Abstract: A method and a system for optimizing the alignment of an optical system, such as a telescope, using a multi-degree-of freedom (DOF) actuator/hexapod and star field images. The method iteratively adjusts the hexapod in all DOFs using the damped least squares (DLS) optimization algorithm and dynamically changes the size of pixel windows to measure ensquared energy (ES) as a closed loop feedback.

Abstract: A thermal-mechanical linear actuator can include a first stage comprising one of a positive coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) material or a negative CTE material and a second stage comprising the other of the positive CTE material or the negative CTE material. The second stage can be at least partially inserted into the first stage. The actuator can further comprise a thermal isolator disposed between the first stage and the second stage to thermally isolate the first stage from the second stage. Heat inputs can be provided where the heat inputs can control the temperature of the first and second stages independently. A hyperbolic meta material can be wrapped or coated around the first stage.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical mirror including disposing a build plate for three-dimensional (3D) printing. The build plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The method also including integrally forming a support structure via the 3D printing on the first side of the build plate, and processing the second side of the build plate to obtain a reflective surface of the optical mirror.

Abstract: A system includes a compound flexure having a frame, a flexure, and a post flexure. The frame has an axis, and the flexure is located within the frame. The flexure is movable relative to the frame, and the frame and the flexure form at least part of a monolithic structure. The post flexure extends along the axis and engages the flexure. The system also includes a device coupled to the flexure and configured to move with the flexure relative to the frame. The system further includes an actuator coupled to the flexure and configured to move the flexure and the device relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a non-linear optical crystal configured to perform harmonic wavelength conversion. The apparatus also includes first and second heaters contacting opposite sides of the optical crystal, where the first and second heaters are configured to heat the optical crystal. The apparatus further includes first and second backing plates configured to hold the first and second heaters in contact with the optical crystal. The apparatus also includes an internal mount defining a space configured to receive at least a portion of the optical crystal. In addition, the apparatus includes an external cover around at least a portion of the internal mount.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device mount configured to be coupled to a component. The apparatus also includes an inner hub coupled to the device mount by a first flexure, where the first flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount within the inner hub along a first axis. The apparatus further includes an outer hub coupled to the inner hub by a second flexure, where the second flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub along a second axis different from the first axis. The first and second flexures form a compound nested flexure. The outer hub is configured to be coupled to a support structure and to permit both (i) translational movement of the apparatus along a third axis different from the first and second axes and (ii) tip/tilt adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device mount configured to be coupled to a component. The apparatus also includes an inner hub coupled to the device mount by a first flexure, where the first flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount within the inner hub along a first axis. The apparatus further includes an outer hub coupled to the inner hub by a second flexure, where the second flexure is configured to permit translational movement of the device mount and the inner hub within the outer hub along a second axis different from the first axis. The first and second flexures form a compound nested flexure. The outer hub is configured to be coupled to a support structure and to permit both (i) translational movement of the apparatus along a third axis different from the first and second axes and (ii) tip/tilt adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system includes a compound flexure having a frame, a flexure, and a post flexure. The frame has an axis, and the flexure is located within the frame. The flexure is movable relative to the frame, and the frame and the flexure form at least part of a monolithic structure. The post flexure extends along the axis and engages the flexure. The system also includes a device coupled to the flexure and configured to move with the flexure relative to the frame. The system further includes an actuator coupled to the flexure and configured to move the flexure and the device relative to the frame.