Push-pull deformable mirror: characterization and closed loop operations

In this paper is described a "push-pull" deformable mirror which has the advantage that the mirror membrane can either be attracted from the back or from the front giving several advantages such as: doubled dynamic, better accuracy in mode reproduction, and bidirectional deformation. The key idea when developing this push-pull deformable mirror was to have good compromise between performances and practical applicability for series production. An analysis of the constraints/practical limitations is described using simulations and laboratory tests. Following the results, we forsee the benefits of inserting the push-pull DM (Saturn, Adaptica Srl) in practical applications such as ophthalmology and microscopy.