High-Performance Deformable Mirror Technology Test and Evaluation Platform

The NAVY seeks innovative tools and technologies that support and enhance the development of MEMS and various types of deformable mirrors (DM) currently being used in adaptive-optic (AO) systems. The need to characterize the dynamic response of DMs is key in improvement of their design and effective operation in future high-bandwidth AO systems that can compensate in real-time for atmospheric turbulence. This proposal by Advanced Systems and Technologies, Inc. (AS&T) directly responds to the above NAVY needs with a unique and comprehensive testing station that employs an architecture supporting multiple modalities of optical metrology tailored specifically for DM devices of various designs. In Phase of this program we performed initial proof of the concept of a novel optical non-contact sensor fusion concept, the Multi-mode Interferometer for Evaluation of Dynamics in Adaptive-optic Systems (MIEDAS) that supports full dynamic and static characterization of deformable membrane mirrors. The unparalleled measurement capabilities incorporated in MIEDAS are uniquely suited to the new sensor technologies sought by the Navy for comprehensive DM characterization. This proposal lays out a work plan to develop a Phase II prototype instrument that will provide a comprehensive test and evaluation platform for future Navy adaptive optic system developments.