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Active optics for high-dynamic variable curvature mirrors
Emmanuel Hugot1, Marc Ferrari, Gérard R Lemaitre
1Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, Université de Provence Aix-Marseille I, CNRS/INSU 38, rue F. Joliot Curie, 13388 Marseille Cedex 13, France. emmanuel.hugot@oamp.fr
Optics Letters
|October 2, 2009
Summary
Large-amplitude variable curvature mirrors were designed using finite element analysis. The study achieved 800 µm sag with excellent optical quality, highlighting geometric nonlinearity and plasticity effects.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Designing large-amplitude variable curvature mirrors presents significant challenges.
- Understanding nonlinear effects is crucial for achieving desired optical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design large-amplitude variable curvature mirrors.
- To analyze the impact of geometric nonlinearity and plasticity on mirror performance.
- To achieve a specific sag depth with high optical quality.
Main Methods:
- Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed for mirror design and simulation.
- Geometrical nonlinearity and plasticity effects were incorporated into the models.
- Optical quality was assessed over a defined clear aperture.
Main Results:
- Mirrors with at least 800 µm sag were successfully designed.
- Optical quality better than lambda/5 was achieved over a 120 mm clear aperture.
- The influence of geometrical nonlinearity and plasticity was quantified.
Conclusions:
- Finite element analysis is effective for designing large-amplitude variable curvature mirrors.
- Nonlinear effects significantly influence the performance of deformable mirrors.
- The design methodology enables the creation of high-performance optical components.
