Complete Optical Assemblies
Complete optical assemblies are self-contained optical instruments designed to deliver a defined optical function as an integrated unit.
Complete Optical Assemblies
Astravon supports complete optical assemblies where optical design, mechanical integration, alignment, and assembly-level verification are addressed together within a clearly defined scope.
These assemblies are intended to operate as standalone optical instruments while remaining compatible with integration into larger platforms or programmes.
Our involvement focuses on the optical instrument itself, with clearly defined boundaries to higher-level system integration.
Typical Characteristics of Complete Optical Assemblies
Depending on application requirements, complete optical assemblies may include:
- A fully defined optical architecture delivering a specific function
- Integrated refractive and/or reflective optical elements
- Mechanical structure supporting optical alignment and stability
- Defined optical and mechanical interfaces to the host system
- Assembly-level optical performance verification
Responsibility is limited to the optical assembly and does not extend to platform-, spacecraft-, or mission-level performance unless explicitly defined.
Typical Complete Optical Assemblies
|
Parameter |
Typical Capability |
|
Entrance Aperture |
50 – 400 mm |
|
Assembly Envelope |
up to 800 mm |
|
Optical Configuration |
refractive, reflective, catadioptric |
|
Integrated Optical Elements |
lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters, filters |
|
Optical Alignment |
up to 50 µm centration |
|
Optical Element Tilt |
up to 1 arcmin |
|
Axial Spacing Control |
up to 50 µm |
|
Structural Materials |
aluminium, stainless steel, Invar, CFRP |
|
Coating Compatibility |
AR, HR, metal, dielectric |
|
Verification Methods |
interferometry, alignment metrology, optical performance testing |
Representative Assembly Types
Complete optical assemblies commonly include, but are not limited to:
- Telescope assemblies
(refractive, reflective, or catadioptric telescope instruments) - Imaging optical instruments
delivering defined image formation or observation functions - Standalone optical observation or relay units operating as complete optical instruments within larger systems
These examples illustrate typical implementations rather than an exhaustive product list.
Telescope Assemblies
Telescope assemblies represent a common and well-defined class of complete optical assemblies.
In this context, a telescope assembly refers to an optical instrument in which the full optical path—from entrance aperture to focal plane—is integrated and aligned as a single assembly.
Astravon supports telescope assemblies at the optical instrument level, including optical architecture, alignment, and verification, while maintaining clear interface boundaries to the host platform or mission.
Scope & Responsibility Boundaries
Complete optical assemblies are delivered with assembly-level responsibility.
System integration beyond the optical instrument, platform-level qualification, mission operations, and end-use performance remain outside scope unless explicitly agreed.
This approach ensures predictable collaboration with Prime contractors, agencies, and system integrators.
Documentation & Verification
Astravon supports documentation and verification appropriate to complete optical assemblies, including:
- Optical design and interface documentation
- Alignment and inspection records at assembly level
- Assembly-level optical performance verification
The depth of documentation is defined per programme and integration context.
Precision alignment assemblies address optical applications where system performance is highly sensitive to alignment accuracy and mechanical stability.