Leading provider of adaptive optics systems, Alpao, has signed a contract to supply more than thirty deformable mirrors internationally, which will then be integrated in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. OCT allows to observe the structure of the eye, especially the interior of the retina, non-invasively. OCT offers new solutions for ophthalmological diagnosis and treatment: faster, innovative and more comfortable for patients. Some diseases can then be detected – and treated – at earlier stages. In real terms, Alpao’s deformable mirrors, designed and manufactured in Grenoble, France, will correct optical aberrations and thus improve the resolution of the cameras used.

“Alpao is enthusiastic about this new contract which consolidates and enhances the orders received in previous years by the same customer. Our state-of-the-art technology, production capabilities, technical support and expertise in the field of adaptive optics have convinced the customer to commit to more than 30 deformable mirrors which, thanks to the exceptional improvement of the image resolution, will ensure them a competitive advantage in their market. This order reinforces our industrial development strategy,” said Piero Bruno, sales and marketing director of Alpao.
 
The aim of the company is to improve optics by removing aberrations. Alpao has been designing and marketing a full range of adaptive optical products for research and industry since 2008. It markets deformable mirrors, wavefront sensors and software, its products are tailor-made for various applications such as astronomy, ophthalmology, microscopy, wireless optical communications and laser technology. Alpao has developed many products over the years, such as deformable mirrors (DM), its own wavefront sensor for closed loop operations, the DM97-08 dedicated to ophthalmology, a large size (DMX) and a modal (DMM) deformable mirror for industry. It also delivered the largest European deformable mirror at the end of 2018, which includes 3,228 actuators.

Alpao is an international company with customers over four continents in more than twenty countries. More than ninety percent of its turnover comes from export.