Innovation in optics and aerospace

asphericon debuts at ILA Berlin 2024 with cutting-edge optical solutions for the aerospace industry

Jena, June 12, 2024: asphericon, a leading provider in the development and manufacturing of aspheric optical systems, made its debut last week at ILA Berlin. The renowned aerospace trade show brought the global industry together in the heart of Europe from June 5 to 9, 2024. In addition to sectors such as Aviation, Space, Defence & Support, Advanced Air Mobility, and Suppliers, the focus was on transforming civil aviation towards climate neutrality. The Jena-based technology leader presented its portfolio of high-performance optics and services for the industry.

The International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) is one of the world’s leading events for innovation, technology, and sustainability. Last week, the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) in Schönefeld opened its doors to 95,000 visitors and more than 600 exhibitors. Innovations from more than 30 countries were showcased. Highlights of the exhibition included the sustainable transformation of civil aviation and topics related to defense and security. Until Friday, the fair was open exclusively to trade visitors. Over the weekend, the general public also had the opportunity to explore the exhibitors’ innovations – and with great success: tickets were quickly sold out.

Optical Applications for the Aerospace Industry

Optical applications for the aerospace industry must meet the highest standards. The development of compact optical components to optimize space and weight constraints is a key challenge for the industry. Whether for earth and climate observation, navigation, or security applications, the performance and reliability of optical components must remain consistently high and reproducible.

asphericon’s product portfolio for the aerospace industry includes:

• High-quality optics, compact shapes (such as aspheres and freeforms), and optical systems for all wavelengths from UV to IR
• High-End Finishing and special polishing processes for minimal roughness
• High-performance coatings for environmental durability
• Design studies and prototype development for the highest optical and mechanical performance requirements
• Lightweight structures for space- and weight optimized systems

Thanks to a globally unique, software-based digital manufacturing landscape for CNC grinding and polishing machines, as well as ultra-precise machining, asphericon is able to produce optics from a wide variety of materials that are also of interest to the aerospace industry. The Jena-based company processes various glasses, fused silica, PMMA, metals, fluorite, IR crystals, and challenging materials (e.g., IR chalcogenide glasses (IG 2/4/5/6/7), calcium fluoride, germanium, silicon, zinc sulfide, zerodur, and aluminum). Excellent surface form tolerances can be guaranteed, especially when processing IR materials.

Alexander W. Zschäbitz, CEO of asphericon, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s participation at the ILA Berlin 2024: “We are proud to present our innovative solutions to the aerospace industry for the first time at this significant platform. Our cutting-edge optical systems contribute to the progress and efficiency of the industry and underline our position as a technology leader.” Zschäbitz also emphasized: “We were able to establish new contacts, as well as meet existing customers and see their innovations in use.”

The next ILA will be held from June 10 to 14, 2026.

About asphericon

As an independent and recognized specialist, asphericon is the technology leader in the field of optical systems. Production is based on a proprietary and patented technology for controlling CNC grinding and polishing machines. This technology is unique in the world and allows the production of small quantities as well as large series with high precision. asphericon supports its customers from optical design, production and coating, full-surface interferometric measurement and documentation to the assembly of optical components and their optical characterization.

Further Information

Dr. Thomas Hegenbart
Tel.: +49-3641-3100500
Fax: +49-3641-3100501
E-mail: event[at]aspherion.com