OPTICAL SCANNING USING ELECTRICALLY-MODULATED MEMBRANE MIRRORS
Abstract
An objective mirror which employs electrostatic attraction of a normally-flat, reflective and conductively-coated base membrane is being developed for space applications. Electricallydeflected membrane mirrors offer the advantages of low optical figure distortion due to temperature changes, low weight, low production cost (after fabrication techniques are developed), electrical figuring of the optical surface and electrical focusing. In addition they offer the possibility of optical axis deviation by electrical means, an almost inertialess operation useful for scanning and tracking functions. The power required for static deflection is only that dissipated by electrical leakage and that required by voltage regulation circuitry. These can be held quite low by appropriate design. The high vacuum of space should provide a favorable environment for the maintenance of high electrical insulation and uniform mechanical properties of the membrane. Details are given on fabrication and application of the membrane to the experimental mirror assembly.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0296576