Contents
Source: www.ctio.noirlab.edu
Deformable Mirrors: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
Deformable mirrors are essential optical devices that can correct wavefront distortions in various applications. They consist of actuators that allow controlled deformation of the mirror surface to compensate for optical aberrations. This technology is particularly crucial in adaptive optics systems.
Types of Deformable Mirrors
Deformable mirrors come in two main types: segmented mirrors and continuous surface mirrors. Segmented mirrors consist of small rigid segments that can be individually moved, while continuous surface mirrors have a continuous deformable surface with actuators mounted beneath.
Actuators
Various types of actuators are used in deformable mirrors, including piezo transducers, electrostatic actuators, voice coil motors, and thermal actuators. These actuators play a crucial role in enabling controlled deformation of the mirror surface.
Design Parameters and Performance
Key design parameters of deformable mirrors include the size of the reflecting area, number of actuators, actuator pitch, maximum mechanical stroke, influence functions, wavefront precision, speed, drive voltage, and power consumption. These parameters determine the capabilities and performance of the deformable mirror.
Applications of Deformable Mirrors
Deformable mirrors find applications in various fields, including astronomy for adaptive optics, microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), military applications, pulse shapers, laser optimization, and deformable phase plates. These applications leverage the ability of deformable mirrors to correct optical aberrations.
Future Developments
Future advancements in deformable mirrors may involve optically addressed devices to overcome wiring challenges in mirrors with a large number of actuators. Continued research and development in this area are expected to enhance the performance and versatility of deformable mirrors.
Conclusion
Deformable mirrors play a critical role in correcting optical aberrations in a wide range of applications, from astronomy to laser optimization. Understanding the types, actuators, design parameters, and applications of deformable mirrors is essential for harnessing their full potential in various optical systems.
Source: Imagine Optic
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