Alcatel Explores Integrated Optics For ESA

Interferometric astronomy boosts resolutions by combining light from separated telescopes - the wider the separation, the better the resolution. However, this requires highly accurate optical systems. An "integrated optics" solution would develop the technology used in optical communications to combine the light signals. Meeting these challenges would no doubt result in improved optical communication technology in its turn.

Another company, Astrium, is researching a traditional optics approach for GENIE. ESA is to make a final decision in a years time.

ESA hopes that integrated optics could be extended to the mid-infrared and used in its Darwin project - a flotilla of eight spacecraft being sent out to search for extraterrestrial life. Six of the craft will have telescopes. The seventh will combine the light and the eighth will be the centre for communications with Earth. The mission will seek out Earth-like planets and chemically analyse their atmospheres for life signs. The launch would be some time after 2014.