Español

Europe builds an independent supply chain for Alexander laser crystals for space missions and atmospheric research

839
2023-12-22 14:16:03
Ver traducción

Recently, companies from Lithuania, Italy, and Germany have reached a new milestone in the European independent space mission - based on the Galactic project, they have developed a supply chain for Alexandrite laser crystals in Europe to study changes in the atmosphere and Earth's surface.

The high-power Alexander laser crystals and coatings developed in the GALACTIC project will be used to collect atmospheric and vegetation observation data related to climate change. The goal of the research team is to apply this type of laser crystal to satellite based LiDAR equipment systems for coastline mapping, storm surge modeling, and seabed measurement.

"Drought, heat waves, and floods cause increasing losses every year. It is gratifying that LiDAR instruments equipped with Alexandrite lasers can help us detect atmospheric changes. The near-infrared wavelength of the laser can accurately study atmospheric gases, aerosols, clouds, their motion, and temperature," said Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna, a laser company involved in the project, "Lidar can analyze aerosols, clouds, and atmospheric components in detail, thereby better predicting climate change."

For LiDAR, Alexander laser crystals are actually a valuable material - they can adjust their light wavelength within a certain range for laser applications, approximately between 700 and 860 nanometers.

This adaptability is crucial for technologies such as Raman and Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) used for studying the atmosphere. Raman LiDAR recognizes molecules through its unique light pattern, while DIAL systems can recognize gases such as SO2, NOx, and HCl, which can cause acid rain.

The purpose of the GALACTIC mission of the Horizon 2020 project in Europe is to develop replicable Alexandrite crystals coated entirely with European suppliers. Last year, the EU officially announced that space would be a strategic focus of its strategic compass and emphasized the need to develop an EU space strategy with a focus on security and defense.

"For Europe, aerospace is a strategic area, and the supply chain developed during the 'Galactic' project will enable space missions to be conducted independently of other regions," Antanas Laurutis said. "Europe will also avoid export controls, as export controls often make such projects difficult."

Altechna is one of the leading optical engineering companies in the Central and Eastern European Union, contributing to the development of specific coating designs and processes for electron beam and reactive magnetron sputtering equipment.

Researchers studied crystals in Europe and compared them with crystals produced by world-class suppliers, mainly from companies in the United States and China. "Tests have shown that the quality of crystals in the GALACTIC mission is comparable to non European technology solutions," said Laurynas Lukosevicius, chief scientist of Altechna. "This is a big step for Europe to independently use laser technology in space missions."

This new European technology has been validated by the maturity of the aerospace standard TRL 6 technology. "The space standard coating of TRL 6's Alexandrite laser crystal is a key technology for achieving future Earth observation missions. With our partners, we are developing an advanced laser prototype that will enable Europe to obtain more accurate data from atmospheric research," Luko said š Evi č ius said, "For example, using a LiDAR instrument with an Alexandrite laser can help us better identify cloud types and prepare for adverse weather conditions."

Source: OFweek Laser Network

Recomendaciones relacionadas
  • 2Pi Optics has launched a new type of fisheye camera based on its so-called metasurface optics

    2Pi Optics has launched a new type of fisheye camera based on its so-called metasurface optics.The company plans to showcase this technology at the large-scale technology trade show CES 2024 in Las Vegas next week.This company, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, stated that it has created the world's leading high-resolution fisheye sensor based on optical superlens technology. This technol...

    2024-01-05
    Ver traducción
  • Outstanding Optical Technologies at the 2025 Western Optoelectronics Exhibition in the United States

    In the long history of technological development, every major breakthrough in technology is like a shining star, illuminating the path forward for humanity. At the Photonics West conference in 2025, numerous breakthroughs in cutting-edge photonics technologies attracted the attention of the global academic and industrial communities. Several important technological advancements reported in this ex...

    02-12
    Ver traducción
  • ICFO launches its 13th subsidiary Shinephi for interferometric imaging

    Barcelona-based photonics research center ICFO has announced the creation of its 13th Spin-off company, Shinephi. The official launch of the company was jointly made at the end of July by Dr. Roland Terborg (CEO and co-founder), Dr. Iris Cusini (CTO and co-founder) and ICREA Prof. at ICFO Valerio Pruneri (Technology Advisor and co-founder), accompanied by Dr. Silvia Carrasco, Vice Director of Inno...

    08-11
    Ver traducción
  • Diffractive optical elements: the behind the scenes hero of structured light laser technology

    In today's rapidly developing technological era, structured light laser technology has become an important tool in the fields of 3D measurement and image capture. The core of this technology lies in a magical device called Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE), which can precisely control and shape laser beams, creating various complex light patterns. But what exactly is DOE? How does it work? Let Ho...

    2024-04-10
    Ver traducción
  • Trotec Lasersysteme Darmstadt Laser Cutting Technology Center opens

    Trotec Laser, a manufacturer of laser technology in Upper Austria, is opening a new laser cutting competence center. The expanded showroom in Darmstadt now also houses three new large format laser cutters from the SP series. This strategic move is designed to meet the growing demand for large format laser cutting solutions.To celebrate the reopening of the Darmstadt Competence Centre, Trotec will ...

    2023-09-06
    Ver traducción