Optics & Photonics


Optics and photonics are among the most forward-looking industries. The innovative use of light is driving progress in telecommunications, medical technology, and the automotive sector. In the fields of semiconductor and quantum photonics, groundbreaking advancements are being made at the nanoscale. As specialists in optical technologies, the challenges we tackle are just as wide-ranging as the applications themselves.

At DIOPTIC, we take ambitious customer projects one step further, unlocking technological breakthroughs on both the smallest and grandest scales.

Typical Applications

The range of applications in optics and photonics is as diverse as it is demanding. These challenges often go far beyond standard solutions. From rapid inspection of the latest smartphone lenses to surface testing of lithography optics and astronomical mirrors for space telescopes, the requirements for optical performance are often extreme. In lithography, for instance, component quality standards are so high that manufacturing technologies must be specially adapted. This is exactly where our deep expertise comes into play.

Telescope
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Tailored Solutions

For each application, we develop modular optical systems that can be fully customized. Our core competencies lie in designing and realizing bespoke optical solutions, including specialized lenses and mirrors. We also use advanced simulation techniques to optimize light paths and imaging performance. This results in highly sophisticated systems for complex alignment or assembly processes in both industrial settings and R&D environments. One of our pinnacle achievements is the development of telescope optics for space exploration. Using our multi-zone CGHs (Computer-Generated Holograms), we can align and position the individual lenses of a telescope with unmatched precision.

Services


Lens Development

We develop high-quality, cost-optimized lenses to your exact specifications, from the initial design draft using Synopsys CodeV to prototyping and integration into your production processes.

Portrait Markus Rollinger
Contact Us Dr. Markus Rollinger Head of Optical Design +49 6201 96090-00 opticaldesign@dioptic.de

CGH

With over 20 years of experience in Computer-generated holograms (CGHs), we are your trusted partner for high precise applications. We calculate and manufacture CGHs for shape testing of aspheres, spheres, cylinders, or free-form surfaces.

Portrait Frank Weidner
Contact Us Dr. Frank Weidner Head of DOE +49 6201 96090-00 cgh@dioptic.de

ARGOS matrix Systems

The optical surface quality is crucial for the performance of precision optics. Automated surface inspection with our ARGOS system provides objective and reproducible assessments of defects and ensures complete digitized documentation.

Portrait Katie Dunn
Contact Us Dr. Kaitlin Dunn Branch Manager Rochester +1 (585) 551-2301 rochester@dioptic.de

Projects


CGHs for Interferometric Testing of Space Telescopes

CGHs for Interferometric Testing of Space Telescopes

For the optical quality assurance of the 26 telescopes used in ESA’s PLATO mission, DIOPTIC developed specialized computer-generated holograms (CGHs). With a diameter of 220 mm, these CGHs enable interferometric shape testing of large convex aspheres — precisely tailored to the specifications of the telescope optics. Thanks to an integrated Fizeau reference surface, the CGHs can be used directly with the interferometer without additional optical components. With this technology, DIOPTIC makes a key contribution to reliably meeting the highest optical requirements for space missions.

Precise Alignment of Optical Components in Complex Beam Paths

Precise Alignment of Optical Components in Complex Beam Paths

DIOPTIC develops customized measurement and alignment systems that enable the precise positioning and characterization of optical components within complex optical beam paths. Whether it’s the fine alignment of lenses and mirrors for shaping diode laser beams, or the measurement of beam properties, such as divergence, beam waist, and focal length in beam shaping systems, our solutions deliver highly reliable results at the highest technical level. We employ advanced optical measurement techniques that operate reliably even in challenging wavelength ranges such as ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR).

Inspection of Laser Cutting Optics with ARGOS

Inspection of Laser Cutting Optics with ARGOS

Laser cutting optics are exposed to high optical and thermal stress. Even the smallest surface imperfections—such as scratches, coating defects, or particles—can cause power loss, beam distortion, and increased thermal load. The main issue is damage to the AR coating: once compromised, a significant portion of the laser power is reflected uncontrollably. If a metallic particle is present on the optic, it can heat up intensely and thermally destroy the coating. ARGOS enables objective and reproducible detection of such defects according to ISO 10110-7 or customer-specific criteria. This makes it possible to identify damaged optics at an early stage, ensuring reliable operation and consistently precise cutting results.

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