Spectrograph optics for Space applications

01 Mar 2023

Optical Surfaces Ltd is a leading provider of high precision optical components for terrestrial and spaceborne telescope spectrographs.

Spectrographs are the ‘go to’ scientific instruments used to study the chemical / physical conditions that exist through a cross-section of space. Combined with a terrestrial or spaceborne telescope a spectrograph can reveal the details that are stored in the spectral distribution of light from a distant star or galaxy.

Instrument performance matters in all scientific research, but none more so than in space exploration. New discoveries in space today are only possible using spectrographs that incorporate ultra-smooth optics able to collect the faintest light signals from distant astronomical entities.

With manufacturing and test facilities situated deep underground in an area excavated from solid chalk, temperatures in Optical Surfaces Ltd. production facility remain constant year-round and vibration is practically non-existent. These are important considerations when making, mounting and testing high precision telescope spectrograph optics. Benefiting from this unique stabilised environment Optical Surfaces Ltd has developed a reputation for designing, producing and testing large and demanding telescope spectrograph optics (aspherics, mirrors, prisms, lenses and flats) that would stretch the limits of conventional optical fabrication techniques.

Combining these natural advantages with a highly experienced team of optical designers, engineers, and production staff – Optical Surfaces Ltd. are regularly selected to supply ultra-high precision telescope spectrograph optical components by many international space research groups. Notable projects where Optical Surfaces Ltd. has supplied key optics for include the Narval stellar spectropolarimeter installed on the 2m Bernard Lyot Telescope in the French Pyrenees, the High-Resolution Optical Spectrograph (HROS) based on the 8m Gemini Telescope in Chile, the Fibre-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the ESPaDOnS spectrograph at the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope (CFHT).

To read a case study please visit https://www.optisurf.com/index.php/spectrograph-record-near-ir-spectrum-stars-single-exposure/. For further information on telescope spectrograph optics please contact Optical Surfaces Ltd. on telephone on +44-208-668-6126 or email sales@optisurf.com.

Optical Surfaces Ltd has been producing optical components and systems for more than 50 years and is now accepted as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-precision optics for space research. The company’s ISO 9001-2015 approved manufacturing workshops and test facilities are deep underground in a series of tunnels excavated in solid chalk where temperature remains constant, and vibration is practically non-existent. With such stable conditions testing, particularly with long path lengths, becomes quantifiable and reliable. Working with these natural advantages is a highly skilled team of craftsmen with a commitment to excellence in both product quality and customer service.

Worldwide HQ

Optical Surfaces Ltd.
Godstone Road
Kenley
Surrey CR8 5AA
UK

tel. +44-208-668-6126
email sales@optisurf.com
web http://www.optisurf.com 

Media Contact: 

Dr Bill Bradbury        Primetek Solutions      

info@primetek-solutions.com