A corresponding order from the European Space Agency ESA was awarded specially for the European-Japanese EarthCARE mission (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer). An ATLID (ATmospheric LIDar) system is to be used for the very first time here. ATLID is one of five instruments of the mission satellite and will be equipped with a laser as a light source. The high-power diode laser, as a pumping source for this laser, is one of the most important elements. Jena-Optronik will carry out trials on the service life of the diode stack in a vacuum over an eighteen month period and also perform environmental tests (including for radiation and vibration) to ensure that the laser operates reliably.
Diode laser stacks from JENOPTIK Laserdiode GmbH are world leaders in terms of their durability and reliability. With this new development project the Jenoptik Group is pursuing its strategy of developing new markets through synergies within the group of companies. In the past, Jenoptik's developments in the field of high-power diode lasers were aimed primarily at ensuring that these lasers, the most efficient type of all, can be used reliably within the industrial environment, particularly in the automotive industry and in medical technology. The results of the research from this joint project, which has now started, will enable Jenoptik to acquire new know-how in the use of high-power diode lasers beyond their pure industrial applications.
The proposed satellite, orbiting at a height of 450 km, is intended to investigate the horizontal as well as vertical distribution of clouds, aerosols and radiation as well as their interactions together, with the help of various sensors. Aerosols in particular play a major role in the chemistry of the earth's atmosphere since chemical reactions can take place between them, producing aggressive substances. ATLID will operate within a wave length range of 355 nm and lead to a better understanding of the interaction between clouds, radiation and aerosol processes.
The group subsidiary Jena-Optronik GmbH belongs to the pioneers for space research, and develops, manufactures and distributes opto-electronic instruments and systems for both space and security applications. Over the past years, the company has become one on the leading suppliers of instruments and systems in the international aerospace market. In addition, Jena-Optronik provides comprehensive services for the interpretation of the acquired data. Jena-Optronik with about 130 highly-qualified employees is based in Jena and is a 100 percent subsidiary of the Jenoptik Group in the Sensors division.
JENOPTIK Laserdiode GmbH develops, manufactures and markets high-power diode lasers. These new laser types offer high efficiency from a very small volume. They are used chiefly as an excitation source for solid-state lasers or serve as a direct beam source in medical technology and material processing. High-power diode lasers are among the most promising types of lasers, in particular due to their application potentials in the industry. Jenoptik Laserdiode with today more than 70 employees has been part of the JENOPTIK Group since 1993 and is a company of the Laser&Optics division.
