Hierarchically Dimensioned SiNM Mirror Systems for Adaptive Optics

Microscale, Inc. in collaborating with New Jersey Institute of Technology proposes to develop an innovative silicon nanomembrane mirror (SiNM) technology for adaptive optics by using a novel low cost and hierarchically-dimensioned multilevel SiNMs integration design.This proposed Phase I effort continues to bridge the gap between the present state of development of SiNM mirror technology and the practical implementation of this technology in high resolution, wide dynamic range applications. The high performance, low cost, and small size of these devices will be of significant value and serve as an enabling technology for a wide range of adatpive optics applications. BENEFIT: (1) correction of aberrations in large-aperture ground-deployed and/or space-based telescopes, (2) high-resolution imaging through fluidic media such as atmosphere, (3) free space laser commmunication through atmospheric turbulence, (4) laser beam stabilizing, and (5) optical path alignment, (6) directed laser energy delivery through atmospheric turbulence, (7)ophthalmology retinal imaging and laser surgery, 8)lasing cavity correction and surface tuning, and (9) image stabilizers in camera systems, will require the proposed reliable SiNM membrane mirror wavefront correctors with several hundred to millions of elements.