Active optics for high-dynamic variable curvature mirrors

TL;DR

This paper presents the design and analysis of high-dynamic variable curvature mirrors capable of large amplitude deformation with high optical quality, using finite element analysis to account for nonlinear effects.

Contribution

It introduces a method for designing large-amplitude variable curvature mirrors considering nonlinear geometrical and plasticity effects.

Findings

Achieved at least 800 μm sag with high optical quality

Validated the design using finite element analysis

Highlighted the importance of nonlinear and plasticity effects

Abstract

Variable curvature mirrors of large amplitude are designed by using finite element analysis. The specific case studied reaches at least a 800 {\mu}m sag with an optical quality better than {\lambda}/5 over a 120 mm clear aperture. We highlight the geometrical nonlinearity and the plasticity effect.