Abstract: An active thin film (coating) that enables dynamic modification of a reflective surface for wavefront control. The embodied active coatings are photonic devices comprising an optically thin layer of photosensitive polymer disposed between a substrate and a reflective optical coating. The polymer volume can be controlled from molecular to microscopic (sub-nanometer to micrometer) levels when light of a specific polarization and wavelength is applied from the backside of the coating surface (i.e., through a transmissive substrate for the stimulating light). As a result of the polymer volume change, the coating exhibits localized thickness changes (realized as dips/bumps that function as localized actuators) that modify the phase of incident light on the reflective surface. The size and shape of these photonic dip/bump actuators can be adjusted by design and can be placed on both flat and curved optical surfaces. Resolution and dynamic range can be controlled by the light intensity.

Abstract: An active thin film (coating) that enables dynamic modification of a reflective surface for wavefront control. The embodied active coatings are photonic devices comprising an optically thin layer of photosensitive polymer disposed between a substrate and a reflective optical coating. The polymer volume can be controlled from molecular to microscopic (sub-nanometer to micrometer) levels when light of a specific polarization and wavelength is applied from the backside of the coating surface (i.e., through a transmissive substrate for the stimulating light). As a result of the polymer volume change, the coating exhibits localized thickness changes (realized as dips/bumps that function as localized actuators) that modify the phase of incident light on the reflective surface. The size and shape of these photonic dip/bump actuators can be adjusted by design and can be placed on both flat and curved optical surfaces. Resolution and dynamic range can be controlled by the light intensity.