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Actuation of Deformable Mirrors Using Laser Controlled PistonsCurrent deformable mirrors used for adaptive optics employ many actuators to adjust the mirror in order to compensate for optical irregularities. These mechanical actuators, which can number in the hundreds for a given mirror, require a significant amount of electrical wires in order to be controlled. The objective of this research is to implement a different type of actuator that can be controlled without the use of wires. The actuator developed employs a laser to quickly heat and expand the air in a closed 'cell'. When the air expands, it pushes a membrane that causes the mirror to move. Creating an array of these cells, and scanning them with a laser can control a deformable mirror. Testing showed that a single cell with a 5 mm diameter and 10 mm in length can deflect a membrane of aluminized Mylar in excess of our minimum requirement of 20 microns. These cells can now be assembled in a 5 x 5 matrix and attached to many small mirrors. An electro-mechanical scanning assembly can be used to aim the laser directly onto individual cells causing the mirror at that location to move.
Document ID
20100014298
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Other
External Source(s)
Authors
Scott, Charles
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
deformable mirrors
actuator
lasers

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