Open AccessUnimorph deformable mirror for space telescopes: environmental testing
Author(s) -
Peter Rausch,
Sven Verpoort,
Ulrich Wittrock
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.001528
Subject(s) - deformable mirror , unimorph , optics , actuator , zernike polynomials , laser , parabolic reflector , physics , optical telescope , curved mirror , adaptive optics , telescope , acoustics , piezoelectricity , computer science , wavefront , artificial intelligence
We have developed and manufactured a unimorph deformable mirror for space telescopes based on piezoelectric actuation. The mirror features 44 actuators, has an aperture of 50 mm, and is designed to reproduce low-order Zernike modes with a stroke of several tens of μm. We assessed the space compliance by operating the mirror in thermal vacuum, and exposing it to random and sinusoidal vibrations, as well as to ionizing irradiation. Additionally, the operational life time and the laser power handling capability were tested. The mirror was successfully operated in thermal vacuum at 100 K. We report on the conducted tests and the methods used to evaluate the mirror's performance, and discuss the compliance with the demanded requirements.