Deformable Mirror Flex Circuit Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fast-steering mirror systems face challenges in conveying electrical signals to the mirror surface without signal disruption due to the freedom of motion between components, leading to a lack of compact and inexpensive solutions for drive signal delivery.
Innovation Solution
A fast-steering, deformable mirror system that incorporates a suspension assembly with an electrical mirror interface formed from flexible materials like polyimide or polyether ether ketone, which provides bias and acts as part of the suspension system, ensuring signal integrity and compactness by maintaining the drive circuit at a fixed position relative to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid electrical interfaces are used to convey drive signals to the mirror assembly, then signal transmission is maintained, but the system becomes bulky and introduces signal disruption due to hysteresis and mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible thin film electrical interfaces (flex circuits) to replace conventional rigid electrical connections. These flex circuits are formed from flexible materials and can accommodate the freedom of motion between the base and mirror assembly while maintaining reliable electrical signal transmission, thereby achieving both signal integrity and system compactness without the hysteresis issues of rigid mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical interface is merged with the suspension assembly, where the flex circuit forms an integral part of the suspension structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate rigid electrical connections and mechanical suspension components, reducing overall system complexity and enabling a compact configuration while maintaining signal transmission reliability
2Reliability
If rigid mechanical connections are used to maintain electrical signal transmission, then signal stability is achieved, but the freedom of motion between base and mirror assembly is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static rigid electrical connections to dynamic flexible thin film interfaces that can adapt to the moving mirror assembly. The flex circuits maintain electrical signal stability while accommodating the freedom of motion through their inherent flexibility, allowing the system to dynamically adjust to position changes without compromising signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible thin film electrical interfaces are used to provide both signal stability and adaptability to motion. These flex circuits can bend and flex with the mirror assembly movements while maintaining reliable electrical connections, thereby achieving both signal stability and freedom of motion that rigid connections cannot provide
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
The system effectively conveys drive signals to the deformable mirror surface without signal disruption, maintaining a compact configuration and reducing hysteresis, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of fast-steering mirror systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical mirror interface is formed in part from an elastically resilient polymer material and includes a flexible circuit
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the flexible circuit is covered by an electrically insulating polymer layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A fast-steering, deformable mirror system is configured to manipulate a reflective surface in order to control the reflection of electromagnetic radiation off of the reflective surface. The system is configured to steer the reflective surface as a unit, and also to deform the reflective surface. The system is designed to reduce hysteresis in drive signals that control deformation of the reflective surface, to maintain an overall size and/or footprint of conventional fast-steering, non-deformable mirror systems, and/or provide other enhancements.