Low-cost Micromachined Adaptive Optics Systems

The vides a path for bringing an innovative new technology to enhance tactical electro-optical systems such as laser designators, ladar, and infrared countermeasures. Schafer Corporation recently completed analyses for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division that show the benefits of low-cost, low-weight, low-power-consumption micro-electrical-mechanical (MEM) adaptive optics in supporting Navy missions. Under the proposed effort, Schafer will design a lightweight, low-cost closed loop adaptive optics system which will have an integrated wavefront sensor, signal processor, and deformable mirror. MEM adaptive optics have weight and power characteristics that are two orders-of-magnitude less than conventional discrete actuator deformable mirrors. We will use the patented comb-drive MEM deformable mirror technology developed by our team member, SY Technology, Inc. Although some of the missions that were studied in the NAVAIR program will be considered in this SBIR, our emphasis here will be on MEM adaptive optics system design and assessment of the wavefront beacon concept, rather than a mission performance analysis. Schafer Corporation intends to have the technology developed and fully tested in time to impact the design of 21st Century tactical EO systems as well as supporting commercial applications in medicine, communications, and astronomy.