Patent ID: 7999213
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A wavefront correction device for an adaptive optic, comprising: a support ring having an inner surface defining an aperture therethrough; a deformable, silicon-based membrane disposed at the support ring and having a front surface and a back surface coated with a conductive layer, the conductive layer of the front surface having a reflective coating, the conductive layer of the front surface and the reflective coating extending across the inner surface of the support ring; a plurality of electrostatic actuators positioned in close proximity to the back surface of the membrane, to define a first gap between the plurality of electrostatic actuators and the back surface of the membrane; a transparent conductor assembly positioned in close proximity to the front surface and having a first optical flat covering the aperture and a second optical flat, the first optical flat having an anti-reflective coating applied to at least one surface of the optical flat, the second optical flat being an inset piece positioned immediately adjacent the first optical flat and disposed in the support ring, the inset piece being smaller in area than the aperture and extending into the aperture to define a second gap between the transparent conductor assembly and the front surface of the membrane; wherein deformation of the membrane is induced by a voltage differential, the voltage differential derived from a bias voltage applied to the transparent conductor and an actuator voltage applied to each of the plurality of electrostatic actuators.