Abstract: An energy storage medium is combined with a secondary energy source that supplies power to an electricity distribution grid. The charge and discharge behavior of the energy storage medium is controlled so that rapid increases in the output of a secondary source of energy are absorbed by the storage system, whereas rapid decreases in the output of the secondary source are compensated by discharging stored energy onto the grid. The combined contributions of the secondary source and the energy storage system ensures a rate of change that does not exceed a defined level. Maximum and minimum output power levels for the secondary source can be established to define a normal operating range. The charging or discharging of the energy storage system is also performed when the secondary output power level exceeds or falls below the limits of the defined range.

Abstract: An energy storage medium is combined with a secondary energy source that supplies power to an electricity distribution grid. The charge and discharge behavior of the energy storage medium is controlled so that rapid increases in the output of a secondary source of energy are absorbed by the storage system, whereas rapid decreases in the output of the secondary source are compensated by discharging stored energy onto the grid. The combined contributions of the secondary source and the energy storage system ensures a rate of change that does not exceed a defined level. Maximum and minimum output power levels for the secondary source can be established to define a normal operating range. The charging or discharging of the energy storage system is also performed when the secondary output power level exceeds or falls below the limits of the defined range.

Abstract: In an adaptive optics module, wavefront sensing and data detection are implemented in a single device. For example, an optical-to-electrical converter converts a data-encoded optical beam to an intermediate electrical signal, which contains both the data encoded in the beam and also wavefront information about the beam. The data and wavefront information are later separated, for example by frequency filtering.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system includes an adaptive optical power regulator. The adaptive optical power regulator adapts to changes in effective loss associated with the free space optical path. In one embodiment the adaptive optical power regulator adapts to scintillation losses. In another embodiment, the adaptive optical power regulator further adapts to changes in atmospheric loss associated with changes in weather.

Abstract: In an optics system, a flexible mirror is deformed with an electromagnetic force. In one embodiment, an electrical current is directed through the mirror, or a conductor attached to the mirror, in the presence of a magnetic field. In one application in an adaptive optics system, the membrane mirror is used in a wavefront sensor. Deformed to oscillate between convex and concave positions, the mirror is used to alternately defocus a received light signal for determining aberrations in the light signal. By detecting aberrations in the light signal, the adaptive optics system can correct for those aberrations.

Abstract: A deformable mirror for an adaptive optics system includes a number of electrodes for causing deformation of the mirror. An insulating layer and a layer of conductive traces over the electrodes allow the connection points for the electrodes to be moved to a perimeter region of the mirror, which facilitates connecting the mirror to a circuit board or other equipment. In one implementation, the deformable mirror is coupled to a circuit board by a strip connector (e.g., a zebra strip connector), which is maintained in a compressed state by a retaining plate.

Abstract: In an optics system, a flexible mirror is deformed with an electromagnetic force. In one embodiment, an electrical current is directed through the mirror, or a conductor attached to the mirror, in the presence of a magnetic field. In one application in an adaptive optics system, the membrane mirror is used in a wavefront sensor. Deformed to oscillate between convex and concave positions, the mirror is used to alternately defocus a received light signal for determining aberrations in the light signal. By detecting aberrations in the light signal, the adaptive optics system can correct for those aberrations.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system includes an adaptive optical power regulator. The adaptive optical power regulator adapts to changes in effective loss associated with the free space optical path. In one embodiment the adaptive optical power regulator adapts to scintillation losses. In another embodiment, the adaptive optical power regulator further adapts to changes in atmospheric loss associated with changes in weather.

Abstract: In an adaptive optics module, wavefront sensing and data detection are implemented in a single device. For example, an optical-to-electrical converter converts a data-encoded optical beam to an intermediate electrical signal, which contains both the data encoded in the beam and also wavefront information about the beam. The data and wavefront information are later separated, for example by frequency filtering.