Resolve Optics reports on its active participation in designing and supplying robust optical systems for a range of different space projects over the last few years.
Many different types of optical imaging and sensing systems are today used to observe and measure the Earth and the universe at large. However, designing optical systems for satellites and spacecraft is challenging due to the harsh conditions that space places upon components and systems working in this remote environment.
Mark Pontin, Managing Director of Resolve Optics Ltd. commented “Designing high performance optical systems for confidential space projects is something that we have done for over 20 years. Lenses that are used in space applications have to meet certain basic requirements to survive the harsh environment of space. Lenses must be constructed of specific materials that will not outgas when exposed to the vacuum of space. all significant air spaces should be vented to avoid pressure on the elements and distortion of the lens. All materials right down to glues and greases must be approved and tested for outgasing”.
He added “The orbit that our optical systems will be operating in determines how much radiation they will be required to withstand. All optical elements within Resolve Optics radiation tolerant lens designs are made using cerium oxide doped glass or synthetic silica enabling them to withstand radiation doses of up to 100,000,000 rads and temperatures up to 55°C without discoloration or degradation of performance. These non browning lenses provide high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400 to 750nm”.
Resolve Optics provides optical systems for surveillance, where the optical system monitors the outside of the spacecraft, looking for any signs of damage caused by space debris or micro meteorites. Inspection, where the optical system is required to view a specific area to aid operation. As part of a vision system that is used to guide and dock payload craft visiting platforms such as the International Space Station. And, remote sensing from satellites where powerful, high resolution lenses enable the Earth to be viewed from space providing valuable data on weather patterns and the impact of climate change.
Drawing upon approaching 30 years experience – Resolve Optics Ltd. has built a strong reputation for specialist lens design and manufacture of single to production quantities of optical systems for space projects on time to strict quality and target price guidelines. The company has the proven and rare capability to produce OEM quantities of custom lenses with the look, feel and quality equivalent to the best professional photographic lenses.
For further information please visit www.resolveoptics.com/2018/11/space-a-challenging-environment-for-optics/ or contact Resolve Optics Ltd. on +44-1494-777100 or [email protected].
Specialist Optical Systems for High Temperature Applications
Resolve Optics has accumulated the expertise to enable it to design and manufacture specialist optical systems that will effectively operate up to 950°C without the need for additional cooling equipment.This has made it possible to undertake applications including optical inspection inside an engine or operating furnace as well as non-invasive monitoring of high temperature processes including incineration, recycling, smelting and chemical manufacturing.
For such high temperature applications, optical systems need to be designed to ensure performance is maintained at the application operating temperature. When materials heat up there is expansion. The rate of expansion differs depending on material types. To avoid an optical system going out of focus as it reaches operating temperatures you must take careful consideration of the rate of expansion of components and air spaces. Temperature also affects the refractive index of materials so this needs to be taken into account as well. To maintain performance over a given temperature range, Resolve Optics designs its high temperature optical systems to be athermal.
To discuss a specialist optical system optimised to help monitor your high temperature application please contact Resolve Optics on +44-1494-777100 or [email protected].
Drawing upon approaching 30 years experience – Resolve Optics Ltd. has built a strong reputation for design and manufacture of single to production quantities of optical systems for high temperature applications on time to strict quality and target price guidelines.
