The DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communications and navigation. Its work ranges from the theoretical foundations to the demonstration of new procedures and systems in a real environment and is embedded in DLR's Space, Aeronautics, Transport, Security and Digitalization programmes.

What to expect

For the ongoing development project of an in-orbit time- and frequency transfer demonstration COMPASSO, modifications to DLR's Optical Ground Station need to be made. Those modifications mainly involve the transmitting beam, which requires a new optical system to be developed and set up. The objective is to design and to build-up this new optical path on DLR’s Optical Ground Station. Finally, in a test campaign at the end of the internship/thesis, the built-up system will be validated to ensure that it meets the required specifications. This will involve a comprehensive evaluation of the system's performance.
The system will be simulated and designed in Ansys Zemax, a powerful optical simulation software that allows for the modeling and analysis of complex optical systems. This software will be used to optimize the design of the new optical system, considering various factors such as beam quality, transmission divergence, and power density but also tolerance and sensitivity analyses.

Your tasks

•    Design and simulation of a new optical launch system using Zemax SW, utilizing your knowledge of geometric and physical optics to optimize the system's performance.
•    Setting up the system out of bulk optical components on an optical bench, connected to the telescope, and ensuring proper alignment to ensure accurate and stable operation.
•    Test the properties of the system, to validate the simulation results.
•    Compare the experimental results with the simulated data to validate the system's design and identify areas for improvement.

Your profile

•    Currently enrolled in astronomy, physics, optics, photonics or similar.
•    Experience in handling lasers, optics and electronics in the lab, with a good understanding of the principles and techniques involved.
•    Experience with optical simulation software "Ansys Zemax".
•    Good knowledge of geometric and physical optics principles, including beam propagation and optical diffraction.
•    Experience in programming, preferably in Python or Matlab, with experience in data analysis and visualization.

 We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 2528) please contact:

Christian Fuchs 
Tel.: +49 8153 28 1547