Abstract
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DMs) enable precise wavefront control for optical systems. This technology can be used to meet the extreme wavefront control requirements for high contrast imaging of exoplanets with coronagraph instruments. MEMS DM technology is being demonstrated and developed in preparation for future exoplanet high contrast imaging space telescopes, including the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) mission which supported the development of a 2040 actuator MEMS DM. In this paper, we discuss ground testing results and several projects which demonstrate the operation of MEMS DMs in the space environment. The missions include the Planet Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment (PICTURE) sounding rocket (launched 2011), the Planet Imaging Coronagraphic Technology Using a Reconfigurable Experimental Base (PICTURE-B) sounding rocket (launched 2015), the Planetary Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Recoverable Experiment - Coronagraph (PICTURE-C) high altitude balloon (expected launch 2019), the High Contrast Imaging Balloon System (HiCIBaS) high altitude balloon (launched 2018), and the Deformable Mirror Demonstration Mission (DeMi) CubeSat mission (expected launch late 2019). We summarize results from the previously flown missions and objectives for the missions that are next on the pad. PICTURE had technical difficulties with the sounding rocket telemetry system. PICTURE-B demonstrated functionality at >100 km altitude after the payload experienced 12-g RMS (Vehicle Level 2) test and sounding rocket launch loads. The PICTURE-C balloon aims to demonstrate contrast using a vector vortex coronagraph, image plane wavefront sensor, and a 952 actuator MEMS DM. The HiClBaS flight experienced a DM cabling issue, but the 37-segment hexagonal piston-tip-tilt DM is operational post-flight. The DeMi mission aims to demonstrate wavefront control to a precision of less than 100 nm RMS in space with a 140 actuator MEMS DM.
Highlights
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DMs) are a promising technology enabling precise wavefront control for high-contrast imaging systems
Picometer-level control has been demonstrated at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) High Contrast Imaging Testbed [16]
The upgraded MagAO-X instrument plans to use a 2040-actuator Boston Micromachines Corporation (BMC) MEMS DM, and a laboratory DM characterization pipeline has been developed to test these mirrors at the University of Arizona Wavefront Control testbed [66]
Summary
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Deformable Mirrors (DMs) are a promising technology enabling precise wavefront control for high-contrast imaging systems. MEMS DMs offer high-actuator density, large stroke, and precise control in a small, low-power form factor, which makes them suitable for space-based wavefront control applications, such as space telescope coronagraph instruments for exoplanet direct imaging [1,2]. We summarize recent and planned astrophysics missions that will operate MEMS DMs at high altitudes and in the space environment. We discuss design approaches and considerations for adaptive optics (AO) systems for space-based observatories. We introduce ground testbed laboratory results as well as sounding rocket, high-altitude balloon, and CubeSat flight missions that incorporate MEMS DMs into their payloads, and describe mission performance goals and results to date. We close with a discussion of steps to incorporate MEMS DMs into larger space platforms with longer mission lifetimes and more challenging performance requirements
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