Defense & Security
Individual optical systems with miniaturized designs and high-performance coatings
Security and innovation for the future
The topic of security and defense is becoming increasingly important and goes far beyond traditional security technologies such as observation systems and surveillance cameras. Global conditions require the development of innovative systems and technologies to ensure the visual detection of critical situations and the highest level of security. High-precision optical components and systems play a central role in this growing market. They are the basis for ensuring the functionality of relevant systems even in challenging environments (air, water, earth).
From design to characterization - everything from a single source
From design to characterization - everything from a single source As an independent, owner-managed company, asphericon has more than 20 years of experience in the development, optimization and production of customer-specific solutions. asphericon stands for the principle of “everything from a single source”. From the initial feasibility study, through the development of an optical and mechanical design, the production of a prototype, to the final integration of optics into a complete system. All processes are ISO certified and subject to RoHS and REACH regulations. Based on our unique database, customers benefit from optimized production processes and the highest quality standards in all production phases. asphericon is characterized by a 100% digitally controlled process world in which the security of your data is paramount.
Individual components and complex optical systems
asphericon manufactures optics in a wide variety of shapes, materials and wavelengths. Whether aspheres, axicons, acylinders, freeform optics or optical mirrors - we provide you with optical solutions of the highest quality, including those made from sophisticated IR materials (infrared glass, silicon, germanium). We rely on machining using monocrystalline diamonds and our self-developed Ångström polishing, which achieves roughness values of 5Å (Rq according to ISO 10110). With our patented CNC control technology, we manufacture prototypes, small and large series with high precision, optionally with full-surface interferometric measurement.
Optical systems for defense applications must guarantee maximum precision and reliability. Compact and powerful systems are essential in security applications, enabling precise image and signal acquisition and analysis. For miniaturized designs, we manufacture special monoliths that efficiently fold beam paths. In modern clean room environments (ISO classes 5 and 7), optical components are connected and measured under the highest purity requirements. A comprehensive range of coatings completes our portfolio. We offer solutions for complete optical systems - 100% Made by asphericon.
Advantages of our optics and systems at a glance:
- Aspherical optics (e.g. camera optics, aspherical mirrors)
- Customized systems (e.g. laser beam expander)
- Miniaturized/ultra-lightweight designs
- Quality of optical surfaces at space level
- Intelligent assembly concepts
- Coatings for all wavelengths (including e.g. silver coatings)
- Processing of demanding materials (including IR glasses (e.g. IG6), crystals, fused silica, semiconductors and metals (e.g. Si))
Coatings for all wavelengths
asphericon has extensive expertise in the application of high-quality optical coatings for various spectral ranges, including UV, VIS and IR (190 nm - 5.1 μm). Our engineers select the optimal combination of optics and coatings based on the specific requirements profile of your application. Especially for demanding environments with exceptionally critical environmental conditions, we refine IR optics with special coatings to optimally protect the surfaces while ensuring outstanding optical quality. These comprehensive coating services are crucial for optical security applications. They enable our optics to be used in a wide range of applications and ensure maximum precision and durability.
Various coating techniques are used to produce thin, ultra-hard and uniform coatings, including magnetron sputtering. Coatings can be further customized using our IR coating system. In addition, we offer various in-house environmental testing services (DIN, MIL, ISO, DO) to ensure that our coatings meet the highest standards.
asphericon as a digital pioneer
Our production of optical components and systems is characterized by a worldwide unique digitalized process world. An in-house developed and patented software architecture ensures that every production step is digitally processed and manual intervention is unnecessary. The entire production planning is based on AI. Once a process has been standardized, it can be repeated as often as required and immediately optimized in the event of deviations from the target. The result is repeatability and production quality at the highest level. Optimization requests are matched against our vast database of over 20 years of optical production. To ensure security and independence, we work with our own server infrastructure and use only off-cloud software. Learn more about asphericon as a digital pioneer and our digitalized process world.
