Abstract: A fluidic lens includes a cavity 16 containing an optically transparent liquid and bounded by optically transparent walls 10, 32 arranged such that light may pass into the fluid via one wall and exit from the fluid via another wall, at least one said wall including at least one optically transparent piezoelectric element which is deformable so as to change the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A fluidic lens for use with IR light is provided having an optically transparent cavity containing a liquid perfluorocarbon retained within the cavity at least in part by an optically transparent flexible membrane whose surface profile may be varied by applying a variable pressure to the liquid within the cavity.

Abstract: A fluidic lens includes a cavity 16 containing an optically transparent liquid and bounded by optically transparent walls 10, 32 arranged such that light may pass into the fluid via one wall and exit from the fluid via another wall, at least one said wall including at least one optically transparent piezoelectric element which is deformable so as to change the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deformable-mirror holder for holding a mirror in a desired position, to within accepted tolerances, even whilst the mirror is deforming or in a deformed state. In particular, this invention relates to a holder for a bimorph mirror. A deformable-mirror holder is provided comprising a body with a central aperture for receiving a deformable mirror, the central aperture being defined by a plurality of flexible beams, with each flexible beam having an end shaped to provide a supporting surface and a flexible portion that connects the beam's end to the holder's body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hybrid deformable mirror. A deformable mirror is provided comprising a reflective surface provided on a substrate and a layer of deformable material attached to the substrate that is operable to deform the mirror and wherein the substrate is supported by an actuator that is operable to deform the mirror.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cooled deformable-mirror and its mount. A deformable mirror is provided comprising a reflective element provided on a substrate that is secured to a deformable element, wherein the substrate comprises at least one channel having a pair of ports both located around the peripheral edge of the substrate. In addition, a deformable-mirror mount and the deformable mirror described above are provided, wherein the mount has a body with a central aperture defined by a supporting surface sized and shaped to support the mirror when installed, and wherein the mount is provided with at least a pair of channels that terminate to face the ports in the mirror when the mirror is installed, the channels of the mirror and the mount being connected via flexible seals.