Optics4Space

In astronomy, mechanical filter changers are mainly used, e.g. to observe galaxies in different colors and thus gain information about their spectral energy distribution. Since most of the potentially usable light remains unused, several images have to be taken with different filters. Optics4Space wants to realize a special beam splitter that allows to take images in four different wavelength bands simultaneously. Such a beam splitter in front of an electronic detector on a telescope could significantly increase the efficiency of astronomical observations. The beam splitter will then be tested on a small satellite.

In the project, a ready-to-use prototype of such a beam splitter will be manufactured in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering Jena. At the same time, the technological potential for practical application will be explored together with the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching.