Active optics: deformable mirrors with a minimum number of actuators

TL;DR

This paper introduces innovative deformable mirror designs with minimal actuators, using elasticity theory and finite element analysis to optimize correction of optical aberrations for specific applications.

Contribution

It presents two novel deformable mirror concepts that minimize actuator count while effectively compensating for first-order optical aberrations.

Findings

The Variable Off-Axis paraboLA uses 3 actuators for 3 aberration modes.

The Single Actuator mirror corrects specific aberration combinations.

Design methodology tailored to instrument specifications.

Abstract

We present two concepts of deformable mirror to compensate for first order optical aberrations. Deformation systems are designed using both elasticity theory and Finite Element Analysis in order to minimize the number of actuators. Starting from instrument specifications, we explain the methodology to design dedicated deformable mirrors. The work presented here leads to correcting devices optimized for specific functions. The Variable Off-Axis paraboLA concept is a 3-actuators, 3-modes system able to generate independently Focus, Astigmatism and Coma. The Correcting Optimized Mirror with a Single Actuator is a 1-actuator system able to generate a given combination of optical aberrations.