Patent ID: 7125128
Filing Date: 2006-10-24
Classification: G02B,G03F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An optical element for use in an adaptive-optical system, the optical element comprising: a deformable optical surface; an array of force devices coupled to the optical surface, each force device being configured, when actuated, to exert a respective force on a respective locus of the optical surface that imparts a respective localized deformation of the optical surface such that actuation of the force devices collectively forms the optical surface into a desired shape, the force devices being arranged into multiple sets, each force device being a member of a designated first set and a designated second set that is different from the first set; at least one force controller coupled to the force devices of a respective first set and configured to cause, when activated, the force devices of the respective first set to apply respective forces to the respective loci; and at least one braking controller coupled to the force devices of a respective second set and configured to prevent, when activated, a change in force exerted by the force devices of the respective second set and by at least one force device of the first set.