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Astronomy
Fiber optics play a critical role in modern astronomical instrumentation by efficiently transporting light from a telescope to a spectrograph. At the telescope focal plane, light collected from distant stars and galaxies is precisely coupled into optical fibers, which then guide it to a stable, often remotely located instrument.
Once delivered, the spectrograph analyzes the incoming light to reveal key properties such as chemical composition, radial velocity, and temperature, enabling deeper insight into the nature and behavior of celestial objects.
Integral Field Units (IFUs)
Integral Field Units (IFUs) enable astronomers to simultaneously capture spatial and spectral information from extended objects such as galaxies and nebulae. By combining hundreds or thousands of precisely arranged fibers into a fixed geometry, IFUs transform complex astronomical scenes into highly detailed spectral datasets.
Fibers can be closely packed for direct imaging or precisely spaced to match a microlens array, optimizing light collection and optical throughput.
FiberTech Optica leverages its precision fiber assembly expertise required to make these complex configurations possible. From precision fiber positioning and mapping to microlens integration and spectrograph-side slit assemblies, FTO manufactures IFU assemblies to meet demanding optical and mechanical requirements. FTO’s capabilities include precision hole plates, active optical alignment, slitlet block machining, optical testing, and detailed fiber-level traceability.
IFU systems can also be integrated as retrofits or upgrades to existing telescopes, extending instrument capabilities without requiring a complete redesign of the optical system. FTO supports both custom development and production-ready assembly, helping transform complex IFU designs into manufacturable optical solutions.
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FTO Capabilities
General
- Low-stress fiber assembly and precision processing
- Advanced optical testing throughout the manufacturing process
- Integration of lenses, microlens arrays, folding optics, and other optical components
- Comprehensive traceability from component and fiber lots to assembly-stage test data
- Rapid transition from prototype to volume production
- Design-for-manufacturing expertise to improve yield, consistency, and scalability
Input-End Precision
- Precision hole plates with sub-micron positional accuracy and approximately 1 µm hole diameter
- Active optical alignment of microlens arrays for optimized coupling and throughput
Output-End Precision
- High-precision slitlet block machining with precision V-grooves and custom mounting features
- Complete slitlet block and slit assembly integration, engineered for accurate fiber positioning (precision v-grooves, mounting features) and reliable spectrograph coupling
Precision radial velocity
Precision radial velocity (PRV) measurements require very high resolution spectroscopy to observe minute shifts in star rotation, thus enabling exoplanet detection. To achieve this, they need to be extremely stable and precisely calibrated.
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The Role of FTO Fiber Assemblies in PRV Measurements
- Scramble the light from the telescope to produce a uniform and stable illumination of the spectrograph slit or entrance.
- Reduce modal noise (variations in intensity patterns caused by interference of light modes in the fiber).
- Feed multiple channels (like simultaneous calibration sources or comparison stars) into the spectrograph.
- Enable long-distance light transmission from telescope focal plane to the spectrograph in a stable, temperature-controlled environment.
FTO Capabilities
- Production of long and complex cable assemblies
- Handling of non circular-core fibers
- Fiber arrays, including clocked fibers
- In-coupling optics
- Custom opto-mechanical component design
- Low stress assembly and processing