Abstract: The invention relates to a collector mirror (2) which is a component of a solar concentrator comprising linear Fresnel mirrors. The collector mirror (2) includes a reflective strip. The collector mirror (2) is provided with a device capable of generating a negative pressure (AP) behind the reflective strip (6).

Abstract: A solar light collecting mirror is configured such that a protruding section of a substrate, using as a reference position the position of an inscribed circle in a reflective section, impels the rear surface of the reflective section further on the outside in the radial direction than the reference position. As a result, the surface of the reflective section further on the outside in the radial direction than the reference position bends towards the surface side in the Z direction.

Abstract: In a back-projection image display device, image light outputted from a projection device is reflected by a reflection mirror held by a base frame and projected onto the back of a screen, to display an image on the screen. An image distortion correcting mechanism includes adjustment mechanisms that deform the reflection mirror, drive units that generate driving force necessary for the deformation of the reflection mirror by the adjustment mechanisms, and a control substrate that supplies power to the drive units. The control substrate supplies power to the drive units in response to a control signal supplied from a remote control unit. This allows pin distortion and barrel distortion, as well as trapezial distortion to be corrected by remote control in the back-projection image display device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for thermal actuation of a mirror in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, wherein the mirror has an optical effective surface and at least one access passage extending from a surface of the mirror, that does not correspond to the optical effective surface, in the direction of the effective surface, wherein the arrangement is designed for thermal actuation of the mirror via electromagnetic radiation which is propagated in the access passage, wherein the arrangement further has at least one heat radiating mechanism which produces the electromagnetic radiation which is propagated in the access passage, and wherein the heat radiating mechanism is actuable along the access passage.

Abstract: Provided is an actuator including a substrate, a movable portion provided so as to be movable with respect to the substrate, at least three elastic bodies for supporting the movable portion to the substrate in a displaceable manner, a movable comb electrode supported by the movable portion and extending in a direction parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a fixed comb electrode supported by the substrate and extending in the direction parallel to the surface of the substrate in which the movable comb electrode and the fixed comb electrode are arranged so as to be alternately engaged with each other with a distance, and each of all of the elastic bodies has a long axis that forms an angle of more than 90° and 180° or less with respect to at least one of the other elastic bodies.

Abstract: The invention provides a head mounted image-sensing display device including a pair of image-sensing units (18R, 18L) that stereoscopically capture a physical space and output a pair of stereoscopic images, and display units (13R, 13L) for displaying images for the right eye and images for the left eye. Image sensing parameters that are previously measured for the image-sensing units are stored in image sensing parameter storage units (26R, 26L). As a result, a difference in parallax between captured images of a physical space and images of a virtual object is reduced.

Abstract: An adaptive mirror that includes a substrate layer, on the first surface of which a reflecting layer and on the second surface of which at least one actuator is disposed. The substrate layer has a thickness of less than or equal to 1,000 ?m and the mirror having at least one further metallization for thermal compensation, as a result of which a thermal deformation of the mirror is avoided or preadjusted such that the desired curvature is set as a function of the reflected power.

Abstract: A frozen surface technology is provided that can be used to provide a precisely defined surface. The frozen surface technology can include the use of a frozen membrane. For instance, frozen membrane mirrors and methods of producing frozen membrane mirrors are provided. The frozen membrane mirror includes a membrane material having a reflective surface. Active control is used to maintain a desired figure of the reflective surface while a solidifying material is applied to a back side of the membrane material. Active control of the figure of the reflective surface is maintained while the solidifying material cures. Once the solidifying material has been applied and cured, active control can be removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deformable mirror (1) comprising a deformable reflector member (2) possessing a reflecting surface (3), at least one actuator (6) suitable for driving said reflector member (2) to move substantially along a deformation direction (XX?) so as to be capable of deforming the reflecting surface (3), and at least one position sensor (14) arranged in the interstitial space (12) lying between the reflecting surface (3) and the widest cross-section (S6MAX) of the actuator (6), on an intermediate reference support (11), in such a manner as to be capable of evaluating the position of the reflecting surface (3), the sensor (14) occupying a cross-section (S14) transversely to the deformation direction that, in projection along said deformation direction (XX?), presents at least one overlap zone (SR) with the widest cross-section of the actuator (S6MAX). Such deformable mirrors are suitable for use in adaptive optics.

Abstract: A mirror array having a total surface extending perpendicularly to a surface normal, comprises a multiplicity of mirror elements each having a reflection surface and at least one degree of freedom of displacement, wherein the totality of the mirror elements form a parqueting of a total reflection surface of the mirror array, and wherein the mirror array is embodied modularly as a tile element in such a way that the parqueting of the total reflection surface can be extended by a tiling of a plurality of such mirror arrays.

Abstract: A toroidal heliostat and reflector frame for a heliostat are provided which passively adjust the apparent sagittal and/or tangential focal lengths of the reflector. This adjustment is provided by way of passive deflection of the reflector caused by one or more of gravitationally-induced deflection of one or more components of the heliostat; differential thermal expansion of materials of the heliostat; and/or relative movement between two or more components of the heliostat. Careful design of the heliostat enables optimisation of the power delivery profile and/or shape of the reflected image throughout the day.

Abstract: A frame for optics used in interferometers that may include different materials having substantially similar, identical, or as close as practicable coefficients of thermal expansion from the material(s) used to make the beamsplitter and/or compensator without warping, bending, tilting or distorting the optics. The beamsplitter and/or compensator are mounted onto the frame of the interferometer using a three-point method of mounting, preferably using three pins for each component. Preferably, the pins are made of the same material as the beamsplitter and compensator, and all three components are made of Potassium Bromide (“KBr”) or Calcium Fluoride (“CaF2”) such that the optic instrument can operate to scan into the mid or far infrared. Stability in optical alignment is therefore achieved without requiring the optic instrument include only one material. The invention provides stability in situations where it is not possible to utilize a single material for every component of the interferometer.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a vehicle mirror between a standard mirror angle adjustment to a dynamic mirror angle adjustment. The vehicle receives map data of a surrounding area of a vehicle including a first path of travel and a second path of travel. The vehicle also receives vehicle positioning data indicating a vehicle position along one of the first path of travel or the second path of travel. The vehicle then calculates a dynamic mirror angle adjustment based on the vehicle position and map data of the first path of travel and the second path of travel. The vehicle mirror is adjusted by the dynamic mirror angle adjustment relative to a standard mirror angle adjustment.

Abstract: A low-cost and easy-to-operate solution for adjusting the curvature and the focal length of an adjustable reflector, which includes a curved plate, a rotation member, and a contour adjustor. The curved plate has a curvature. The rotation member engages the curved plate and rotates the curved plate about an axis and to an angular position. The contour adjustor has an adjustment surface contacting the curved plate, such that it may cooperate with the rotation member to adjust the curvature of the curved plate according to the angular position of the curved plate. Advantageously, the contour adjustor has a low manufacturing cost and a low installation cost. The contour adjustor operates without relying on additional control circuitry because it may perform its intended function while the curved plate is being rotated.

Abstract: The force on the electrodes of an electrostatic field is used so that lateral tensile or compressive forces result which can deform a deformable element or can strongly deflect a deflectable structure. For this, a micromechanical device includes, apart from an electrode and a deformable element, an insulating spacer layer via which the electrode is fixed to the deformable element, wherein the insulating spacer layer is structured into several spaced-apart segments along a lateral direction, so that by applying an electric voltage between the electrode and the deformable element lateral tensile or compressive forces bending the deformable element along the lateral direction result. Thereby, the problem that normally accompanies electrostatic drives, namely the problem of the pull-in effect, is overcome. The deflection of the deformable element can be much larger than the gaps of the two electrodes, i.e. the above-mentioned electrode and the deformable element. A usage as a sensor is also possible.

Abstract: A pair of support members each having a spring section in a part thereof support a mirror element, and a pair of drive mechanisms arranged respectively corresponding to a pair of the support members transform the spring sections of the corresponding support members, thereby changing a distance between each of support points at which the support members support the mirror element and a base. Accordingly, the mirror element can be translated by driving all of the drive mechanisms, or the mirror element can be inclined with respect to the base by driving some of the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for generating optical vortex of desired topological charge is disclosed. The device comprises a circular mirror having hole at its centre and a radial slit. The mirror comprises a piezoelectric actuator. The actuator comprises a hollow tube having inner diameter equal to the diameter of the hole of the mirror, a through cut extending along the length of the tube from an inner till an outer diameter, and an inner and outer electrode being formed on inner and outer wall of the tube respectively, wherein the length of the electrode increases continuously in the azimuth direction across said outer wall. The Actuator is coaxially joined to the mirror such that the slit formed between the inner and outer diameter of the tube overlaps with the radial slit. Shape of the mirror undergoes azimuthal expansion upon applying excitation voltage across electrodes forming single turn helix to generate optical vortex.

Abstract: The primary mirror support structure comprises an EL rotation structure including two arc-shaped members, a truss structure frame, and a primary mirror support structure. The arc-shaped members face each other via the EL axis and supporting the primary mirror, each of which rotates about the EL axis along an outer surface so as to rotate the primary mirror about the EL axis. The truss structure frame is connected to either one of the arc-shaped members at the ends. The primary mirror support structure includes multiple support members connecting multiple points on the circumference of the primary mirror provided above the truss structure frame to the truss structure frame. At least the support members nearest to the arc-shaped members are connected to the truss structure frame at parts different from the ends at which the truss structure frame is connected to the arc-shaped members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for modifying wavefronts of electromagnetic waves. The system includes a flexible mirror having an obverse surface and a reverse surface. The obverse surface has a contour configured to reflect the electromagnetic waves. The system also includes a plurality of actuators positioned along the reverse surface of the mirror for applying at least one transverse magnetic force to the flexible mirror to modify the contour of the obverse surface. Modifying the contour of the obverse surface of the mirror modifies the wavefronts of the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A method for processing workpieces includes performing a laser processing operation in which a laser beam is directed at a first mirror face and at a second mirror face of a redirecting mirror. The second mirror face is at least partially surrounded by the first mirror face. During the laser processing operation, the second mirror face performs a pendulum movement relative to the first mirror face.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptive mirror based on a ceramic substrate having a corresponding reflector and piezoelectric actuators, a cooling device being integrated in the substrate. The invention likewise relates to a method for the production of such mirrors. The mirrors according to the invention are used for the modulation or deformation of a laser wavefront of high power.

Abstract: Mirrors and other optical elements are disclosed that include a body defining an optical surface (typically a reflective surface) and an opposing second surface. The body has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The optical element includes a correcting portion (e.g., a layer) attached to the second surface and having a CTE that, during heating of the optical element, imparts a bending moment to the body that at least partially offsets a change in curvature of the optical surface caused by heating. The body can be internally cooled. The body and correcting portion desirably are made of respective thermally conductive materials that can vary only slightly in CTE. The body desirably has a lower CTE than the correcting portion, and the correcting portion can be tuned according a variable property of the body and/or reflective surface. The body and correcting portion desirably function cooperatively in a thermally bimetallic-like manner.

Abstract: An optical mirror comprising: a mirror body having a reflective surface; a waffle structure that is connected to a surface opposite to the reflective surface of the mirror body, the waffle structure comprising partition walls, wherein at least one of the partition walls includes a heat generation part; and a power supply part configured to supply power to the heat generation part, wherein the partition walls and the mirror body are made of a same material.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation system equipped to display information on the rear side of a driver (rider). The simulation system includes a dummy bicycle operated by the rider, a monitor on the front side for displaying a scene based on the operations of the dummy bicycle, and a lamp unit connected to the dummy bicycle and provided on the rear side relative to the seated position of the rider. The lamp unit has a red lamp, a yellow lamp and a green lamp, and is controlledly turned ON under the action of a main control unit. An input device is provided on a steering handle of the dummy bicycle. The input device has a switch for red, a switch for yellow, and a switch for green. The rider checks behind, and operates the input device according to the ON/OFF conditions of the lamp unit.

Abstract: An optical component bowing device includes a bending moment generating structure. In a particular embodiment, the bending moment generating structure can have extension members that extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of an optical component. The extension members can be positioned adjacent longitudinal end portions of the optical component. The bending moment generating structure can also have loading members that load the extension members in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the optical component, whereby displacement of the extension members can generate a bending moment in a supported portion of the optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam. The bending moment generating structure can also include a reflective surface. Extension members on at least one end of the optical component can be T-shaped when seen in plan view in a direction orthogonal to the reflective surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cushion-shaped concentrator (1) for concentrating electromagnetic radiation, in particular solar radiation (S), in an absorber (2), comprising a transparent membrane (3) that faces the incoming radiation during operation and a reflector membrane (4) which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber (2). In order to create a simply designed, low-cost cushion-shaped concentrator (1), by means of which the electromagnetic radiation can be concentrated at high efficiency in an absorber (2), the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4) form an outer casing (5) for a chamber (6) filled with a gas at overpressure, wherein tension elements (7) are arranged between the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4), said tension elements (7) producing constrictions (E) on the reflector membrane (4) that separate concavely curved sections (A) of the reflector membrane (4).

Abstract: A mirror (1) for a microlithography projection exposure apparatus including a substrate (3) and a reflective coating (5). A functional coating (11) between the substrate (3) and the reflective coating (5) has a local form variation (19) for correcting the surface form of the mirror (1), wherein the local form variation (19) is brought about by a local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11) and wherein a thickness of the reflective coating (5) is not changed by the local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11). The local variation in the chemical composition of the functional coating (11) can be brought about by bombardment with particles (15), for example with hydrogen ions.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a sensor system including a first optical sub-system having a first plurality of optical elements, and a second optical sub-system having a second plurality of optical elements including a first mirror. The second optical sub-system is configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the first optical sub-system and the first mirror is configured to rotate about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis are arranged so as not to intersect each other so as to maximize a field of regard of the sensor system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for correcting at least one optical aberration, of known evolution of an optical system, the device comprising: a deformable mirror (1) having a contour; means (2) for deforming the mirror; characterised in that the mirror (1) has a geometry selected such that the contour of the mirror (1) is defined from a composite function of said at least one aberration and in that the means (2) for deforming the mirror are adapted to apply a flexing moment on the edges of the mirror, the deformable mirror being concave or convex when it is deformed.

Abstract: Parabolic Mirror. The mirror includes a flexible material with a reflective surface and a rear surface. A flexible band is in contact with the rear surface of the flexible material. The bending stiffness of the band as a function of distance along its length is selected so that the band and the flexible material in contact therewith assume a parabolic shape when ends of the band are moved toward one another. In a preferred embodiment, the bending stiffness of the band is achieved by controlling the second moment of area of the band along its length. The second moment of area may be adjusted by altering the width of the band along its length or by altering the thickness of the band along its length, or a combination of the two.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an optical element may include at least one elastically deformable support, on which at least one reflective layer is applied; and in addition at least one deformation apparatus for elastically deforming the at least one support.

Abstract: As the concentration of electromagnetic radiation, especially solar radiation, can be utilized for constructive purposes it becomes desirable to concentrate the radiation in an economical manner. An essentially fixed concentrating reflector whose shape is generated by gravity's effect on flexible members provides an efficient means to collect and concentrate radiation. Historically in optical science aberrations are to be avoided or eliminated, however this device utilizes the aberration of astigmatism. By taking advantage of the astigmatic foci created by obliquely incident radiation falling upon a substantially sphere-like primary, a comparatively large fixed concentrator can be constructed inexpensively. The resulting tangential and sagittal astigmatic foci are linear. The length of the astigmatic foci can be a substantial portion of the diameter of the concentrator, especially at times of lower solar elevation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to control a focal length of a curved reflector in real time. An energy generation system includes curved reflectors, a tower, and an energy storing unit connected to the tower. The curved reflectors reflect and concentrate light from a light source onto the tower. The tower converts the received light into usable energy which is stored in the energy storing unit. Each of the curved reflectors can include a curved body, a stand, and/or an actuation unit. The curved body reflects the light from the light source to concentrate it onto the tower. When the light source moves, the curved body pivots about the stand to track the light source. The actuation unit is activated to adjust a focal length of the focal point of the curved body to ensure that the reflected light is concentrated at the tower.

Abstract: For a recording and playback optical head used for a dual layer disc, it is difficult to reduce the size and the cost due to the need to correct spherical aberration caused by a difference in thickness of a light-transmitting layer. A reflection mirror having a reflection surface on which light is reflected and provided with a member having ferromagnetism at the center, and a switching device that switches between a deformed state and a non-deformed state of the reflection mirror using a magnetic force are provided. The switching device includes a hard magnetic member, and a magnetizing member that magnetizes and demagnetizes the hard magnetic member. When light is concentrated on a first recording layer farther from the light-incident surface, the reflection mirror is used as a plane mirror, and when light is concentrated on a second recording layer closer to the light-incident surface, the reflection mirror is deformed in the shape of a concave surface by means of the switching device.

Abstract: The sunlight collection system is provided with a reflecting mirror which is placed on the surface of the ground to reflect sunlight, a light receiving means which is disposed above the surface of the ground and has an incident portion into which the sunlight reflected by the reflecting mirror is made incident, light amount sensors which are mounted at least at two locations facing each other at an outer edge of the incident portion of the light receiving means, a turning mechanism which allows the reflecting mirror to turn around at least one axis, and a direction control unit which obtains light amounts detected respectively by the light amount sensors that face each other, while allowing the reflecting mirror to turn by driving the turning mechanism, thereby adjusting an angle of the reflecting mirror on the basis of the light amounts.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a method of using specially shaped mirrors for astigmatism correction in spectrometers having a folded optical path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for hysteresis in a system, the method comprising: determining a required input to the system from an output of the system using the Preisach model with the input of the Preisach model corresponding to the output of the system, and with the output of the Preisach model corresponding to the input of the system. The system may be an adaptive optics system. The input x may be an input voltage of an actuator that deforms a mirror, and the output y may be a value of a displacement of a mirror.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror includes a first step of arranging, on a substrate, a shape adjusting layer having a layer thickness which changes by heat, a second step of arranging, on the shape adjusting layer, a reflection layer including a first layer, a second layer, and a barrier layer which is arranged between the first layer and the second layer, and prevents a diffusion of a material of the first layer and a material of the second layer, and a third step of bringing a shape of the reflection layer close to a target shape by changing a layer thickness profile of the shape adjusting layer after the second step, the third step including a process of partially annealing the shape adjusting layer.

Abstract: A concentrating solar mirror panel assembly having a reflective sheet with a reflective major surface and an opposing major surface and a corrugated stiffener having ridges and troughs each having an outer surface with land areas, wherein the land areas of at least a portion of the ridges are joined to at least a portion of the opposing major surface of the reflective sheet. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is non-planar and substantially rigid. The concentrating solar mirror panel assembly is assembled such that a desired non-planar shape is maintained: either using a locking sheet or having the corrugated stiffener attached so that its principal axes of corrugation are substantially perpendicular to the axis of curvature of the assembly. Methods of making the concentrating solar mirror panel assembly are also disclosed. Concentrated solar power systems and solar collection devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described is a magnetic membrane mirror having a flexible membrane comprising a magnetic material and having a high reflectance. The flexible membrane is secured over a frame to enclose a volume between the frame and membrane. A transmembrane pressure is established to achieve a desired mirror shape or curvature. Curvature can be changed by modifying the transmembrane pressure by increasing or decreasing the pressure in the enclosed volume. An array of electromagnetic actuators generates individually-controlled magnetic fields to cause localized displacements of the mirror surface. The magnetic membrane mirror can be constructed with inexpensive components and can be used as a dynamic component in an adaptive optical system.

Abstract: A correction and focusing device for a beam, through the deformation of a mirror, wherein it incorporates a frame supporting the mirror, at least one curve generator applying at least one torque to at least one extremity of the mirror, and correction actuators spaced along the mirror so as to apply stresses to the different zones of the mirror.

Abstract: An optical module that effectively observes a rapidly moving event or object is provided. The optical module includes first and second mirrors, and an optical signals detector, which are installed in a body thereof. The first mirror has a wide field of view and detects the event or object over a wide observing region. The second mirror observes the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution. The focal length of the second mirror is greater than that of the first mirror. The optical signal detector detects an optical signal in light transmitted from the first mirror or the second mirror. The body forms apertures which correspond to the first and second mirrors, respectively and provides an optical path from the first and second mirrors to the optical signal detector. Therefore, the optical module can observe the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution.

Abstract: An array of reflective elements in which at least one of the reflective elements is mounted on a mounting which comprises a rod at least partially located within a sleeve. A first end of the rod is fixed to a first end of the sleeve and a second end of the rod is moveable, the sleeve including a first resiliently flexible portion which is configured to bend in order to allow the movement of the second end of the rod to take place, wherein the reflective element is mounted at the first end of the sleeve such that bending of the sleeve causes rotation of the reflective element.

Abstract: A structure such as an electronically deformable mirror contains a deformable membrane, an array of actuators located facing the membrane, each actuator being arranged to actuate local displacement of the membrane perpendicular to its surface. The actuators and the membrane are connected via an array of actuating connections. The actuating connections substantially transmit movement perpendicular to the second surface, but leave planar displacement and/or local rotation of the second surface substantially free. Preferably, the actuators contain an array of soft magnetic islands on a soft magnetic base plane, with actuator coils running around the islands and a system of sort magnetic walls on the base plane to separate the coils. The walls support a soft magnetic resilient surface that extend over of the islands and serve to drive the actuating connections.

Abstract: Fluid pressure, applied e.g. via an electrorheological fluid is used to control and/or support the shape of a self-deformable mirror during manufacture, use or transportation. For transportation, the mirror is supported beforehand by pressure fluid in a flexible container. The fluid is withdrawn after transportation to permit release of the mirror. The transportation aspect of the invention is applicable also to other fragile structures.

Abstract: A drive mechanism @is comprised with a set comprising a plurality of magnetic bodies, means for supplying a frequency signal to said set, and means for producing movement caused by the attraction/repulsion between the magnetic bodies. The movement is the driving source of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An improved solar reflector utilizing a tensioned reflective membrane. The reflector structure includes a membrane attached on the outer surface of a metal strap that is positioned on an end form by means of a curved-face tensioning block.

Abstract: A capture system and method are provided for capturing an object utilizing at least one mirror. In use, a first angular dimension, a second angular dimension, and a curvature of the mirror are controlled for manipulating the capture of the object. By this design, a variety of applications may be provided.

Abstract: A method for varying a radius of curvature of a concave mirror includes coupling a concave mirror to a mirror frame, coupling the mirror frame to a vertical slide, coupling the vertical slide to a horizontal slide, coupling the horizontal slide to a fixed support, coupling an end of the mirror frame to an actuator, coupling a first proximity sensor to the mirror frame, coupling a second proximity sensor to the horizontal slide, and coupling a third proximity sensor to the vertical slide. The method also includes translating the mirror frame along the vertical slide and translating the vertical slide along the horizontal slide to facilitate aligning a pole of the concave mirror with a center of an object, and varying the radius of curvature of the concave mirror to magnify an image of an object in the concave mirror for optimum clarity.

Abstract: A solar reflector has a base support (5) made from injected thermoplastic material 1-7 mm thick. The base support (5) has a surface on a front face having a “mirror polish” surface finish and a geometry defined by an optical function. A structure of reinforcing ribs (13) in a rear portion to provide dimensional stability and assure the geometry defined by the optical function of the surface on the front face. Fixing bushings (6) are overmolded and integrated in the base support (5) having threaded holes (7) to receive threaded bolts and allow assembly regulation by the fixing bushings (6), the threaded bolts and lock nuts. The solar reflector also has a covering of a reflective metal (11) on the front face and a layer of protective fluids (12) on the covering of the reflective metal (11).