Silicon Deformable Mirrors for Astronomy

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

Byer award abstract AST-9986708 Dr. Robert Byer of Leland Stanford University will investigate the suitability of using silicon micro circuit technology (developed for the LIGO project) for adaptive optics (A/O) actuators for white-light, diffraction-limited image formation across a wide field of view at a large ground-based astronomical telescope. Details of the engineering construction of the A/O will be examined such as membrane thickness, actuator spacing, electrostatic pad size. A new tpe of driver circuit which would eliminate the need for many high voltage operational amplifiers will be introduced to reduce cost and simplify the mirror device. ***