Patent ID: 6236490
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A multistage deformable mirror structure, comprising:a backup structure having a support surface;a mirror facesheet having an optical surface; andinterposed between said support surface and said optical surface, at least one intermediate deformable structure that is coupled at a first surface to said support surface through a first set of linear actuators for being deformed by said set first set of actuators, said at least one intermediate deformable structure also being coupled at a second opposing surface to said optical surface through a second set of linear actuators for deforming said optical surface, wherein said optical surface assumes a shape that is a combination of the deformation imparted to said at least one intermediate deformable structure by said first set of linear actuators and the deformation imparted to it by said second set of linear actuators.