Aerospace, defense, and security systems demand optical components that maintain absolute reliability in extreme environments. GENERAL OPTICS delivers mission-critical optical solutions for detection, monitoring, targeting, and environmental sensing applications by combining precision manufacturing with field-proven durability and advanced optical engineering.
Industry Challenges
Optics used in aerospace and defense applications must withstand:
- Extreme temperature, humidity, shock, and vibration
- Long-term exposure to harsh or contaminated environments
- High reliability requirements for mission-critical sensing
- Strict optical performance standards across visible, NIR, and IR bands
- Miniaturization needs for portable or embedded detection systems
GENERAL OPTICS provides optical systems engineered and validated to meet these demanding operational conditions.
Our Solutions
Biological Agent Detection Optics (BioWatch Program)
GENERAL OPTICS developed and manufactured optical detection modules capable of identifying trace-level biological threats.
Key achievements:
- Detection of 0.001 mm Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax)
- Systems deployed during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics for real-time public safety monitoring
- Optical design covering scattering & fluorescence detection paths
Applications include:
- Environmental monitoring
- Biothreat early-warning systems
- Mobile and fixed security platforms
Optical Gas Detection Modules
Through national R&D programs, GENERAL OPTICS developed compact gas-detection optics using wavelength-specific absorption measurement.
Capabilities:
- Miniaturized module (32 × 17 × 4.4 mm, Ø26.5 mm)
- Detects gases via characteristic absorption bands
- Robust, compact structure suitable for UAVs, mobile detectors, and field instrumentation
- Supported by patented optical cavity technologies
Applications:
- Hazardous gas monitoring
- Industrial safety systems
- Defense CBRN detection platforms
Plasma & Fusion Diagnostic Optical Systems
GENERAL OPTICS developed multiple optical modules for the KSTAR fusion research reactor, demonstrating ultra-high-precision alignment and durability in harsh environments.
Developed systems include:
- Visible inspection optics (2017, 2018)
- MSE diagnostic optical system (2015)
- IR inspection optics (2019)
These systems operate in high-temperature, high-radiation fusion environments—validating GENERAL OPTICS’ capabilities for extreme operational conditions similar to those in aerospace and defense missions.
Manufacturing & Quality Advantages
Environmental & Reliability Testing
GENERAL OPTICS performs rigorous durability evaluations following MIL-STD procedures:
- Abrasion testing
- Adhesion testing
- Temperature cycling (−80°C to +90°C)
- Humidity testing (0–100%)
- Salt-fog corrosion tests
This ensures long-term stability required for airborne and defense-grade optics.
Advanced Coating Technologies
Defense applications require coatings with exceptional durability and spectral control.
GENERAL OPTICS operates large-format coating chambers (900Φ–2050Φ) with:
- E-beam evaporation
- IAD (Ion Assisted Deposition)
- End-Hall and RF-coil ion sources
These systems produce dense, adherent coatings suitable for:
- IR imaging systems
- Targeting and tracking optics
- Sensor windows exposed to harsh environments
Precision Metrology Infrastructure
To ensure optical integrity in mission-critical applications, GENERAL OPTICS employs:
- Zygo interferometers (4” & 15”)
- FT-IR & UV-Vis spectrophotometers
- Aspheric surface metrology (Talysurf PGI Optics)
- High-precision centering & alignment systems
This guarantees optical accuracy, wavefront stability, and spectral reliability for aerospace and defense programs.
Why GENERAL OPTICS
- Proven track record in national security & fusion research optics
- Ability to design and manufacture optics for high-risk, high-precision missions
- Full in-house production chain enabling secure, reliable development
- Compliance with international quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001)
GENERAL OPTICS delivers durable, high-precision optical systems engineered for the complexity and criticality of aerospace and defense applications.