MEMS-Based Adaptive Optics

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Reticle image before (left) and after (right) AO compensation with the BU µDM, in the presence of severe beam-path aberration

Micromachined deformable mirrors (µDMs) developed at the Boston University Photonics Center are being used to improve performance in Adaptive Optical (AO) systems for telescopes, retinal imagers, and infrared laser communication links. Research collaborations include development of compact AO systems with Boston Micromachines Corporation, demonstration of high-speed, model-free AO algorithms with the Army Research Laboratory, and commercialization of a hartmann-sensor-based commercial AO package. We are also building an AO compensated Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope in collaboration with researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute. The Boston University mirrors are being used as a principal MEMS DM in the NSF-sponsored Center for Adaptive Optics.

Recent AO publications

Doble, N., Yoon, G., Chen, Li, Bierden, P. A, Olivier, S., and Williams, D., "Use of a microelectromechanical mirror for adaptive optics in the human eye," Optics Letters, Vol. 27, No. 17, pp. 1537-1539, 2002.


Perreault, J. A., Bifano, T. G., Levine, B.M., and Horentein, M., "Adaptive optic correction using microelectromechanical deformable mirrors," Optical Engineering [41]3, pp. 561-566, 2002


Reimann, G., Perreault, J., A., Bierden, P. A., and Bifano, T. G., "Compact adaptive optical compensation systems using continuous silicon deformable mirrors," Proc. SPIE Vol. 4493, p. 35-40, High-Resolution Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications III; John D. Gonglewski, Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Mark T. Gruneisen; Eds., Feb 2002

Weyrauch, T., Vorontsov, M. A., Gowens, J., and Bifano, T. G., "Fiber coupling with adaptive optics for free-space optical communication," Proc. SPIE Vol. 4489, p. 177-184, Free-Space Laser Communication and Laser Imaging; David G. Voelz, Jennifer C. Ricklin; Eds., Jan 2002


Horenstein, M., Bifano, T.G., Pappas, S., Perreault J., and Krishnamoorthy-Mali, R., "Real Time Optical Correction Using Electrostatically Actuated MEMS Devices." Journal of Electrostatics, Vol. 46, pp. 91-101, 1999


Bifano, T. G., Perreault, J. A., and Bierden, P. A., "Micromachined deformable mirror for optical wavefront compensation," Proc. SPIE Vol. 4124, p. 7-14, High-Resolution Wavefront Control: Methods, Devices, and Applications II; John D. Gonglewski, Mikhail A. Vorontsov, Mark T. Gruneisen; Eds., Nov 2000

 

 

Thomas Bifano, College of Engineering, Boston University, 8 St. Mary's St., Boston, MA 02215, (617) 353-8908, tgb@bu.edu