Patent ID: 7705493

Claim:
A magnetic mirror air bearing with static lateral motion comprising; a) a piston and mirror assembly mounted inside a cylinder which cylinder is kinematically mounted to an interferometer; b) ring-shaped permanent magnets placed strategically within the cylinder; c) a voice coil motor to provide current control of its magnetic field in such a manner as to control piston and mirror movement over distance and time; d) a gap between the piston and mirror assembly and the wall of the cylinder to allow free lateral movement of the assembly while angled movement is restricted; e) a mount which secures the piston and mirror assembly, and the surrounding cylinder to an interferometer housing; and f) a chamber surrounding the mount of the assembly wherein apertures are drilled and said chamber is filled with a thermally conducive material such as copper or brass wool to allow gas flow and equalization of gas temperatures with those of their surroundings.