether the climate or large fields or areas, such as jungles, are observed from space, harsh environmental conditions prevail in space. Satellites are continuously exposed to extreme radiation but must also regularly survive the results of so-called solar storms unscathed. In lower orbit, no atmosphere protects, but the Earth's magnetic field reduces the stress on these satellites. Objects in higher orbits are subjected to maximum stress. Reliable coatings can protect optics. asphericon offers ultra-hard optical coatings for the spectral range from 380 to 5100 nm, among others, based on the company's proprietary sputtering technology.

Optical systems must withstand the most extreme conditions in space missions. Through intensive development work and high-precision manufacturing processes, asphericon optics meet these requirements and provide a reliable solution for your space projects. High-quality surface shape tolerances as well as the lowest surface roughness values up to the Angström range guarantee ideal application possibilities. Our extensive coating portfolio rounds off the range. Different projects with different partners prove our high-quality work, e.g. our built-in aspheres and spheres in the spectrometers of the Sentinel-4 satellite.

Choose asphericon as your reliable partner for high-quality aspheres and high-end freeform systems. In addition to an extremely compact design, which allows space for further components in the system, best imaging qualities can be achieved through the special geometry. Special finishing processes, such as in-house high-end finishing, lead to the lowest roughness values.

Aspheres
Custom Aspheres
Custom Aspheres
Custom Aspheres x
Custom Aspheres

Looking for a custom solution? Discover our customized aspheres with unsurpassed surface quality.

Custom Aspheres at a gance

  • Customized aspheric optics for UV/VIS/IR range
  • Individual optical designs for for all types of applications
  • Diffraction-limited quality with a Strehl ratio up to 0.99
  • Outstanding surface quality with roughness values as low as 5 Å
  • High-end optical coatings

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StockOptics Aspheres
StockOptics Aspheres
StockOptics Aspheres x
StockOptics Aspheres

Choose between asphericon a|High-NA, a|Low-NA and a|UV-grade fused silica. Thanks to CNC polishing and grinding this aspheric lens meets the highest demands on production quality and tolerance.

a|Aspheres at a gance

  • Precision polished Aspheres (a|High-NA, a|Low-NA and a|FusedSilica)
  • CNC grinding & polishing for superior surface roughness
  • Materials: S-LAH64, N-BK7, FusedSilica
  • Diameter: 10 mm bis 100 mm
  • Off-the-shelf delivery for short lead times

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Spherical Lenses
Spheres
Spheres
Spheres x
Spheres

Spheres are used to collect, diverge or focus light. They are used for various technological applications, for example in medical technology and semiconductor industry, or as a component in achromatic lens systems...

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Mirrors
Parabolic Mirrors
Parabolic Mirrors
Parabolic Mirrors x
Parabolic Mirrors

Whether you are looking for components for telescopes or measuring technology, asphericon offers complex solutions and the highest precision from a single source. Starting with optical design and the production of your mirrors, asphericon also produce coated elements, such as dielectric mirrors for single wavelengths, two wavelengths and the entire bandwidth as well as  metallic mirror coatings made from aluminum, gold and silver. Learn more about the details...

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Freeforms
Freeform optics
Freeform optics
Freeform optics x
Freeform optics

Freeformed optical surfaces without rotational symmetry allow the implementation of completely new concepts for optical systems. The use of freeforms reduces the number of elements in an optical system, allowing smaller, lighter and more efficient systems...

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Finishing processes
High-End-Finishing
High-End-Finishing
High-End-Finishing x
High-End-Finishing

With asphericon ION-FinishTM and Magnetorheological Finishing-Technology® (MRF), it is now possible to process challenging aspheric optics in serial production for the first time. Thanks to this procedure, shape deviations are achieved that significantly exceed the current international standard.

Download datasheet High-End Finishing

kontakt
Contact Person
Matthieu Frambourg

+49 (0) 3641 3100 560
sales@asphericon.com

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