The civilian space sector is devoted to the exploration and discovery of the universe for scientific research, satellite navigation (GPS), and Earth observation.
HEF Photonics, which specializes in custom thin-film deposition for the space industry, helped design the seismometer on the InSight probe sent to Mars in 2018 by implementing gold deposition on the probe’s mechanical and ceramic parts. We have ensured smooth operation and device reliability in the extreme conditions of the Martian environment.
In addition, HEF has produced telescope mirrors and participated in the development of the laser head for the famous Perseverance Mars Rover, which fires short laser pulses at Martian rocks to determine their chemical composition (spectroscopy).
More recently, we have been supplying optical components to be integrated into satellites of the future Japetus constellation, whose mission is to observe Earth.
We have developed a specific industrial tool to offer optical and metallic treatments. Photolithography phases can be combined with these treatments to produce localized depositions.
