Components and Subsystems for Space & Defense Systems
Keep optical performance stable under shock, vibration, vacuum and temperature extremes – and meet the standards your program requires.
AMS Technologies selects, integrates and builds optical, thermal and power subsystems for defense and space programs, from prototypes and qualification units to small-series production in Europe. Our business unit Bay Photonics in Paignton, UK, adds hermetic packaging of lasers, detectors and PICs.
Solve Your Challenges in Space & Defense Development
Keep optical performance stable in harsh environments
Shock, vibration, temperature extremes and contamination shift optical alignment and degrade performance over time. We design ruggedized opto-mechanical assemblies and combine them with thermal management, which keeps the optical alignment stable under the specified conditions.
Integrate subsystems without adding risk
Optical, electronic and thermal subsystems from different suppliers meet at many interfaces, and interface problems often appear only at assembly. We design and integrate these subsystems together, which reduces the number of interfaces your team has to manage.
Comply with standards, certifications and controlled processes
Defense and space programs require defined standards, documented processes and controlled configurations. We work with qualified suppliers and provide documentation, traceability and controlled change management throughout the product lifecycle. Bay Photonics supports qualification to MIL-STD and Telcordia requirements.
Maintain availability over long lifecycles
Defense and space systems often remain in service for many years, longer than many components stay on the market. We plan sourcing for the lifecycle and document assemblies, so systems can be maintained and upgraded later.
Protect photonic devices in sealed and vacuum environments
Lasers, detectors and PICs in space and defense systems often operate sealed or in vacuum, where moisture and outgassing degrade optical surfaces. Bay Photonics packages these devices hermetically, uses low-outgassing adhesives and verifies the seal with leak testing and residual gas analysis.
Address customized, low-volume requirements
Defense and space optics are rarely off-the-shelf, and their volumes are too small for mass-production lines. We specialize in high-mix, low-volume integration and production in our European facilities, from prototypes and qualification units to small series.
Keep optical performance stable in harsh environments
Shock, vibration, temperature extremes and contamination shift optical alignment and degrade performance over time. We design ruggedized opto-mechanical assemblies and combine them with thermal management, which keeps the optical alignment stable under the specified conditions.
Integrate subsystems without adding risk
Optical, electronic and thermal subsystems from different suppliers meet at many interfaces, and interface problems often appear only at assembly. We design and integrate these subsystems together, which reduces the number of interfaces your team has to manage.
Comply with standards, certifications and controlled processes
Defense and space programs require defined standards, documented processes and controlled configurations. We work with qualified suppliers and provide documentation, traceability and controlled change management throughout the product lifecycle. Bay Photonics supports qualification to MIL-STD and Telcordia requirements.
Maintain availability over long lifecycles
Defense and space systems often remain in service for many years, longer than many components stay on the market. We plan sourcing for the lifecycle and document assemblies, so systems can be maintained and upgraded later.
Protect photonic devices in sealed and vacuum environments
Lasers, detectors and PICs in space and defense systems often operate sealed or in vacuum, where moisture and outgassing degrade optical surfaces. Bay Photonics packages these devices hermetically, uses low-outgassing adhesives and verifies the seal with leak testing and residual gas analysis.
Address customized, low-volume requirements
Defense and space optics are rarely off-the-shelf, and their volumes are too small for mass-production lines. We specialize in high-mix, low-volume integration and production in our European facilities, from prototypes and qualification units to small series.
Space and defense systems use optics, photonics and power electronics for sensing and observation, laser-based illumination and ranging, multi-sensor integration and pulsed power. Most of these combine optical, electronic and thermal subsystems in a compact, often sealed design that is built in small numbers and qualified for a long service life. AMS Technologies works with defense contractors, space system manufacturers, system integrators and research organizations.
Our Capabilities for Space & Defense Systems
Optical & Photonic Subsystems
We supply laser sources, beam delivery and optics, and align and assemble them into optical subsystems with repeatable performance from unit to unit.
Power Electronics & Control
We provide laser drivers, inverters, controllers and high-power capacitors for pulsed power applications, and integrate them with the optical and thermal subsystems, so power supply, optics and cooling are designed as one system.
Thermal Management
We combine optical subsystems with active or passive thermal management, which keeps temperature-sensitive components within their operating range.
Ruggedized Opto-Mechanical Assemblies
We design and assemble opto-mechanical building blocks for stability under shock and vibration, with defined interfaces to your system.
Hermetic Photonic Packaging
Our business unit Bay Photonics packages lasers, detectors and PICs in hermetic TO cans, gold boxes and custom housings, uses low-outgassing adhesives for sealed and vacuum applications, and supports qualification to MIL-STD requirements.
Prototype-to-Production Support
We support defense and space projects from concept and prototypes to qualification units and small-series production in our European facilities, followed by lifecycle support.
How You Benefit from AMS Technologies
Stable Performance in Harsh Environments
Reduced Program Risk
Support for Standards and Qualification
Long-Term Supply and Availability
Get Inspired
Lasers & Light Sources
Optics
Optomechanics & Motion Control
Drivers, Inverters & Controllers
Thermal Management Solutions
Engineering and Production Services
Efficient Subcontracting in Europe
Peltier vs. Compressor Cooling
Germanium-free Lenses
From Prototype to Product: Photonic Packaging at Bay Photonics
Are you ready to find your perfect solution?
We are happy to help.
How We Provide the Best Custom Solutions for You
At AMS Technologies, we know every application is unique. That’s why we go beyond standard products to deliver solutions custom to your specific needs. Whether it’s through our own expertise or by working with trusted partners, our mission is to provide you with the best result – quickly, efficiently, and reliably.
Technical & Program Alignment
Share your operational requirements, standards and program constraints with us – we align on scope, interfaces and compliance expectations.
System Concept & Architecture
We define a system concept and select the optical, electronic, mechanical and thermal technologies that meet your operational requirements.
Engineering & Integration
We engineer, integrate and align the subsystems, with a focus on stability under the specified environmental conditions.
Prototype & Qualification Builds
We manufacture and test prototypes or qualification units, verifying performance under defined conditions and documenting configurations.
Documentation & Lifecycle Support
We document configurations under change control and support the transition to small-series production and long-term availability.