A Low-Cost Flexible Mirror. Phase 1.
Abstract
Adaptive optical systems are designed to detect and correct in real-time aberrations in optical systems. Included are those aberrations due to fabrication errors, those caused by mechanical or thermal sources, and those caused by changes in the atmospheric path. In analyzing these errors, it is realized that the amplitude of the error drops dramatically with Zernike mode, and that in some instances, a mirror with tip/tilt, focus and astigmatic correction would be entirely sufficient. In this program I seek to develop mirrors optimized for this function. They would be structured such that the actuators would generate modal as opposed to zonal corrections. Such a mirror could be used on conjunction with a zonal adaptive system to substantially reduce its cost as well. I have also identified a unique and very high value application in the fabrication of eyeglasses. There has long been a desire to mold these lens, which have only focal and astigmatic correction, in the doctors office. A major impediment to this has been the requirement for over three-hundred separate molds to achieve the necessary range of prescriptions. These modal deformable mirrors could however be used as adjustable molds if their strokes could be extended to mm's and this would lead to a system with only a few molds. Using finite element modeling I have demonstrated that these high deformations can be achieved. This technology thus has the potential to play a critical role in extending the delivery of eyeglasses from the laboratory to the doctors office with a correspondent reduction in cost.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA299169
Entities
People
- N. A. Massie