Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
359846000 | Including specified control or retention of the shape of a mirror surface | 84 |
20080225418 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING OPTICAL FLATNESS IN A PATH LENGTH CONTROL DRIVER - A piezoelectric transducer is described that is configured for use within a path length control apparatus of an optical device. The transducer comprises at least one void formed within a central region of the piezoelectric transducer, the one void or alternatively, the multiple voids, utilized at least in part to limit a curvature induced into a mirror during operation of the piezoelectric transducer. | 09-18-2008 |
20080291559 | Variable shape mirror and manufacturing method for variable shape mirror - A variable shape mirror includes a support substrate provided with a conductive bonding portion that is divided into two areas bonded to a lamination type piezoelectric actuator. A bonding surface of the piezoelectric actuator is provided with a first metal film that is divided into a first area and a second area that are not connected to each other electrically. Side faces of the piezoelectric actuator are provided with a second metal film that connects a first common electrode to the first area electrically or connects a second common electrode to the second area electrically. The piezoelectric actuator is disposed on the bonding portion so that the individual areas of the first metal film are connected electrically to the different areas of the bonding portion, respectively. | 11-27-2008 |
20090015951 | PROJECTION OBJECTIVE AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE - A method of manufacturing a projection objective ( | 01-15-2009 |
20090015952 | Variable-shape mirror and optical pickup device therewith - In a variable-shape mirror provided with a support base, a mirror portion that is disposed to face the support base and that has, on a side thereof facing away from the support base, a mirror surface which is irradiated with a light beam, and piezoelectric elements that are sandwiched between the support base and the mirror portion and that vary the shape of the mirror surface, the piezoelectric elements are bonded, by means of a thin layer of metal, to at least one of the support base and the mirror portion by the application of heat and pressure. | 01-15-2009 |
20090027788 | Thin Nearly Wireless Adaptive Optical Device - A thin nearly wireless adaptive optical device capable of dynamically modulating the shape of a mirror in real time to compensate for atmospheric distortions and/or variations along an optical material is provided. The device includes an optical layer, a substrate, at least one electronic circuit layer with nearly wireless architecture, an array of actuators, power electronic switches, a reactive force element, and a digital controller. Actuators are aligned so that each axis of expansion and contraction intersects both substrate and reactive force element. Electronics layer with nearly wireless architecture, power electronic switches, and digital controller are provided within a thin-film substrate. The size and weight of the adaptive optical device is solely dominated by the size of the actuator elements rather than by the power distribution system. | 01-29-2009 |
20090122428 | Reflective optical elements exhibiting multimetallic-like self-correction of distortions caused by heating - Optical elements are disclosed that exhibit “multimetallic”-like self corrections of thermally induced distortions. An exemplary optical element includes first and second portions. The first portion has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), an obverse surface, and a reverse surface. A second portion is bonded to the reverse surface. The second portion has a second CTE different from the first CTE to form an optical element exhibiting a thermally multimetallic-like change in curvature of the obverse surface accompanying a temperature change of the optical element. The second portion has a thermal-response property in a first direction that is different from a thermal-response property in a second direction. Thus, aberrations such as astigma-type aberrations can be readily self-corrected. | 05-14-2009 |
20090122429 | Self-correcting optical elements for high-thermal-load optical systems - Mirrors and other optical elements are disclosed that include a body defining an optical surface (typically a reflective surface) and an opposing second surface. The body has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). The optical element includes a correcting portion (e.g., a layer) attached to the second surface and having a CTE that, during heating of the optical element, imparts a bending moment to the body that at least partially offsets a change in curvature of the optical surface caused by heating. The body can be internally cooled. The body and correcting portion desirably are made of respective thermally conductive materials that can vary only slightly in CTE. The body desirably has a lower CTE than the correcting portion, and the correcting portion can be tuned according a variable property of the body and/or reflective surface. The body and correcting portion desirably function cooperatively in a thermally bimetallic-like manner. | 05-14-2009 |
20090141378 | OPTICAL ELEMENT AND OPTICAL APPARATUS - An optical element includes a substrate, a magnetostrictive film arranged on the substrate, a film thickness of the magnetostrictive film varying in accordance with intensity of a magnetic field, and a reflection film arranged on the magnetostrictive film and reflects light. An optical apparatus includes a stage including a holder provided with plural holes arranged in a carrying surface thereof for carrying an optical element provided with a magnetostrictive film arranged on a substrate, a film thickness of the magnetostrictive film varying in accordance with intensity of a magnetic field, and a reflection film arranged on the magnetostrictive film and reflecting light, plural magnetic field generation parts embedded in the plural holes, and a control mechanism for controlling the magnetic field generated by each of the plural magnetic field generation parts, and controlling the film thickness of the magnetostrictive film. | 06-04-2009 |
20090251811 | Method and Apparatus for Constructing a Perfect Trough Parabolic Reflector - A coordinate system defines the length of the curve of a parabola used in constructing a parabolic trough reflector. The origin (0,0) of the coordinate system is at the bottom center of the coordinate system. The two upper points of the coordinate system define the width, height of the parabola. These points are defined as (X1,Y1)=(−width,height), and (X2,Y2)=(width,height). The equation defining the parabola is f(x)=a·x | 10-08-2009 |
20100020423 | HYDROSTATIC LIQUID-METAL DEFORMABLE OPTICAL ELEMENTS - Optical components and systems are disclosed that include an optical element and a base member. Multiple wells correspond to respective locations on a surface of the optical element. Liquid metal in the wells is coupled to the respective locations to apply respective hydrostatic pressures to the locations. At least one displacement device is coupled to at least one well to selectively change the respective hydrostatic pressure applied, relative to the base member, by the liquid metal in the well to the respective location. The “liquid metal” is any of several formulations of metal that are liquid under actual-use conditions (e.g., a liquid alloy of gallium). The liquid metal can be displaced through conduits to change the hydrostatic pressure being applied to the respective locations. The displacement, and hence the hydrostatic pressure, can be feedback controlled. | 01-28-2010 |
20100027142 | Scalable-Size Deformable Pocket Mirror With On-Pocket Bimorph Actuator - The invention includes a deformable mirror for use in adaptive and active optical systems and in optical technology laser communication directed energy systems. The invention utilizes pockets formed in the back of the mirrors substrate. The pockets house actuators that are bonded to the substrate and may adjustably deform the mirror surface depending on the voltage supplied to the actuators. A plurality of mirrors may be combined to form a scalable array or positioned to overcome issues related to the uncontrollable portions of separate individual mirrors. | 02-04-2010 |
20100172043 | MIRROR FOR CONCENTRATING SOLAR POWER DEVICES - A mirror for concentrating solar power devices, associable with a curved supporting panel, which comprises a flat and thin mirror-finished plate which is flexible, as a consequence of a tempering treatment, for complementary shaping, by inflection, with respect to the panel, which is adapted to support and keep the plate inflexed. | 07-08-2010 |
20100177414 | Device for Correcting Optical Defects of a Telescope Mirror - A device for correcting optical defects of a telescope mirror, compatible with use in a space environment, is provided, where the criteria of weight, reliability, service life, cost and resistance to extreme temperatures are fundamental. The device comprises at least one controllable-length element, means for controlling the length of this element, this element being connected to the mirror by its ends in zones that are diametrically or diagonally opposed and close to the periphery of this mirror, the connection between the controllable-length element and the mirror comprising attachments that are rigid on the axis joining these two attachment zones and flexible in the other degrees of freedom. | 07-15-2010 |
20100246037 | VARIABLE SHAPE MIRROR SYSTEM - A variable shape mirror system includes a deformation section on which a reflection surface and first electrode are formed, a fixing section on which a second electrode is formed, and which is configured to fix the deformation section, and a drive unit, at least one of the first electrode and second electrode is formed into divided electrodes constituted of a plurality of pairs of electrodes, and in the divided electrodes, a division boundary between the electrodes includes a circular shape. One drive voltage indicating signal is subjected to operation processing on the basis of a desired mirror shape for each of the divided electrodes, whereby a drive voltage is generated for each of the electrodes, the variable shape mirror is deformed into a desired shape, and an optimum aspheric component corresponding to the curvature of the reflection surface is realized. | 09-30-2010 |
20100277820 | MAGNETICALLY DEFORMABLE FERROFLUIDS AND MIRRORS - There is provided a process for the preparation of a suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid. The process includes the step of: coating the surface of the magnetic particles with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain prior to the suspension. For preparing a magnetically deformable mirror, the suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid is coated with a reflective surface layer. A ferrofluid includes a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain in a polar carrier liquid. | 11-04-2010 |
20100296186 | OPTICAL COMPONENT BOWING DEVICE, OPTICAL DEVICE, OPTICAL SCANNING DEVICE, AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - An optical component bowing device includes a bending moment generating structure. In a particular embodiment, the bending moment generating structure can have extension members that extend in a direction substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of an optical component. The extension members can be positioned adjacent longitudinal end portions of the optical component. The bending moment generating structure can also have loading members that load the extension members in a direction that is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the optical component, whereby displacement of the extension members can generate a bending moment in a supported portion of the optical component that reflects or shapes a light beam. The bending moment generating structure can also include a reflective surface. Extension members on at least one end of the optical component can be T-shaped when seen in plan view in a direction orthogonal to the reflective surface. | 11-25-2010 |
20110043937 | MICROVALVE SYSTEM - There is described a microvalve system having a first body portion having a fluid channel defined in a face, an electrode disposed in the fluid channel and electrically connectable to a power source, a channel membrane disposed over the fluid channel and aligned with the electrode, and a second body portion disposed on the first body portion, the first body portion comprising a liquid receiving cavity aligned with the membrane. The liquid receiving cavity is adapted to receive an electrical conducting liquid that is electrically connectable to the power source. The channel membrane is displaceable towards the electrode upon application of an electrical potential difference between the electrode and the electrical conducting liquid in order to at least partially obstruct the fluid channel. | 02-24-2011 |
20110051268 | BLIND SPOT MIRROR - A new blind spot mirror comprising a bifurcated mirror, allows one portion of a mirror to remain in the normal driving mode while concurrently allowing a blind spot portion to be transitioned to a position where the blind spot area can be viewed. The transition from regular viewing to blind spot viewing can be triggered by manual and/or automatic means. An alternate embodiment of the present invention comprises a mirror assembly with one mirror face affixed back-to-back with another mirror face. One face is used for normal driving mode and the other face is angled to capture the blind spot area. Transition (rotation) of the blind spot mirror face into viewing position may be triggered by manual or automatic means. | 03-03-2011 |
20110075282 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR DEVICE AND SIGNAL PROCESSING APPARATUS - A deformable mirror device includes: a flexible member having a mirror surface on a front surface and a convex cross-sectional shape pattern on a rear surface, the cross-sectional shape pattern having a protrusion at a pressing reference point and having the largest cross-sectional thickness, the flexible member further having a convex frame on the rear surface but outside a deformable region where the cross-sectional shape pattern is formed; a housing having a guide hole in a front surface of the housing, and an internal hole communicating with the guide hole, the frame of the flexible member positioned such that the center of the opening coincides with the pressing reference point and fixed to the front surface; a driving force transmitter having a column having a spherical tip, the column inserted into the guide hole so that the spherical tip comes into contact with the protrusion at the pressing reference point; and a driving force generator provided in the internal hole, one end of which bonded to an end of the driving force transmitter oriented away from the tip, the driving force generator generating a driving force pressing the driving force transmitter against the flexible member. | 03-31-2011 |
20110128642 | OPTICAL MIRROR - An optical mirror comprising: a mirror body having a reflective surface; a waffle structure that is connected to a surface opposite to the reflective surface of the mirror body, the waffle structure comprising partition walls, wherein at least one of the partition walls includes a heat generation part; and a power supply part configured to supply power to the heat generation part, wherein the partition walls and the mirror body are made of a same material. | 06-02-2011 |
20110181973 | MULTI-LAYER PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH A PANEL - A method of manufacturing a multi-layer panel having a curved reflective and/or transmitting facing layer, the method comprising the steps of: increasing and/or decreasing the pressure on a side of the thin membrane to form a pressure differential across a thin membrane to cause the thin membrane to deform to a required shape; and applying a first layer of material to an outer surface of the thin membrane whilst the thin membrane is maintained in the required shape by the increase and/or decrease in pressure, and allowing the first layer of material to cure for a pre-determined time. | 07-28-2011 |
20110222176 | ACTIVE MATERIAL ACTUATED MIRROR ASSEMBLIES - A mirror assembly includes a reflective surface disposed within a housing, and an actuator in operative communication with at least a portion of the housing, wherein the actuator and/or housing comprises an active material element configured to cause or selectively enable the housing and surface to be manipulated. | 09-15-2011 |
20110222177 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR STRUCTURE - A passive suspension for a bimorph or other self-deforming mirror includes elements, e.g., of herringbone shape, extending between an edge of the mirror substrate and a support structure. The elements have portions directed transversely (e.g. obliquely) relative to a direction of relative movement between the mirror edge and the support structure, so as to accommodate the movement by bending. | 09-15-2011 |
20110249353 | Intentionally Buckled Columns and Columns with Displacement Controls that Form Optical Shapes - Described herein are buckled structures useful for forming specific and precise optical shapes. For example, buckled structures are disclosed which have parabolic, near-parabolic, cylindrical, near cylindrical, conic section shapes, arcs and other non-sinusoidal optical curves. Also described herein are buckled structures including one or more restraints for forcing the structures to adopt or maintain specific optical shapes upon or after buckling. In another aspect, provided herein are methods for forming optical structures. | 10-13-2011 |
20110273790 | Unfolding film-type radiation reflector - The invention relates to space engineering, and can be used for space radio, television and telephone communications, as well as illuminating ground objects at night from space. The inventive unfolding film-type radiation reflector comprises a framework consisting of pneumatic tubes and cells, a film reflecting surface connected to the framework along the perimeter thereof and a gimbal assembly mountable on a space vehicle. The internal and external frames of the gimbal assembly are made from internal and external wheel-shaped pneumatic tubes. The internal wheel-shaped pneumatic tube is embodied in such a way that it is mountable on the space vehicle, while the external wheel-shaped pneumatic tube is embodied in the form of a framework element and is connected to the film reflecting surface. Said invention makes it possible to reduce the mass and overall dimensions of mechanisms for packing and unfolding the film-type radiation reflector. | 11-10-2011 |
20120019941 | SYSTEM FOR DISCRETELY ACTUATED SOLAR MIRRORS - System for establishing a surface shape. The system includes a compliant substrate including the surface and having a reverse side, and a plurality of discrete actuators engaging the reverse side and arranged in a selected pattern to control the surface shape as individual discrete activators are activated. It is preferred that the actuators have multiple discrete stable states of elongation. A particularly preferred embodiment uses actuators that are binary with two stable states of elongation. | 01-26-2012 |
20120026614 | ACTUATOR MOTION CONTROL MECHANISM FOR A CONCAVE MIRROR - A method for varying a radius of curvature of a concave mirror includes coupling a concave mirror to a mirror frame, coupling the mirror frame to a vertical slide, coupling the vertical slide to a horizontal slide, coupling the horizontal slide to a fixed support, coupling an end of the mirror frame to an actuator, coupling a first proximity sensor to the mirror frame, coupling a second proximity sensor to the horizontal slide, and coupling a third proximity sensor to the vertical slide. The method also includes translating the mirror frame along the vertical slide and translating the vertical slide along the horizontal slide to facilitate aligning a pole of the concave mirror with a center of an object, and varying the radius of curvature of the concave mirror to magnify an image of an object in the concave mirror for optimum clarity. | 02-02-2012 |
20120026615 | SOLAR REFLECTOR AND PRODUCTION METHOD - A solar reflector has a base support ( | 02-02-2012 |
20120075732 | SELF-DEFORMABLE MIRRORS AND THE SUPPORT THEREOF - Fluid pressure, applied e.g. via an electrorheological fluid is used to control and/or support the shape of a self-deformable mirror during manufacture, use or transportation. For transportation, the mirror is supported beforehand by pressure fluid in a flexible container. The fluid is withdrawn after transportation to permit release of the mirror. The transportation aspect of the invention is applicable also to other fragile structures. | 03-29-2012 |
20120188661 | ASTIGMATISM COMPENSATION IN SPECTROMETERS USING NON-SPHERICAL MIRRORS - This disclosure describes a method of using specially shaped mirrors for astigmatism correction in spectrometers having a folded optical path. | 07-26-2012 |
20120194930 | SUNLIGHT COLLECTION SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING REFLECTING MIRROR OF SUNLIGHT COLLECTION SYSTEM - The sunlight collection system is provided with a reflecting mirror which is placed on the surface of the ground to reflect sunlight, a light receiving means which is disposed above the surface of the ground and has an incident portion into which the sunlight reflected by the reflecting mirror is made incident, light amount sensors which are mounted at least at two locations facing each other at an outer edge of the incident portion of the light receiving means, a turning mechanism which allows the reflecting mirror to turn around at least one axis, and a direction control unit which obtains light amounts detected respectively by the light amount sensors that face each other, while allowing the reflecting mirror to turn by driving the turning mechanism, thereby adjusting an angle of the reflecting mirror on the basis of the light amounts. | 08-02-2012 |
20120275040 | PRECISION PARABOLIC MIRROR STRUCTURES - Parabolic Mirror. The mirror includes a flexible material with a reflective surface and a rear surface. A flexible band is in contact with the rear surface of the flexible material. The bending stiffness of the band as a function of distance along its length is selected so that the band and the flexible material in contact therewith assume a parabolic shape when ends of the band are moved toward one another. In a preferred embodiment, the bending stiffness of the band is achieved by controlling the second moment of area of the band along its length. The second moment of area may be adjusted by altering the width of the band along its length or by altering the thickness of the band along its length, or a combination of the two. | 11-01-2012 |
20120275041 | CORRECTION DEVICE OF AT LEAST ONE ABERRATION OF KNOWN EVOLUTION WITH DEFORMABLE MIRROR - The invention relates to a device for correcting at least one optical aberration, of known evolution of an optical system, the device comprising: a deformable mirror ( | 11-01-2012 |
20130242424 | PRIMARY MIRROR SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND TELESCOPE UNIT - The primary mirror support structure comprises an EL rotation structure including two arc-shaped members, a truss structure frame, and a primary mirror support structure. The arc-shaped members face each other via the EL axis and supporting the primary mirror, each of which rotates about the EL axis along an outer surface so as to rotate the primary mirror about the EL axis. The truss structure frame is connected to either one of the arc-shaped members at the ends. The primary mirror support structure includes multiple support members connecting multiple points on the circumference of the primary mirror provided above the truss structure frame to the truss structure frame. At least the support members nearest to the arc-shaped members are connected to the truss structure frame at parts different from the ends at which the truss structure frame is connected to the arc-shaped members. | 09-19-2013 |
20130342926 | Method And System For Dynamically Adjusting A Vehicle Mirror - A method for adjusting a vehicle mirror between a standard mirror angle adjustment to a dynamic mirror angle adjustment. The vehicle receives map data of a surrounding area of a vehicle including a first path of travel and a second path of travel. The vehicle also receives vehicle positioning data indicating a vehicle position along one of the first path of travel or the second path of travel. The vehicle then calculates a dynamic mirror angle adjustment based on the vehicle position and map data of the first path of travel and the second path of travel. The vehicle mirror is adjusted by the dynamic mirror angle adjustment relative to a standard mirror angle adjustment. | 12-26-2013 |
20140085740 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR WITH CAPACITIVE SENSORS - The invention relates to a deformable mirror ( | 03-27-2014 |
20140168801 | COLLECTOR MIRROR FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR COMPRISING LINEAR FRESNEL MIRRORS - The invention relates to a collector mirror ( | 06-19-2014 |
20140268380 | Adaptively Correctable Light Weight Mirror - A light weight minor comprising a reflecting element adapted to receive shape adjustments or corrections from an actuated frame. Shape adjustments may be as simple as a uniform curvature, although saddle or higher order shapes are also possible. The frame may execute such adjustments by varying tension or by torsion, with variations applied either locally or uniformly. The frame may be configured to contact a membrane reflector either from one or both sides. Thermal and piezoelectric examples of actuation means are provided along with methods of controlling the shape of said mirrors. To suppress the occurrence of possible vibrations, said mirrors are also provided with eddy current vibration damping means. | 09-18-2014 |
20150316763 | OPTIMIZED ACTUATORS FOR ULTRA-THIN MIRRORS - A method and apparatus for correcting error modes of a deformable mirror, including selecting or targeting one or more target error modes of a deformable mirror; and designing a pattern and/or shape of one or more electrodes, wherein the pattern and/or shape of the electrodes are designed to optimally correct the target error modes when the electrodes are disposed on the deformable mirror via an active material. Also disclosed is a deformable structure, including a composite shell including a plurality of plies each including carbon fibers embedded in a resin; a nanolaminate comprising individual nanolayers attached to a first side of the composite shell; an actuation structure attached to a second side of the composite shell; and a flexible electrode routing layer attached to the actuation structure. | 11-05-2015 |
20150338623 | Pneumatic Parabolic Mirror Solar Energy Collector and Grids made thereof - A scalable parabolic or disc shaped mirror, that is formed and maintained by inflating, with air or inert gas, a rigid polymer membrane envelope, that is pre-formed, and such that when inflated, forms this parabolic or disc shape, governed by a centre supporting pole, and ring around circumference of the mirror. The top half of the ballooned envelope is made of a clear transparent membrane through which the sun's rays pass through and on to the lower inner lower surface, which is coated with reflective surface. The balloon is skewered through the middle of each membrane, and clamped with flanges to hermetically seal the envelope. | 11-26-2015 |
20160004032 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY APPARATUS AND METHODS OF FORMATION AND OPERATION THEREOF - An optical component is disclosed, as well as articles of manufacture, methods for forming, and methods of operating thereof. The optical component may include a plurality of patterned two-way shape memory alloy portions. Each patterned two-way shape memory alloy portion may include a reflective surface and a temperature adjustment element. Each patterned two-way shape memory alloy portion may be individually configured to flex to a first bend angle at a first temperature and a second bend angle at a second temperature. | 01-07-2016 |
20160109684 | PARABOLIC REFLECTOR - A reflection device including a sheet of flexible material with memory capabilities having a surface with a reflective property. The sheet comprises an elastic bendable material of a uniform thickness and the width of the sheet varies from the first end to the second end. The sheet forms into a parabolic shape by pulling the first end of the sheet toward the second end of the sheet and coupling them to the first and second securing ends of the securing mechanism. | 04-21-2016 |
359847000 | Membrane mirror in mechanical contact only at its edge | 10 |
20080225419 | VARIFOCAL MIRROR AND CAMERA MODULE COMPRISING THE SAME - A varifocal mirror and a camera module comprising the same are disclosed. The varifocal mirror comprises a substrate, a thin film having a circumference supported by the substrate and a variable radius of curvature, and a reflective plane attached to the thin film to reflect light. The reflective plane has a radius of curvature varying in response to variation in the radius of curvature of the thin film. The camera module embodies focus and optical zoom functions via actuation of the varifocal mirror instead of using an electromagnetic actuator, a step motor and the like when adjusting positions of lens units, significantly reducing a volume of the overall system. With this structure, the camera module can be applied to various portable digital assistances requiring a minimized camera module, such as PDAs, mobile phones and the like. | 09-18-2008 |
20080239528 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR APPARATUS - It is made possible to provide a deformable mirror apparatus which is deformable to a complicated shape (high-order shape). A deformable mirror apparatus includes: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate; a spacer fixed above the substrate, having a first opening passing through from a first face of the spacer facing to the substrate to a second face of the spacer facing opposite from the first face, surrounding the electrodes, and having a step on the second face; a drive part including a membrane part disposed so as to cover the step of the spacer and so as to be opposed to the electrodes, a casing part having an opening at a bottom face of which the membrane part is exposed and supporting the membrane part, and a reflection film provided on the membrane part; and a voltage generator configured to generate predetermined voltage patterns on the electrodes, respectively. | 10-02-2008 |
20080253007 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR - A deformable mirror includes a flexible thin film. A holding member holds the flexible thin film. An operating member is configured to be actuated as the flexible thin film bends. A film-side opposite electrode is disposed on the flexible thin film. Holding-member-side bonding pads are disposed individually in positions symmetrical with respect to a center point of the flexible thin film or to a straight line which passes through the center point. A board is disposed opposite the holding member. A board-side opposite electrode is disposed on the board so as to face the film-side opposite electrode. Board-side bonding pads are disposed on the board so as to face the holding-member-side bonding pads, individually. Intermediate members are sandwiched individually between the holding-member-side bonding pads and the board-side bonding pads. | 10-16-2008 |
20090109560 | POLYIMIDE DEFORMABLE MIRROR - This invention concerns the fabrication of deformable mirrors that can be used for adaptive optics applications to correct wavefront aberrations. The deformable mirror uses a polyimide substrate with a PZT layer, which is cut by laser to produce a structure with a free end attached to the polyimide substrate at one corner. The deformable mirror has an aperture less than 10 cm and is cost-effective to produce. The deformable mirror is driven piezoelectrically as a bimorph or monomorph and can achieve a stroke of 15 microns and a bandwidth of 1 kHz for less than 20 volts. The deformable mirror uses a continuous sheet, which is anchored at only one point, which corresponds to the point of arbitrary zero phase, and is free everywhere else to conform to the wavefront. This cannot be achieved with silicon micromachined mirrors, which are electrostatically actuated because surface micromachining produces delicate films which must be anchored periodically for support. | 04-30-2009 |
20100027143 | MAGNETIC MEMBRANE MIRROR - Described is a magnetic membrane mirror having a flexible membrane comprising a magnetic material and having a high reflectance. The flexible membrane is secured over a frame to enclose a volume between the frame and membrane. A transmembrane pressure is established to achieve a desired mirror shape or curvature. Curvature can be changed by modifying the transmembrane pressure by increasing or decreasing the pressure in the enclosed volume. An array of electromagnetic actuators generates individually-controlled magnetic fields to cause localized displacements of the mirror surface. The magnetic membrane mirror can be constructed with inexpensive components and can be used as a dynamic component in an adaptive optical system. | 02-04-2010 |
20110134552 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CORRECTING OPTICAL ABERRATIONS USING A DEFORMABLE MIRROR - A method and apparatus for correcting optical aberrations in an optical device using a deformable mirror. An actuator is provided which applies a deforming force to the deformable mirror. By selecting particular thickness profiles of the deformable mirror and force configurations of the actuator, the optical device can be configured to correct for different optical aberrations. The actuator may be configured to apply the deforming force peripherally, centrally, non-centrally or homogenously across the surface of the deformable mirror. The deformable mirror may be a flat disk mirror, a convex mirror, or a concave mirror, and may include a membrane having a variable flexibility. The optical device may be a wide-field microscope, an optical read/write device, laser tweezers, or any other optical device in which correction of optical aberrations is desirable. | 06-09-2011 |
20120087027 | MIRROR - There is provided a high-performance mirror which is capable of being varied between a plane mirror and a concave mirror. The mirror comprises a base ( | 04-12-2012 |
20120320468 | Stretched Membrane Solar Collector - An improved solar reflector utilizing a tensioned reflective membrane. The reflector structure includes a membrane attached on the outer surface of a metal strap that is positioned on an end form by means of a curved-face tensioning block. | 12-20-2012 |
20140049850 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING CURVATURE OF MIRROR, AND MIRROR ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING SAME - Disclosed is a device for adjusting the curvature of a mirror comprising: a base block; a pair of rotating blocks which are connected to the base block by one or more elastic bodies, respectively, and rotate around the connection portions between the base block and the elastic bodies or elastically return to through the application or release of external forces; a pair of support blocks which are disposed at the pair of rotating blocks, respectively, to support both ends of the mirror and apply bending moments to the both ends of the mirror by the rotation of the pair of rotating blocks; and a driving part for rotating the pair of rotating blocks. | 02-20-2014 |
20140368939 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A FLEXIBLE ADAPTIVE TELESCOPE MIRROR - This invention is for a flexible telescope mirror. A mirrored film is stretched across a frame, and deformed into a rough parabola using a partial vacuum. The film is then deformed into a more perfect parabola using electric fields. In some embodiments, a feedback system based on a laser projector and a camera is used to fine tune the resulting parabola for optical performance. The invention allows the creation of large telescope mirrors for a substantially lower price than conventional ground glass mirrors, and allows the creation of substantially lighter mirrors, suitable for space-based applications. | 12-18-2014 |
359848000 | With structure to minimize internal mirror stress | 6 |
20090195899 | Mirror Module for Fastening to a Structural Element - A mirror module for fastening to a structural element, comprises a mirror arrangement that includes at least one mirror stack and a first receiving device for holding the mirror arrangement. Each of the at least one mirror stack comprises at least one individual mirror made of a first material. The first receiving device is made of a second material which has a coefficient of thermal expansion adapted to the first material. For fastening the mirror module to the structural element, a second receiving device made of Invar is provided which holds the first receiving device of the mirror module. | 08-06-2009 |
20100033855 | OPTICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ENTRANCE CAVITY IN WHICH A MIRROR IS PLACED - The invention relates to an optical instrument ( | 02-11-2010 |
20110222178 | ADAPTIVE DEFORMABLE MIRROR FOR COMPENSATION OF DEFECTS OF A WAVEFRONT - The present invention relates to the production of an adaptive deformable mirror for compensation of defects of a wavefront. | 09-15-2011 |
20120176693 | Layered Mirror Assembly - A mirror and method for making the mirror are described. The mirror includes at least three layers. The first layer has an outer surface and an opposed inner surface, the outer surface being a reflective surface. The second layer is positioned between the inner surface of the first layer and an inner surface of a third layer. The second layer includes a structural member adhered to the inner surface of the first layer and to the inner surface of the third layer and is configured to resist changes in geometry of the first layer. The third layer has an outer surface opposed to the inner surface, and is formed from a material having properties and dimensions such that temperature induced changes in geometry of the first layer are substantially the same as temperature induced changes in geometry of the third layer. | 07-12-2012 |
20140233121 | SANDWICH STRUCTURE UNIT FOR SOLAR COLLECTOR MIRRORS - The present invention discloses a solar panel mirror unit ( | 08-21-2014 |
20150036232 | MULTI-LAYER OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING SAME - A multi-layer mirror comprising a front plate, a backing plate and spacers coupled between the front plate and the backing plate. The spacers are closely packed with one another and arranged in a manner where adjacent spacers contact one another and packing spaces are defined between groups of spacers in contact with one another. Each of the spacers comprises a plurality of ventilation holes extending between a bore of the spacer and an exterior of the spacer. For each spacer, the plurality of ventilation holes comprises a first ventilation hole in fluid communication with a first packing space defined at least in part by the spacer and a second ventilation hole, spaced apart from the first ventilation hole and in fluid communication with a second packing space defined at least in part by the spacer. | 02-05-2015 |
359849000 | Including a plurality of adjustable mirror supports | 26 |
20090237822 | Correction and focusing device for a beam - A correction and focusing device for a beam, through the deformation of a mirror, wherein it incorporates a frame supporting the mirror, at least one curve generator applying at least one torque to at least one extremity of the mirror, and correction actuators spaced along the mirror so as to apply stresses to the different zones of the mirror. | 09-24-2009 |
20090290244 | MICROMIRROR ARRAY LENS WITH SELF-TILTED MICROMIRRORS - A Micromirror Array Lens with self-tilted micromirrors comprising a plurality of self-tilted micromirrors and configured to form a designed optical surface profile by self-tilted micromirrors. Each self-tilted micromirror comprises a substrate, at least one stiction plate configured to be attracted to the substrate by adhesion force, a micromirror plate having a reflective surface, coupled to the stiction plate elastically and configured to have a required motion when the stiction plate is attracted to the substrate, and at least one pivot structure disposed between the substrate and the micromirror plate and configured to provide a tilting point or area for the motion of the micromirror plate. The designed optical surface profile determines the required motion of the micromirror plate and a surface profile shape memory is built in the structure of the micro-mechanical elements of the self-tilted micromirrors so that each micromirror plate has the required motion. | 11-26-2009 |
20100073789 | LOW COST MOVEABLE MIRROR - It is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost moveable mirror with 2 axes of movement that is suitable for use in an optical application where a relatively large tip of tilt of a mirror is needed in a known series of positions repeatably and rapidly. This object is achieved by providing a planar structure with 4 bending actuators that can be produced through MEMs based manufacturing. The moveable mirror is flexibly connected to the bending actuators so it can be moved on 2 axes. The bending actuators are designed to have substantial length to increase the angular movement of the mirror. Hard stops are provided to provide repeatable and accurate positioning of the mirror for selected positions. | 03-25-2010 |
20100202070 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR - A deformable mirror includes a plurality of block segments and at least one actuator. The block segments are arranged in an array, with adjacent block segments being coupled together by an elastomer and the top surface of the array being reflective. The at least one actuator is coupled to at least one of the block segments at the bottom surface of the array and is adapted to adjust in piston. | 08-12-2010 |
20100202071 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR - The present invention is related to a deformable mirror comprising individual units ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100226028 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MIRROR MOUNTING WITH MINIMIZED DISTORTION - A method for mounting a mirror for use in a telescope includes attaching the mirror to a plurality of adjustable mounts; determining a distortion in the mirror caused by the plurality adjustable mounts, and, if the distortion is determined to be above a predetermined level: adjusting one or more of the adjustable mounts; and determining the distortion in the mirror caused by the adjustable mounts; and in the event the determined distortion is determined to be at or below the predetermined level, rigidizing the adjustable mounts. | 09-09-2010 |
20100238572 | DISPLAY DEVICE WITH OPENINGS BETWEEN SUB-PIXELS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An electromechanical systems device includes a plurality of supports disposed over a substrate and a deformable reflective layer disposed over the plurality of supports. The deformable reflective layer includes a plurality of substantially parallel columns extending in a first direction. Each column has one or more slots extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The slots can be created at boundary edges of sub-portions of the columns so as to partially mechanically separate the sub-portions without electrically disconnecting them. A method of fabricating an electromechanical device includes depositing an electrically conductive deformable reflective layer over a substrate, removing one or more portions of the deformable layer to form a plurality of electrically isolated columns, and forming at least one crosswise slot in at least one of the columns. | 09-23-2010 |
20110013300 | MEMS HIERARCHICALLY-DIMENSIONED DEFORMABLE MIRROR - A MEMS hierarchically-dimensioned deformable minor comprising a substrate, a plurality of spacers disposed on the substrate, a plurality of piezoelectric cantilever microactuators disposed on the plurality of spacers, and a continuous deformable membrane disposed on the plurality of the cantilever assemblies, has significantly improved overall device performances owing to the use of the cantilever microactuators based on relaxor ferroelectric single crystal materials or other piezoelectric materials. | 01-20-2011 |
20110019295 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR WITH DISTRIBUTED STIFFNESS, TOOL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SUCH A MIRROR - The present disclosure relates to a deformable mirror including a deformable membrane with a reflecting face and an opposite face, a stiff plate and a structure of at least one actuator at least a part of which is fixed to the stiff plate and able to locally deform the membrane, wherein the deformable mirror also includes a not necessarily uniform adhesive layer against the opposite surface of the membrane, and a structure of at least one flexible coupling including a mechanical connection and upper and lower linking means coupling respectively the upper and lower ends of the mechanical connection to the adhesive layer and to the stiff plate. The disclosure also relates to a tool and a method making it possible to produce such a mirror. | 01-27-2011 |
20110211268 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR HAVING FORCE ACTUATORS AND DISTRIBUTED STIFFNESS - The present invention relates to a deformable mirror ( | 09-01-2011 |
20110242688 | ADJUSTABLE STROBE REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY - A strobe reflector that includes a reflective material and a support structure is provided. The support structure may be adjusted or moved into at least two distinct positions to provide two distinct shapes for the reflective material. The first position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a first configuration (such as a half-hemisphere) and a second position of the support structure shapes the reflective material in a second configuration (such as a full hemisphere). The different shapes of the reflective material may be used for different mountings of the strobe device, such as for a ceiling mount or a wall mount. In this way, a single strobe reflector may be configured for different installations (whether to the wall or ceiling). | 10-06-2011 |
20110299183 | Bonding technique to minimize distortion on a deformable mirror - This invention relates to a plate-type deformable mirror with discrete contacts between the faceplate and the actuators. | 12-08-2011 |
20120069463 | FAST STEERING, DEFORMABLE MIRROR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A fast-steering, deformable mirror system is configured to manipulate a reflective surface in order to control the reflection of electromagnetic radiation off of the reflective surface. The system is configured to steer the reflective surface as a unit, and also to deform the reflective surface. The system is designed to reduce hysteresis in drive signals that control deformation of the reflective surface, to maintain an overall size and/or footprint of conventional fast-steering, non-deformable mirror systems, and/or provide other enhancements. | 03-22-2012 |
20120069464 | LIGHT SHIELDING DEVICE AND LIGHT SHIELDING METHOD - Provided is a large scale light shielding device and a light shielding method for controlling weather. A light shielding device | 03-22-2012 |
20120105989 | MOUNTINGS FOR ROTATION OF ARRAY OF REFLECTIVE ELEMENTS AND LITHOGRAPHIC APPARATUS INCORPORATING SAME - An array of reflective elements in which at least one of the reflective elements is mounted on a mounting which comprises a rod at least partially located within a sleeve. A first end of the rod is fixed to a first end of the sleeve and a second end of the rod is moveable, the sleeve including a first resiliently flexible portion which is configured to bend in order to allow the movement of the second end of the rod to take place, wherein the reflective element is mounted at the first end of the sleeve such that bending of the sleeve causes rotation of the reflective element. | 05-03-2012 |
20120162799 | SUPPORTING AND SHAPING DEVICE FOR MIRROR OF HELIOSTAT - The embodiment of the invention provides a supporting and a shape-regulating device for a reflector of a heliostat, which relates to the solar field. Said device is installed on the back of said reflector of said heliostat and fixed with a support of said heliostat, said supporting and shape-regulating device comprises a shape-regulating part for adjusting the curvature of said reflector and an adjusting part for adjusting the pitch and angle of said reflector; said shape-regulating part comprises at least four shape-regulating components, wherein at least one shape-regulating component is installed on a central sleeve of connection claws in the centre of said reflector, the others are installed on the edge of said reflector and connected respectively with said central sleeve of connection claws through respective supporting arms of connection claws, said shape-regulating components comprise suckers and adjustable fasteners; said adjusting part is set up correspondingly on the side part of said centre sleeve of connection claw, said adjusting part comprises a transition part and an adjusting fastener, said transition part is fixed with said support, said adjusting fastener is set up between said transition part and said centre sleeve of connection claw. Thus, the invention has a simple structure and good adjusting effect, it is convenient to adjust, and easy to process and manufacture. | 06-28-2012 |
20130003202 | Bimorph Optical Element - The invention relates to a bimorph optical device comprising a deformable optical element and active elements made of piezoelectric ceramic provided with electrodes, said elements being controlled in pairs and in opposition so as to produce a compression movement for a first element of a pair and an extension movement for the second element of a pair, the device being characterized in that the optical element ( | 01-03-2013 |
20130070355 | Mirror Comprising Mechanical Means for Generating Primary Geometrical Aberrations - Optical devices can comprise a deformable mirror and a system for deforming said mirror. A deformation system comprises a first mechanical structure comprising a first surround, one or more electromechanical actuators attached to the first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure comprising a substantially planar bottom and a second surround, both deformable, the bottom being attached to the first surround, the second surround being attached to the surround of the mirror, a rigid stud being attached to the bottom, substantially planar and centred on the bottom, the electromechanical actuator or actuators exerting predetermined forces or bending moments on the stud so as to generate a particular distribution of the bending moments on the surround of the mirror, deforming it according to a geometrical form representative or of one or more predetermined geometrical aberrations. | 03-21-2013 |
20130070356 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR HAVING A LOW BONDING FOOTPRINT AND PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH A MIRROR - The invention relates to a deformable mirror comprising a deformable membrane ( | 03-21-2013 |
20130215527 | OPTICALLY UN-OBSCURED CONTROLLABLE MIRROR FOR HIGH-SPEED BEAM STEERING AND PHASE ABERRATION COMPENSATION - Apparatus for correcting a distorted incident wavefront are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a deformable mirror haying a first surface; a plurality of bimorph actuators coupled to an opposing second surface of the deformable mirror to tilt the deformable mirror with respect to a first plane; at least one mount to convert first motions of the plurality of bimorph actuators to tilt the deformable mirror with respect to the first plane; and an assembly disposed between the at least one mount and the second surface of the deformable mirror to decouple the first motions of the plurality of bimorph actuators from second motions in the deformable mirror that deform the first surface, wherein the plurality of bimorph actuators, the at least one mount, and the assembly have a combined footprint that is smaller than a surface area of the first surface of the deformable mirror. | 08-22-2013 |
20130279034 | SOLAR COLLECTOR STABILIZED BY CABLES AND A COMPRESSION ELEMENT - A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement. | 10-24-2013 |
20140043705 | TOROIDAL HELIOSTAT - A toroidal heliostat and reflector frame for a heliostat are provided which passively adjust the apparent sagittal and/or tangential focal lengths of the reflector. This adjustment is provided by way of passive deflection of the reflector caused by one or more of gravitationally-induced deflection of one or more components of the heliostat; differential thermal expansion of materials of the heliostat; and/or relative movement between two or more components of the heliostat. Careful design of the heliostat enables optimisation of the power delivery profile and/or shape of the reflected image throughout the day. | 02-13-2014 |
20140362460 | ACTUATOR AND MOVABLE MIRROR - The present invention employs an actuator including: a movable portion connected to a reflecting member having a reflective surface; a movable comb electrode disposed at a distance from the reflecting member, supported by the movable portion, and extended in a direction parallel to the reflective surface; a stationary comb electrode supported by a supporting portion, extends in the direction parallel to the reflective surface, and disposed alternately with the movable comb electrode; and a voltage controller that applies a voltage to the movable comb electrode and the stationary comb electrode to displace the movable comb electrode and the movable portion in a direction normal to the reflective surface. A portion that supports the movable comb electrode and a portion that supports the stationary comb electrode are disposed such that the movable comb electrode and the stationary comb electrode pass each other. | 12-11-2014 |
20140376120 | SUPPORT FOR FACETS - Support for facets that maintains the facet attached to the structure of a heliostat, which comprises a connecting plate, a threaded bolt, a fixed attachment of the connecting plate to the facet, and a movable attachment between the connecting plate and the threaded bolt. | 12-25-2014 |
20150009588 | SUPPORTING AND SHAPING DEVICE FOR MIRROR OF HELIOSTAT - The embodiment of the invention provides a supporting and a shape-regulating device for a reflector of a heliostat, which relates to the solar field. Said device is installed on the back of said reflector of said heliostat and fixed with a support of said heliostat, said supporting and shape-regulating device comprises a shape-regulating part for adjusting the curvature of said reflector and an adjusting part for adjusting the pitch and angle of said reflector; said shape-regulating part comprises at least four shape-regulating components, wherein at least one shape-regulating component is installed on a central sleeve of connection claws in the centre of said reflector, the others are installed on the edge of said reflector and connected respectively with said central sleeve of connection claws through respective supporting arms of connection claws, said shape-regulating components comprise suckers and adjustable fasteners; said adjusting part is set up correspondingly on the side part of said centre sleeve of connection claw, said adjusting part comprises a transition part and an adjusting fastener, said transition part is fixed with said support, said adjusting fastener is set up between said transition part and said centre sleeve of connection claw. Thus, the invention has a simple structure and good adjusting effect, it is convenient to adjust, and easy to process and manufacture. | 01-08-2015 |
20160161737 | DEFORMABLE MIRROR, OPTICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE DEFORMABLE MIRROR, AND OPHTHALMOLOGIC APPARATUS - A mount substrate (third substrate) is disposed so as to face a mirror substrate (second substrate) having a larger projection area, and the mirror substrate is bonded to the mount substrate in a region in which an actuator substrate and the mirror substrate do not overlap each other in an in-plane direction (XY direction) parallel to an in-plane direction of a reflective member. | 06-09-2016 |