Improved Yield, Performance and Reliability of High-Actuator-Count Deformable Mirrors

The main potential NASA commercial applications which are in need of deformable mirrors with improved yield, performance and reliability over the current state-of-the-art are space-based astronomical imaging systems, such as direct imaging of exoplanets with coronagraphic telescopes. As more, larger telescopes are constructed, they will require control of light using adaptive optics over a large aperture. By improving yield, they will be able to better compensate for optical aberrations, increase overall though-put resulting from reduced diffractive losses, and simplify instrument design by eliminating the need for spatial filters in the optical path to mitigate diffractive effects. This will enhance the ability to create clear images. Also, by improving actuator yield, MEMS deformable mirrors will be able to be better serve long term missions. Finally, deformable mirrors with lower operating voltage will also enable diffraction-limited performance for many space-based optical systems such as space-based observatories, interferometric telescopes and coronagraphic instruments. The development of this deformable mirror technology will ultimately increase the capabilities of NASA missions, directly coinciding with the 2011 NASA Strategic Plan.

Small stroke, high precision deformable mirrors have commercial applications. The following applications apply to high resolution devices as well as other products produced by Boston Micromachines that benefit from new manufacturing processes developed which increase yield, performance and reliability. Space surveillance:BMC has success developing arrays up to 4096 elements for astronomy which can be used for space-based systems. These programs are funded by Department of Defense administrations with classified agendas. Optical communication:Lasercomm systems would benefit from this new architecture for long-range secure communication. Also, fiber optic communications can take advantage of our devices in an optical switching capacity. Microscopy:The capabilities of non-adaptive optics-enabled Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT) and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy(SLO) devices have reached their limits. By increasing reliability, performance and yield, the component cost for deformable mirrors will enable users to purchase high-resolution equipment for use in detecting disease. Other modalities affected include two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) and coherent anti-stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS). Pulse-Shaping:Laser science strives to create a better shaped pulse for applications such as laser marking and machining, and material ablation and characterization. The use of a high-actuator count array for these purposes will enable new science and more refined techniques. More »