The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems

Development at the Institute of Optical Sensor Systems
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The Institute of Optical Sensor Systems fosusses on research and development of active and passive optical sensor systems operating in the UV, visible, infrared and THz spectral range. The instruments are applied in space research and space exploration, on board of flying platforms and for robotic systems. The institute participates in the scientific analysis of the data obtained with these systems. This includes Earth observation, robotics, planetary research, transport and security. The development of sensor-oriented algorithms for information processing lays the foundation for autonomous optical sensor systems.

Our vision: Optical sensors with capabilities beyond human perception for space applications.

Spectroscopy

The institute is renowned for its research and development capabilities in infrared, terahertz, LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) and Raman spectroscopy for in-situ and remote sensing. Applications are in planetary research, astronomy and security. The expertise covers the entire area from laboratory spectroscopy to development of complete spectrometers.

Data and information processing

The institute develops methods and tools for data processing. This software is used to evaluate sensors and data and to extract user relevant information up to a semantic level. This is complemented by the development of automatic processing chains, for example using artificial intelligence for information extraction and high-resolution 3D data generation.

Space system engineering

The institute has the capability to develop and build hardware and software for space instruments. It is involved in numerous national and international space projects. Based on this expertise the institute also transfers technologies to commercial partners for specific applications.

Education

The institute is committed to educating young scientists and teaches bachelor and master students as well as doctoral students. The institute cooperates closely with universities, in particular the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the Technische Universität Berlin.

Department Real-Time Data Processing

The focus of this department is on the development and evaluation of models, algorithms and data processing chains for the sensors developed by the institute, for example for FireBird or IPS.

Department High-Speed Electronics

The department High-Speed Electronics comprises the Institute’s expertise in the development of focal plane units and detector electronics for VIS/NIR satellite cameras. It evolved from the department of Optical Sensor electronics. It builds on the expertise of focal plane unit development for high-resolution spaceborne cameras.

Department In-Situ Sensing

The department In-Situ Sensing (ISS) at the DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems researches and develops methods for in-situ measurements on planetary bodies such as Mars, the Moon and asteroids. Examples are laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman spectroscopy with close-range image data for in-situ analysis of geomaterials.

Department Security Research and Applications

The Department of Security Research and Application (OS-SEC) combines the Institute's activities in the field of civil security and defense. Our work is strongly application-oriented and always with a view to developing relevant contributions to the protection of modern societies.

Department Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy

The department of Terahertz and Laser Spectroscopy (TLS) has a long track record in instrumentation development for and application of laser-based spectroscopic techniques ranging from the UV to the deep THz spectral range. Particular expertise exists in techniques for sensing the vibrational and rotational fingerprint of matter.

Department Space Instruments

The department Space Instruments comprises the instrument development activities which previously were distributed across several departments. Major missions with significant contributions of the institute are ESA’s planetary missions Envision, BepiColombo, CHEOPS, PLATO and NASA`s VERITAS mission.