Abstract: A multistage stage deformable mirror structure (10) includes a backup structure (12) having a support surface; a single mirror facesheet (18) having an optical surface (18A); and, interposed between the support surface and the optical surface, at least one intermediate deformable structure (14) that is coupled at a first surface to the support surface through a first set of linear actuators (16) for being deformed by the set first set of actuators. The at least one intermediate deformable structure is also coupled at a second opposing surface to the optical surface through a second set of linear actuators (20) for deforming the optical surface. The optical surface assumes a shape that is a combination of the deformation imparted to the at least one intermediate deformable structure by the first set of linear actuators, and the deformation imparted to it by the second set of linear actuators.

Abstract: A steering mechanism (17) in which axial motion of an optical structure (12) is constrained electrically through a closed loop servo control system. The steering mechanism includes three magnetic actuators (19a, 19b, 19c) each having a push rod (20a, 20b, 20c) magnetically coupled thereto for being translated by the magnetic actuator along a translation axis (A). Each of the push rods has an end coupled to a peripheral region (1a, 1b, 1c) of the optical structure for exerting a displacing force thereon in response to the push rod being translated along the translation axis. A non-contact displacement sensor (10c) provides a feedback signal for the closed loop servo control system.

Abstract: A deformable mirror device which includes a deformable face plate, a backing plate spaced from the deformable face plate, and at least one axially movable actuator which extends between the face plate and the backing plate. The actuator is fixed adjacent a first end to the backing plate and adjacent a second end, which is opposed to the first end, to the deformable face plate in a kinematic joint by reason of which no forces are transmitted in an ideal mating of the two components. At least a portion of the actuator may be disconnected and removed from the first end, and replaced by another actuator. The kinematic joint includes a high temperature, permanent, joint and a pair of spaced apart, low temperature, temporary joints. The high temperature joint is defined by a ball segment affixed to the deformable face plate as by frit. One of the low temperature joints is defined by an epoxy connection between the actuator at its first end and the backing plate.

Abstract: A method and system of alignment of two mechanical members of a mechanical structure, particularly the primary and secondary mirrors (22, 24) of a telescope (20), is provided by a set of auxiliary optical elements (40) disposed on the primary mirror and a corresponding set of detectors (42) disposed on the secondary mirror. The array of detectors corresponds in configuration to the array of auxiliary optical elements so that there is correspondence between positions of auxiliary optical elements with positions of detectors about a common central axis (38) of the two mirrors. A source (44) of light disposed on the axis between the two mirrors illuminates the auxiliary optical elements to develop a set of eight beams, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, which are directed to the optical elements.

Abstract: A procedure for supplying a mirror (22), such as the mirror of an astronomical telescope (60), with holographic optical elements (38), suitable for use with an active mirror alignment system such as a Hartman optical mirror alignment system, is accomplished by constructing each holographic optical element as a separate unitary structure of a transparent substrate (56) with zone plate features. The zone plate features include the channels (64) and ridges (66) of a fragmentary portion of a zone plate etched into a face (58) of the substrate. The substrate is mounted to the mirror by placing the etched face of the holographic optical element in contact with the reflecting surface (68) of the mirror. An adhesive (70) may be applied around the perimeter of the substrate to secure the substrate in its position upon the mirror.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cooled mirror assemblies which include, in combination, a first heat exchanger plate having an upper surface forming a mirror facesheet and a plurality of cooling channels thereunder, a second distribution plate disposed underneath the first plate, which has an upper foam layer, hydraulic apparatus for feeding coolant fluid to the cooling channels and to the foam layer, and hydraulic apparatus for bleeding the coolant from the cooling channels and from the foam layer. According to one aspect of the invention the hydraulic apparatus for bleeding the coolant fluid is disposed closely adjacent the hydraulic apparatus for feeding the coolant fluid to counteract the effect of the temperature rise of the cooling fluid on the distortion of the mirror assembly.