Carl Zeiss Optronics - Aerospace Optronics and Optical Lenses, Mirrors and Components

Carl Zeiss Optronics designs, develops and produces state-of-the-art optronics instruments for aerospace applications. They are used to monitor, identify and classify, as well as for precise measurement, evaluation and targeting.

As a subsidiary of the globally recognised Carl Zeiss Group, we are armed with years of experience and know-how in optronics, highly-accurate optics and precision engineering.

Research and development are very important to us. We are one of the leading developers and manufacturers of optical and optronics systems in Europe.

With business activities in more than 30 countries, Carl Zeiss Optronics is an ideal partner for multinational aerospace optronics and optical sensor projects. We are continually expanding our international activities beyond existing co-operations and partnerships.

AEROSPACE OPTIC PRODUCTS

Optic products from Carl Zeiss have been used to research and understand the mechanisms of life since the company was founded in 1846. Large optics have supported astronomers for more than 100 years: the pictures of the first moon landing were taken using optics from Carl Zeiss.

Nowadays, aerospace optics tailored to the conditions of space play a vital role in researching the earth (through satellites), as well as the interworkings of the heavens (by using space telescopes). Whether for use under normal or extreme conditions, the name ZEISS stands for outstanding optical quality, functional reliability and long life – thus meeting the demands of the user.

AEROSPACE OPTICS FOR SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS

Highly-sensitive scientific instruments must be designed for the extreme demands of missions in space. For example, the optical components (e.g. mirror, grating and filter) and mechanical structures (mounts, drives and mechanisms) are subject to extreme shocks and vibrations during the launch of a rocket. In orbit or interplanetary space, instruments are exposed to extreme temperatures and hard radiation conditions.

In order to ensure full functionality and reliability, the conditions of a rocket launch and the environmental conditions of space are simulated in a lab. Carl Zeiss has the necessary equipment in an environmental lab and clean rooms to subject the test piece to the extreme temperatures, vacuum, electromagnetic radiation, shocks and vibrations of space.

AEROSPACE OPTICAL AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

Carl Zeiss Optronics has the know-how to develop and manufacture custom-made aerospace optical and mechanical components. Only the perfect interaction between aerospace optics and mechanics can deliver the optimal results later.

The foundation for this precision is laid in the assembly with micrometer accuracy. Furthermore, sensitive measuring procedures – accurate to a few nanometres – ensure the desired characteristics.

Designers and engineers work hand-in-hand during production. They draw on the decades of experience possessed by Carl Zeiss, and use the best tools for the mechanical and optical design, as well as the quality assurance of the aerospace optical components.

In addition to standard tasks, the design department at Carl Zeiss is able to also fulfil special orders such as the design of polarisation optics and stray light calculations. Everything needed for the precision adjustment of aerospace optical systems is available in the clean rooms.

If further verification is necessary, new test methods will be developed and the corresponding measuring equipment created.

The cementing and bonding techniques at Carl Zeiss Optronics meet all the specifications required to withstand the harshest conditions, both on earth and in space. This means Carl Zeiss Optronics' aerospace optical components are unaffected by changing environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, the vacuum of space, shocks and vibrations.

AEROSPACE OPTICAL LENSES AND MIRRORS

Carl Zeiss constantly improves the processes and measuring equipment required for high-performance optics and, together with suppliers, optimises the optical materials. Carl Zeiss also produces aerospace optical components to enable customers to implement their design ideas.

Building on decades of experience, Carl Zeiss manufactures the highest quality aerospace lenses and mirrors with plane, spherical or aspherical surfaces using glass, ceramic or metal.

The dimensions range from centimetres to metres, and the tolerances are in the atomic range. Customer-specific coatings can be developed upon request.