Structural Mechanics for Adaptive Optics

Abstract

The research performed under this grant developed the structural mechanics of an adaptive optic system consisting of a membrane reflective surface stretched over a pressurized cavity. The work presented here starts under the assumption that the quality of optical system is described by Zernike Polynomials and proceeded by coupling the Zernike Polynomials to the membrane dynamics and provide several methods to control the membrane surface and hence the optical quality. Two actuation approaches are presented: 1) using piezoelectric elements near the boundary of the membrane and one using control of the acoustic pressure in the cavity behind the membrane. Analytical models, experimental and numerical validation and closed loop control are accomplished.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 26, 2009
Accession Number
ADA504036

Entities

People

  • Daniel J. Inman

Organizations

  • Virginia Tech

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Optics
  • Boundaries
  • Control Systems
  • Couplings
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechanics
  • Optical Properties
  • Optics
  • Polynomials
  • Pressure Distribution
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Structural Mechanics
  • Validation
  • Vibration

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.