Active optics: single actuator principle and angular thickness distribution for astigmatism compensation by elasticity

Abstract

Active optics techniques providing high quality large astigmatism compensations to be used in a fixed or variable optical path, are presented in three ways: analytical calculations, finite element analysis, and experimental validation. The use of an angular thickness distribution allows improving the optical quality of toroidal deformations. We emphasize the case of a single actuator design, in which the principle is proven with a prototype.