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Aspherical high-speed varifocal mirror for miniature catadioptric objectives
Optics Express
|March 14, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new varifocal mirror using a piezo-actuated glass membrane. This innovative mirror offers a wide focal range and fast response times for miniature optical systems.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Miniature optical systems require compact and adaptable components.
- Traditional fixed mirrors limit the flexibility of Cassegrain-type objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a varifocal secondary mirror for miniature Cassegrain-type objectives.
- To enable dynamic focusing capabilities in compact optical designs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a piezo-actuated glass membrane varifocal mirror.
- Integration of the mirror into a catadioptric telefocus objective.
- Characterization of the mirror's focal range and response time.
Main Results:
- The varifocal mirror has a 10 mm diameter with a ±8 m-1 focal range.
- Achieved millisecond-scale response times.
- Demonstrated aspherical tuning across elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic regimes.
Conclusions:
- The piezo-actuated varifocal mirror is suitable for miniature optical systems.
- The technology enables dynamic focusing in compact catadioptric objectives.
- The mirror's aspherical tuning broadens its applicability in optical design.
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