Two-axis Steering Mirror Research Articles

Design of hybrid optical tweezers system for controlled three-dimensional micromanipulation

Three-dimensional (3D) micro/nano-manipulation using optical tweezers is a significant technique for various scientific fields ranging from biology to nanotechnology. For the dynamic handling of multiple/individual micro-objects in a true 3D working space, we present an improved hybrid optical tweezers system consisting of two multibeam techniques. These two techniques include the generalized phase contrast method with a spatial light modulator and the time-shared scanning method with a two-axis steering mirror and an electrically focus-tunable lens. Unlike our previously reported system that could only handle micro-objects in a two and half dimensional working space, the present system has high versatility for controlled manipulation of multiple micro-objects in a true 3D working space. The controlled rotation of five beads forming a pentagon, that of four beads forming a tetrahedron about arbitrary axes, and the fully automated assembly and subsequent 3D translation of micro-bead arrays are successfully demonstrated as part of the 3D manipulation experiment.

3D multiple optical tweezers based on time-shared scanning with a fast focus tunable lens

Three-dimensional controlled manipulation of individual micro-objects requires multiple optical tweezers that can be independently controlled in a 3D working space with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, the author presents 3D multiple optical tweezers based on a time-shared scanning technique with an electrically focus tunable lens for axial steering and a two-axis steering mirror for lateral steering. Four typical examples of 3D controlled manipulation, including the rotation of a single bead on its axis, are demonstrated in real time. The optical system design and the control method are also described.

A high-bandwidth, high-precision, two-axis steering mirror with moving iron actuator

This paper focuses on the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of high bandwidth two-axis mirror positioners for precision optical platforms, which we refer to as the Advanced Fast Steering Mirror (AFSM) and the small Advanced Fast Steering Mirror (sAFSM). These novel positioners consist of a mirror platform driven in two rotational axes by flux-steering electromagnetic actuators, and controlled via position feedback loops. The devices are designed for beam stabilization tasks in lithography, laser communication, lidar, and similar optical applications. We have experimentally demonstrated small-signal system bandwidth of 10kHz using optical quad-cell feedback and a two-channel analog control architecture. The AFSM has a travel range of ±3.5mrad, and a measured angular acceleration of 1×105rad/s2.

A High-Bandwidth, High-Precision, Two-Axis Steering Mirror with Moving Iron Actuator

This paper focuses on the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of a high bandwidth two-axis mirror positioner for precision optical platforms, which we refer to as the Advanced Fast Steering Mirror (AFSM). This novel positioner consists of a platform driven in two rotational axes by flux-steering electromagnetic actuators, and controlled via position feedback loops. The AFSM is designed for beam stabilization tasks in lithography, laser communication, lidar, and similar optical applications. We have experimentally demonstrated small-signal system bandwidth of 10 kHz using optical quad-cell feedback and a two-channel analog control architecture. The AFSM has a travel range of ±3.5 mrad, and a measured angular acceleration of 105 rad/sec2.