Micro ElectroMechanical Systems Optical Beam Steerers

A collaborative effort between MEMX and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) is proposed to develop an innovative approach to enhancing LIDAR and optical communication transmitter systems and components with Micro ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) beam steering components. The MEMS Optical Beam Steerers (MOBSTERs) will demonstrate a capability that is scalable to space or can be mounted on a relevant platform (UAV, long duration balloon, or aircraft) for calibration/validation of a spaceborne system. These Optical Beam Steerers are highly miniaturized with an emphasis on low weight, small volume and low power. The prototype system to be studied would consist of components that can be easily migrated to a space qualified design. To date, MEMS technology has not been used in these applications, and will allow by virtue of their size and mechanical integration significant miniaturization and weight reduction, as well as the potential for multiplicity and redundancy.