Deformable Planar Mirror for Wavefront Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating aberrations in optical systems lack the ability to apply forces to a deformable, axially symmetric planar mirror in a locally differentiable and precise manner along the axis of symmetry, particularly in an eccentrically offset manner.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a planar mirror with a frame, socket, crown-like adjusting element, membrane spring, and elastic retaining lugs, allowing for the precise application of forces along the axis of symmetry through a segmented membrane spring and crown-like adjusting element, enabling eccentric force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If forces are applied to the peripheral surface or edge region of the planar optical element, then the ability to correct certain types of aberrations is improved, but the precision and local differentiability of force application along the axis of symmetry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the force application mechanism into multiple independent components: a crown-like adjusting element with multiple adjusting elements arranged circumferentially, each capable of applying force at different locations on the rear surface. This segmentation enables both peripheral force application for aberration correction and precise axial control through individual adjustment of each element
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from applying forces only at the peripheral edge (one-dimensional approach) to applying forces at multiple discrete locations on the rear surface along the axis of symmetry (three-dimensional approach). The crown-like adjusting element provides circumferential distribution of force application points, enabling localized deformation with axial precision
2Measurement precision
If forces are applied along or near the central axis of the planar optical element, then the precision of force application is improved, but the ability to correct certain types of aberrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements local quality by enabling different force application characteristics at different locations on the rear surface. Each adjusting element on the crown-like structure can apply forces at specific axial positions, creating locally differentiated force distribution that simultaneously achieves axial precision and comprehensive aberration correction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The crown-like adjusting element divides the force application system into multiple independent adjusting elements distributed circumferentially. This segmentation allows each element to independently apply forces at precise axial locations while collectively providing the versatility needed to correct various aberration types through coordinated adjustment
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed contour design is used for the deformable mirror, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the variable adaptability for different aberration correction needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adjustability through the crown-like adjusting element with multiple independently controllable adjusting elements. While the mirror maintains a simple fixed contour for ease of manufacture, the force application system becomes dynamic and variable, allowing adaptation to different aberration correction needs through coordinated adjustment of the multiple elements without requiring complex variable-contour mirrors
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
Enables precise and locally differentiable deformation of the planar mirror, effectively compensating for aberrations by allowing varying force application along the axis of symmetry, improving the correction of wavefront errors in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
membrane spring (8), which encloses the socket (3) concentrically in a segmented manner and which is firmly connected to the frame (2) via a first edge region (8.1.1) and to the crown-like adjusting element (5) via a second edge region (8.2.1)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device with a planar mirror (1), comprising a first axis of symmetry (A), and an actuating and holding means (10) with a frame (2), said frame (2) being firmly connected to the peripheral surface (1.3) of the planar mirror (1) and centrally contacting the rear surface (1.2) of the planar mirror (1). There is a socket (3), which is linearly adjustable along the axis of symmetry (A) in the frame (2) and is firmly connected, via a membrane spring (8), to the frame (2), on the one hand, and to a crown-like adjusting element (5), on the other hand. The crown-like adjusting element (5) has crown spikes which act on retaining lugs (6) connected to the planar mirror (1) and deform them, thereby applying forces corresponding to said deformation into the planar mirror (1) in order to deform the latter.