Thermotrex Corporation

Donald G Bruns

A deformable mirror assembly is provided employing a pressure differential across the mirror element to flex the mirror into a configuration. The configuration is determined by an array of positioning members, each having a fixed back end and a movable front end. The invention employs long-stroke electromagnet actuators with built-in position sensing.

Electromagnetically controlled deformable mirror

A high resolution actuator is provided which can be used in extreme environments, e.g., at extremely low temperatures. The actuator uses electromagnetic forces to actuate levers which then cause rotation of a lead screw. The actuator uses very small gaps in the magnetic circuit to achieve a high force with a small input power.

Lead screw actuator

An 'inch worm' type linear actuator in which high resolution is achieved by directly moving an actuator armature in small steps using thermal, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or magnetostrictive armature translators. Sequential operation of paired electromagnet clamp assemblies and the armature translator provides a step-wise linear motion. When power is removed, the inventive mechanism prevents further motion of the armature. The preferred embodiment meets these requirements in a compact size having a relative long stroke that is suitable for cryogenic applications, such as moving a segment of a space telescope mirror.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Donald G Bruns