Image optics

Design, development and manufacturing

In recent years, optics and imaging systems have made a very significant qualitative leap forward, which has allowed them to be applied in different sectors, with a relevant direct impact on the economy and society: high-precision industrial inspection equipment and systems, detection of risk situations (fires, overheating of industrial plants…), study and analysis of microparticles, experiments with atoms…

How does ASENSE work?

At ASENSE we provide the customised solution that meets the desired requirements through efficient technical support adapted to the customer’s needs.

Our experience in the design, development and manufacture of different imaging systems has been one of the keys that has allowed us to continue innovating when it comes to offering complete, customised and precision solutions, adaptable to any application, requirement and project.

Optical payloads for NewSpace

Our SWIR lens can be integrated into cameras for Earth observation applications. The optical system is configured with four aspherical elements, avoiding the use of doublets, which makes it more robust and suitable for extreme environmental conditions.

Certified vacuum compatibility.
Athermal optical system.
Stable polychromatic MTF over the entire operating temperature range.

Our experience in the NewSpace sector

This SWIR lens is already in orbit, integrated into the DRAGO-2 camera (developed by IACTEC-Space), launched on 3 January on Space X’s Transporter-6 mission. This system offers a high image resolution, reaching 50 metres per pixel.

LWIR optical systems for terrestrial surveillance

ASENSE is currently involved in the MORERA project, for the development of a very compact and low F# LWIR camera to provide high resolution images at farm level. This camera will be compatible with Cubesats and can be adapted to other small sats and NewSpace missions.

Integrated optical systems and payloads for NewSpace applications

Integrated optical systems and payloads for NewSpace applications. We have experience in the design and development of complete, integrated optical and photonic systems for harsh environments across broad spectral ranges, from the near-UV to the LWIR.

SWIR target design

The recent emergence of small detectors with large focal plane array on the market makes shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging increasingly a key element mainly for long-range surveillance equipment.

We are experts in the design and development of customised SWIR targets (Spotters) for surveillance and detection applications.

Advantages of SWIR lenses

SWIR offers many advantages over traditional imaging in the visible (0.4-0.7µm). The SWIR spectral range allows the user to detect laser designators operating at 1060nm and 1500nm and is also the most suitable range for seeing through smoke and seeing camouflaged targets.

There is great interest in the market for the design of small, lightweight SWIR cameras for integration into UAVs, drones and also for use as handheld cameras and in security systems.

Challenges in the design of SWIR targets and Spotters

Some of the security and defence applications for SWIR cameras include handheld and/or airborne systems, with long range detection requirements, but where volume and weight restrictions are also important.

Synchrotron Targets

Synchrotron radiation technology is a technology that is currently used intensively. There are several synchrotron radiation centres and laboratories around the world, all of which require constant improvements in the technologies, equipment and instruments they use. Optics and photonics are two of the key technologies for the activity of these technology centres. They need high-performance systems, with tailor-made optics, specially designed for their applications. Optical systems and designs that they can integrate seamlessly into their facilities.

Synchrotron objectives are used to capture the visible light generated by a kintillation screen, after it is irradiated by synchrotron light diffused after incident on a sample at the beamlines in a synchrotron reactor (i.e. ESRF). Thus, user scientists can reconstruct tomographic images of samples, such as micro fossils or tissues, to study their properties.
We design and develop customised targets for the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), Grenoble, France.

Our experience: synchrotron optics systems

ASENSE has been contracted on several occasions by ESRF Synchrotron for the design and development of different targets and relays for its research lines.

Customised synchrotron lenses

Due to the radiation generated, the lenses have a replaceable window with a lead part, to protect the optics against radiation and thus extend the lifetime in this hostile environment. Due to the nature of the image reconstruction, it was necessary to ensure very low distortion levels, even below 0.1% in some cases.

Customised synchrotron relays

ASENSE made a series of relay lenses to make existing optical systems more useful, allowing the sensors used to be upgraded, without losing resolution due to non-compatible optics. The quality of the relay lenses is such that the contrast quality does not deteriorate, while maintaining good optical transmission. The mechanical interface was made in such a way as to facilitate its introduction into the beamline without affecting the existing elements.

Custom-made microscope objectives

ASENSE has extensive experience in the design of custom microscope objectives with large numerical aperture, wide field of view (FOV) and/or specific and special material constraints (non-magnetic, hydrophobic materials…). We design and develop custom microscope objectives and optical systems for large research centres, OEM companies and other customers requiring complex, tailor-made solutions.

When the microscope objectives on the market do not meet the specific needs of an application, we offer the best solution, both technically and in terms of cost.

Development of different types of microscope objectives

The objective is one of the most important parts of a microscope, as it plays a central role in obtaining the correct images of the inspected elements. By combining our expertise in optical design and the most advanced manufacturing techniques, ASENSE is able to design and manufacture microscope objectives that meet all customer requirements, offering the optimum balance between technical quality and resource efficiency.

We offer solutions in:

Multi-photon microscopy
Confocal microscopy
Optical design of immersion microscope objectives
STED microscopy
Deep Tissue Imaging Microscopy
Microscopy and analysis of quantum structures
Super-resolution microscopy
Failure analysis of structural materials
Fluorescence microscopy for live cell inspection.

Our custom microscope objective development process

Although every custom lens design and development project is different, at ASE Optics we generally follow a standardized process that ensures the best results: