Europe Creates Autonomous Supply Chain For Alexandrite Laser Crystals For Space Missions And Atmospheric Research

Recently, companies from Lithuania, Italy and Germany have reached a new milestone in independent European space missions - based on the "Galactic" project (GALACTIC project), they have developed a European alexandrite laser crystal supply chain for the study of changes in the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
The high-power alexandrite laser crystals and coatings developed in the GALACTIC project will be used to collect atmospheric and vegetation observations related to climate change. The scientific teams aim to use this laser crystal in satellite-based lidar equipment systems for coastline mapping, storm surge modeling and seafloor measurements.
"Droughts, heat waves and floods cause more and more damage every year. Happily, lidar instruments with Alexandrite lasers can help us detect atmospheric changes. The laser's near-infrared wavelengths allow for the precise study of atmospheric gases, aerosols, clouds and their movements and temperatures," said Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna, a laser company involved in the project, "Lidar allows for a detailed analysis of aerosols, clouds, and atmospheric composition, which can lead to better predictions of climate change."
For LIDAR, Alexandrite laser crystals are actually a valuable material - they can adapt their light wavelength for laser applications over a range, between about 700-860 nanometers.
This adaptability is critical for techniques such as Raman and Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) used to study the atmosphere. Raman lidars identify molecules through their unique light patterns, while DIAL systems can identify gases such as SO2, NOx and HCl, which contribute to acid rain.
The aim of the European Horizon 2020 GALACTIC mission is to develop replicable coated alexandrite crystals based exclusively on European suppliers. Already last year, EU officials declared space as a strategic priority for the Strategic Compass and emphasized the need for an EU space strategy focused on security and defense.
"For Europe, space and aviation is a strategic area, and the supply chain developed during the 'Galactic' project (GALACTIC project) will enable space missions to be carried out independently of other regions," Antanas According to Laurutis, "Europe will also avoid export controls, which tend to make such projects difficult."
Altechna is one of the leading optical engineering companies in the EU's Central and Eastern European region, contributing to the development of specific coating designs and processes for electron beam and reactive magnetron sputtering equipment.
The researchers studied the European crystals and compared them with those produced by the world's top suppliers, mainly from US and Chinese companies. The tests showed that the quality of the crystals from the GALACTIC mission is comparable to non-European technological solutions," said Laurynas Lukosevicius, Chief Scientist at Altechna, "This is a big step forward for the independent use of laser technology in space missions in Europe. "
This new European technology has been validated by the space standard TRL 6 for technology maturity. "TRL 6's space-standard coated Alexandrite laser crystals are a key technology for realizing future Earth observation missions. Together with our partners, we are developing an advanced laser prototype that will enable Europe to obtain more accurate data from atmospheric studies," states Luko?evi?ius, "For example, using Lidar instruments with Alexandrite lasers, we can help to better identify cloud types and to prepare for severe weather conditions."