Volume Control Manifold for Membrane Adaptive Optics

Abstract

An innovative adaptive optic concept is discussed that provides a dramatically improved dynamic bandwidth over existing approaches. This innovation is associated with membrane adaptive optics such as silicon nitride and polymer based films. This concept utilizes a volume control manifold that is co-located with the electrostatic actuators to dramatically improve total actuator force which in turn improves dynamic bandwidth and stroke. Presented is the result of a laboratory experiment showing time lapse images of a polymer film that is actuated by a single volume control actuator. An important constraint of the concept involves the depth of the air gap between the activated membrane and the backplate which includes both the electrostatic and volume control actuators.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 2009
Accession Number
ADA499964

Entities

People

  • Dan K. Marker
  • Jim Rotge
  • Steve Hanes

Organizations

  • Boeing

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Actuators
  • Adaptive Optics
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Air Gaps
  • Air Pressure
  • Atmospheres
  • Bandwidth
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Films
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Frequency
  • Membranes
  • Military Research
  • Optics
  • Resonant Frequency

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Systems Analysis and Design