Partially segmented deformable mirror

Patent · Tue May 21 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:7027746

Bliss, E S; Smith, J R; Salmon, J T; Monjes, J A

A partially segmented deformable mirror is formed with a mirror plate having a smooth and continuous front surface and a plurality of actuators to its back surface. The back surface is divided into triangular areas which are mutually separated by grooves. The grooves are deep enough to make the plate deformable and the actuators for displacing the mirror plate in the direction normal to its surface are inserted in the grooves at the vertices of the triangular areas. Each actuator includes a transducer supported by a receptacle with outer shells having outer surfaces. The vertices have inner walls which are approximately perpendicular to the mirror surface and make planar contacts with the outer surfaces of the outer shells. The adhesive which is used on these contact surfaces tends to contract when it dries but the outer shells can bend and serve to minimize the tendency of the mirror to warp. 5 figures.

• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 5016997
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-523504
• OSTI ID: 7027746
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420000* -- Engineering
ACTUATORS
DEFORMATION
DESIGN
MIRRORS
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
TRANSDUCERS