Patent ID: 6951397
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A light-weight active mirror, comprising: a first layer having a front side and a back side; a second layer having a front side and a back side, the back side of the second layer facing the front side of the first layer; a reflective surface disposed on the front side of the second layer, the reflective surface operable to reflect desired wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation; a plurality of electroactive actuator strips arranged between and connected with the first layer and the second layer and operable to alter a curvature of the mirror; electrical connectors coupled with the electroactive actuator strips and operable to cause the electroactive actuator strips to alter the curvature of the mirror; a plurality of stiffening elements interconnected with at least one of the first layer and the second layer and operable to stiffen the mirror; and a plurality of shape retaining elements attached to at least one of the first layer and the second layer and comprising a material having a shape-retaining property operable to deploy the mirror and to bias the mirror in a desired position; wherein the shape-retaining elements comprise a shape memory alloy.