Abstract: A durable large stroke deformable mirror. In the illustrative embodiment, the mirror (10') includes a faceplate (12') constructed of a first material, and a backplate (14') constructed of a second material different from the first material. The faceplate (12') is connected to the backplate (14') at an interface (16'), and the backplate (14') is connected to a set of actuators (20') capable of inducing large mirror (10') deflections. In a specific embodiment, the first material is chosen for its excellent optical qualities and the second material is chosen for its flexibility and durability, allowing for large mirror (10') deflections. To ensure the durability of the connection at the interface (16'), the faceplate (12') and the backplate (14') have matching coefficients of thermal expansion. In addition, the interface (16') is placed at the neutral axis of the mirror (10') for reducing stresses at the interface (16').

Abstract: An assembly comprises a base (16) and a thin optical substrate (10) having a light reflective first surface (12) and an opposite back surface (14). At least one actuator (20) is mounted to said base and has a moving end (21) associated with the back surface of said optical substrate. A metallic button (18) is interposed between and connected through associated joints respectively to the moving end (21) of the actuator and said back surface (14) of the optical substrate to protect the actuator to substrate connection.

Abstract: A spacecraft telescope door (10) adapted for use with remote sensing devices requiring optical and infrared calibration. The door (10) includes a first calibration surface (24) disposed on a first panel (14) for providing a radiant temperature reference for infrared calibrations. A second calibration surface (26) is disposed on a second panel (12) for providing an absolute radiance reference for optical calibrations. A panel hinge (16) controls the relative position of the panels (12,14) with respect to each other, and an aperture hinge (20) controls the relative position of the panels with respect to the aperture (28). In a specific embodiment, the first surface (24) is painted with chemglaze Z306, a highly emissive paint with a low reflectance for facilitating infrared calibration. The second surface (26) is painted with YB71, a diffuse reflective paint for facilitating optical calibration.

Abstract: A mercury vapor lamp having a light transmissive envelope defining an arcuate capillary plasma cavity. A mounting base secured to one end of the envelope has a configuration which is geometrically unique with respect to the position and spatial orientation of the plasma cavity. A mounting block and clamping arrangement have a configuration complementary to that of the lamp base so as to receive and releasably secure the lamp base and, therefore, the plasma cavity in a fixed predetermined position and orientation relative to its operating environment. The lamp is energized by means of an electrical potentional applied to electrodes in the plasma cavity or by reactance coupling an r-f power source to the cavity.