Optomechanical actuator for adaptive optics

This study describes the development of a novel opto- mechanical actuator suitable for integration in all-optical smart systems. Its action relies on the out-of-plane thermo- mechanical deflection of a thin optical-acrylic membrane due to the absorption of radiation from a laser source. The response of the actuator can be adapted to suit different applications by coating the surfaces of the element with either fully or partially absorbing or reflective coatings. The transient and steady state opto-thermo-mechanical behavior of different element configurations has been modelled analytically and using finite element analysis. In simple actuator configurations, the dynamic response of the element can be represented by that of a linear first order system. These modelling and simulation procedures have been verified with experimental data and have been used to optimize different actuator designs. One of these opto- mechanical actuators has been employed as an active optical element in the realization of a novel all-optical interferometric device employing active drift compensation.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.