Abstract: A transfer optic mirror thin enough to permit small influence functions for surface changes is made from cynate ester composites. The thin mirror resulting is then shaped by a plurality of piezolectric actuators connectors to push/pull rods spread evenly over the back surface of the thin mirror a distance determined by the mirror's influence function. The mirror is held by a support with the same coefficient of expansion as the mirror so external heating and cooling does not distort the mirror. The actuators are connected to a computer so each is separately controlled to contour the mirror as desired.

Abstract: A fixed size laser beam spot is used to illuminate a solar array. The beam spot size is kept constant even though the distance to the solar array may vary by a factor of 100. The focal point of the mirror emitting the beam to the array is shifted to maintain a desired beam waist so the same spot size is incident on the array. Attached to the array is a centering device to direct the beam spot to be centered on the array.

Abstract: An adaptive optic mirror has a cyanate faceplate supported by a backplate which permits a plurality of actuators to be connected directly to the faceplate. Each actuator is connected via a low impedance circuit to a master control which sets each actuator independently of the others to produce a contoured mirror surface.

Abstract: A method and tool to smooth surface contours uses a fixed back plate mounted at a known distance to an actuator holding plate. Each of the actuators is mounted in said actuation holding plate by a support collar threaded into said actuator holding plate. Threaded with said support collar is an actuator holder with rigidly holds an actuator. A differential threaded adjustment device is then inserted through said fixed back plate and connected to say support collar and actuator holder so that each can be moved independently of the other. The actuator is made of two piezoelectric plates connected in parallel and separated by a silicon rubber o-ring.

Abstract: Limiter optics for an ignition feedback regenerative free electron laser amplifier have a pickoff mirror direct a portion of the output from the free electron laser through a focusing assembler. After expanding this pickoff beam spatially and temporally, the focusing assembler first focuses the expanded pickoff beam to a focal point, the expanded focused pickoff beam is then passed through a movable limiter plate which serves as an off switch if the pickoff beam is above a predetermined intensity and then refocuses the expanded pickoff beam back into the free electron laser to enhance the emission intensity of the output beam. The expanded mirror may be a half silvered mirror or a phased mirror with a plurality of mesas. The pickoff mirror may be convex. The half silvered mirror produces two segments in the pickoff beam with a time lag dependent on the thickness of the mirror.

Abstract: A transfer optic mirror thin enough to permit small influence functions for surface changes is made from cynate ester composites. The thin mirror resulting is then shaped by a plurality of piezolectric actuators connectors to push/pull rods spread evenly over the back surface of the thin mirror a distance determined by the mirror's influence function. The mirror is held by a support with the same coefficient of expansion as the mirror so external heating and cooling does not distort the mirror. The actuators are connected to a computer so each is separately controlled to contour the mirror as desired.

Abstract: An ignition feedback regenerative amplifier consists of an injector, a linear accelerator with energy recovery, and a high-gain free electron laser amplifier. A fraction of the free electron laser output is coupled to the input to operate the free electron laser in the regenerative mode. A mode filter in this loop prevents run away instability. Another fraction of the output, after suitable frequency up conversion, is used to drive the photocathode. An external laser is provided to start up both the amplifier and the injector, thus igniting the system.