Deformable Mirror Actuator System for Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of aspherical mirrors, particularly off-axis parabolic surfaces, requires complex production methods and is difficult to modify once created, and existing deformable mirror systems often require numerous actuators to achieve desired shapes, limiting their flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A deformable mirror system with a reduced number of actuators that uses specific mechanical and electromechanical structures to generate uniform and modulated bending moments around the mirror's periphery, allowing for the correction of geometric aberrations such as focus, coma, and astigmatism by applying predetermined forces and bending moments, enabling the transformation of a spherical surface into a paraboloid surface using three primary types of deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of actuators are used to deform the mirror surface, then the mirror can achieve complex deformations and correct multiple aberrations, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation control into three independent modes (focus, astigmatism, coma), each controlled by a dedicated actuator. This segmentation allows complex surface deformations to be achieved through coordinated action of fewer actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
Each actuator is designed to generate a specific type of deformation mode (focus, astigmatism, or coma) that can be combined to correct multiple aberrations simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows three actuators to handle various aberration combinations, reducing the total number of actuators needed
2Manufacturing precision
If complex production methods are used to create aspherical surfaces, then the desired optical surfaces can be achieved, but the production process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary deformation to the mirror surface during manufacturing using the actuator system. By pre-deforming the surface to the desired aspherical shape before final polishing or coating, the manufacturing process is simplified while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamically adjustable actuator system that can modify the mirror surface in real-time during manufacturing. This dynamic control allows for precise aspherical surface creation through programmable deformation sequences, reducing manufacturing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the mirror surface is created with a fixed shape, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the mirror cannot be adapted or modified for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mirror surface into a dynamic one by incorporating actuators that can continuously adjust the surface shape. The mirror maintains a simple base shape for easy manufacturing, while the actuator system provides adaptability for different applications through programmable surface deformation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the efficient generation of complex optical surfaces with a reduced number of actuators, enabling the creation of deformable mirrors that can correct multiple aberrations simultaneously, thereby simplifying the production and adaptation of optical surfaces for various applications, including astronomy and instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
A first electromechanical actuator exerting a predetermined force on a stud perpendicular to the surface of the stud, so as to generate a uniform distribution of the bending moments around the periphery of the mirror
Implementation Method 2
A second electromechanical actuator exerting a predetermined bending moment on a pad parallel to the surface of the pad, so as to generate a distribution of bending moments around the periphery of the mirror modulated by a sine function or cosine
Implementation Method 3
a deformable mirror and a system for deforming said mirror... enabling the transformation of a spherical surface into a paraboloid surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of optical devices comprising a deformable mirror (M) and a deformation system (S) for said mirror. The deformation system comprises a first mechanical structure (S1) including a first periphery, one or more electromechanical actuators fixed to the first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure (S2) including a substantially flat base (Fd) and a second deformable periphery, the base being fixed to the first periphery, the second periphery being fixed to the periphery of the mirror, a rigid pad (P) being fixed to the base, substantially flat and centered on the base, the electromechanical actuator(s) exerting predetermined forces or bending moments on the pad so as to generate a particular distribution of bending moments around the periphery of the mirror, deforming it according to a geometric shape representative of one or more predetermined geometric aberrations.