Deformable Mirror Peripheral Actuation for Wavefront Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for compensating aberrations in optical systems lack the capability for locally differentiated and precise force application on the peripheral surface of planar optical elements, limiting their effectiveness in correcting wavefront errors.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least three retaining lugs distributed over the peripheral surface of a planar optical element, where these lugs can be bent perpendicular to their longitudinal axis to apply force along the axis of symmetry, allowing for precise deformation and compensation of aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If forces are applied to the peripheral edge of the deformable mirror to correct wavefront errors, then the mirror can be deformed to compensate for aberrations, but the capability for locally differentiated and precise force application is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral edge of the mirror is divided into multiple discrete application points (at least three points distributed over the peripheral surface). Each application point can be independently actuated by separate actuating elements, enabling locally differentiated force application. This segmentation allows precise control of deformation at different locations around the mirror periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the peripheral surface are equipped with different actuating elements having different characteristics (e.g., different stiffness, range of motion, or actuation mechanisms). This allows each region to be optimized for its specific deformation requirements, enabling locally differentiated and precise force application tailored to the local aberration correction needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an intermediate plate with differential thickness is used to introduce forces eccentrically, then different flexing moments can be generated along the periphery, but the ratio of flexing moments becomes predetermined by the design and is no longer variable
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating elements are designed to be adjustable, allowing the magnitude and direction of forces applied at different peripheral points to be dynamically modified during operation. This enables the ratio of flexing moments to be variable and adaptable to different aberration correction requirements, rather than being fixed by the intermediate plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The characteristics of the actuating elements (such as force magnitude, direction, and application timing) can be changed independently at each peripheral point. This allows the flexing moments to be adjusted dynamically to achieve the desired deformation pattern, making the system adaptable to various correction scenarios.
3Reliability
If a deformable mirror is introduced into the optical path to correct wavefront errors, then imaging errors can be compensated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable mirror serves multiple functions: it acts as both a standard optical element (reflector or transmittor) and as the correction device for wavefront errors. The same component that transmits or reflects light also provides aberration correction through its actively deformable surface, eliminating the need for separate correction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable mirror corrects its own aberrations through active deformation of its surface, rather than requiring external correction devices. The mirror itself adapts its shape to compensate for wavefront errors, making the system self-correcting and reducing overall device complexity.
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 localized force application on the peripheral surface of planar optical elements, effectively compensating for aberrations and improving the correction of wavefront errors in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least three retaining lugs (2.3) which are distributed over the peripheral surface (1.3), wherein after mounting the device, at least one of the retaining lugs (2.3) is bent perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (2.3.0)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for variably influencing the wavefront of a beam, said device comprising a reflecting or transmitting planar optical element (1) and an actuating and holding means (2) which is connected to the planar optical element (1) via at least three elastic retaining lugs (2.3) such that forces can be introduced into at least one of the retaining lugs (2.3) via at least one actuating element (2.4) arranged in the actuating and holding means (2), which forces are deflected in their direction of action by the bending of the retaining lugs (2.3) such that they cause forces on the peripheral surface (1.3) of the planar optical element (1) whose direction of action (RA) is parallel to the axis of symmetry (A) of the planar optical element (1), allowing the planar optical element (1) to be actively deformed.