MEMs-based adaptive optics systems: the Naval Research Laboratory program

Abstract

The use of adaptive and active optics (AO) is enabling the construction and test of flexible optical systems with performances unprecedented. This flourishing of technical advances is also due to the availability of new technologies that are much lower in cost, much easier to implement and use. Among these new technologies the use of Micro-Electro-Machined (MEM) mirrors is one of the primary sources of innovation. Several groups are actively working in bringing to fruition AO systems based on MEMs technologies and at the same time several groups are working to improve the MEMs technology and tailor it more and more towards various aspects of the AO problems. In this paper we will presents an overview of MEMs adaptive optics problems. We will especially focus on our experience in this field and discuss results from our AO system. We will discuss pros and cons on the use of MEM for adaptive optics and elaborate on our experience on field-testing of these devices. This paper will also briefly discuss the broader use of adaptive optics in fields other than atmospheric compensation.