ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope: M5 Mirror Stabilization Units and the Role of CTEC’s Piezo Actuators

Amplified piezo actuator APA500XXL

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) continues to make significant strides with the development of its Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), a groundbreaking project that promises to revolutionize astronomical observation. Recently, ESO released an animation showcasing the tip-tilt motion of the M5 mirror, a key element in the ELT’s design. The M5 mirror plays a crucial role … Read more

CONECS Project: Industrializing Pointing Systems for NewSpace Optical Communication under the France 2030 Plan

advanced control technology

The CONECS project aims to develop complete pointing systems (FSM) for Free Space Optical (FSO) communication, enabling ultra-high-speed and secure data links. To meet the cost reductions required in NewSpace, the project will incorporate innovations in piezoelectric mechanisms and optical technologies, as well as the development of hardened electronics with its associated control-command software. The … Read more

Precise Electro-Optical Control for High-Resolution Actuation

cleopatre

CLEOPATRE is a state-funded project under the France 2030 framework. Its objective is to develop smart actuation systems for embedded electro-optics applications. Emerging markets in space (New Space), optronics, and industry need a mechatronic solution that includes electronics, sensors, actuators, and the advanced control. One of CLEOPATRE’s ambitions is also to democratize these technologies derived … Read more

A new generation of Eddy Current Sensors (ECS)

improving dynamic accuracy of closed loop bandwidth of piezo mechanisms with advanced control laws and embedded eddy current position sensors

Cedrat Technologies (CTEC) is developing a new generation of Eddy Current Sensors (ECS) that will improve the observability of displacements and therefore the bandwidth control performance and speed compared with Strain Gauges (SG).This new development also makes it possible to get more compact mechanisms than with capacitive sensors. Following the current qualification phase, this new … Read more

Magnetic Fast Steering Mirror for Inter-satellites and Feeder Link Optical Communication

space

Starting from M-FSM62 former design heritage, CTEC has designed first the M-FSM45 dedicated to Giant constellations based on inter-satellites Communication, focusing on mandatory cost efficiency, with high repeatability of performances and reliability, while targeting no defect at customer integration over quantities beyond several thousands of units delivered in very short production time series. After successful … Read more

Extremely High-Speed Laser Processes For Sustainable And Flexible Manufacturing

dtt laserway

The project is progressing well thanks to the commitment of the consortium. There have already been three meetings with the partners in Spain, Germany and Czech Republic. The LaserWay project is a European initiative funded by the Horizon Europe program (HORIZON). It aims to revolutionize manufacturing by replacing conventional, inefficient, and environmentally harmful methods with … Read more