G&H Acousto-Optic Tunable Filters (AOTFS) Launch Into Space

G&H is adept at supplying optical components and sub-systems for demanding applications, including acousto-optic devices for operation in a space environment. Acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) have attracted particular attention; their solid-state technology (no moving-parts) and high speed, coupled with random-access tuning, make them well suited to these applications.

Using G&H’s considerable expertise and know-how we have engineered the AOTFs that are the key components of a number of spectrometer instruments currently flying. In addition, we are working with a number of groups worldwide who are developing new instruments for imaging spectroscopy. G&H is particularly well-placed to develop and supply the large-aperture AOTFs which are the key to making these systems workable.

G&H AOTFs are key components for the SuperCam, NOMAD and Micromega instruments deployed or being deployed on the NASA Mars 2020 Rover, the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars programme and the JAXA Hayabusa 2 asteroid exploration mission. The AOTFs are made from TeO2 and typically operate in the infrared (IR) for these applications. In addition, G&H is currently developing imaging AOTFs to operate in the visible (VIS) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) regions as well as the IR for future missions.