Abstract: A deformable mirror is disclosed having replaceable, electrically operable actuators for deforming the mirror's reflecting surface. A flexible retraction membrane is disposed between the actuators and the reflecting surface and the mirror's facesheet is bonded to the retraction membrane. The membrane provides constant contact between the facesheet and the mirror's actuators and provides a deflection load to mechanically drive the facesheet downward against the operation of the actuators, thus providing a mechanical force to deflect the mirror's reflecting surface when electrical signals are selectively removed from one or more of the mirror's actuators. The membrane contains a gradient stiffness in the vicinity of each actuator to tailor the deformation profile, to maintain circular symmetry and to minimize the curve fitting error in the vicinity of each actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating deformable mirrors having replaceable actuators are disclosed. The mirror to be calibrated is mounted on an x-y table to permit selective movement of the mirror between an actuator position adjustor means and a sensor probe which senses the extent of deflection of the mirror's reflecting surface. A light source provides a source of illumination for selectively illuminating areas of the reflecting surface in the vicinity of an actuator to be adjusted. A photodetector array receives the reflected light and transmits its output to a controller which computes the distance between the sensor probe and the reflecting surface. The controller may be used to selectively energize the actuator position adjustor means to control the extent that one or more actuators influence the shape of the mirror's reflecting surface.

Abstract: A construction for a deformable mirror is disclosed in which permanent magnets are used to both retain actuators used to selectively deform the faceplate's reflecting surface within the mirror's base and to retain the mirror's faceplate to each of the actuators. The faceplate may be removed from the base by rotating each of the actuator's within its mounting hole to disrupt the magnetic circuit between each actuator and ferrous elements on the faceplate. Removal of one or more actuators from the base without disturbing the faceplate may be effected by rotation of the actuators to be removed to disconnect magnets in plugs used to support each actuator within the base from ferrous elements in the base.