Optimization and Reduced Print Thru in HEL Deformable Mirrors

The objective of this program is to develop adaptive optic laser mirrors which exhibit minimum distortion when irradiated with high power laser flux. Two approaches will be tried utilizing two sets of previously selected candidate materials. Results will indicate how to significantly improve the performance of the Air Force ACDM and BCDM laser mirrors as well as to improve the performance of laser mirrors in general which are exposed to high powers. Actuator spacing will be 3.34 cm with provision for 1.67 cm spacing to be used. A novel actuator design and mounting will be used which calculations indicate will both significantly decrease the magnitude and increase the uniformity of the thermal heating of the mirrors. One approximately 10 inch diameter subscale adaptive optic mirror of each set of materials will be fabricated, polished, analyzed, laser damage tested at the Boeing Kirtland AFB iodine laser damage test facility and delivered in this Phase II program.