This thesis describes the modeling and manufacture of bimorph mirrors as well as an example of their application. A general review of adaptive optics is provided, paying particular attention to those technologies which would allow adaptive optics to be employed in non-astronomical situations. The first stage of the theoretical analysis of the bimorph mirror involves developing a mechanical model of the laminated structure. This is carried out using standard thin plate laminate theory; this results in expressions for the overall sensitivity of a bimorph mirror. The mechanical model also leads to an equation describing the response of the surface of the mirror to a given applied voltage. An analytical solution is developed, and its implementation described. Using this analytical solution, the performance of a bimorph mirror under various operating conditions is analysed. Particular attention is paid to the case of correcting phase fluctuations that have a Kolmogorov spectrum. The process of manufacturing bimorph mirrors is described in some detail, and results of this procedure are presented. Results from various bimorph mirrors are analysed, and the comparisons with the theory are presented. A possible use of bimorph mirrors in laser scanner systems is described. A simple demonstration system is described, and results from its operation are presented. A detailed design for a laser printer using adaptive optics is presented, along with the associated deformable mirror requirements.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:325060 |
| Date | January 1999 |
| Creators | Ellis, Edric Mark |
| Contributors | Dainty, J. Chris |
| Publisher | Imperial College London |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://hdl.handle.net/10044/1/51479 |
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