AO4ELT5 Proceedings

SWAP DM: preliminary design and schematics of a DM for extreme adaptive optics

Kopf, Teresa (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precison Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany), Dietzel, Oliver (Physik Instrumente GmbH & Co. KG, Auf der Roemerstrasse 1, 76228 Karlsruhe, Germany), Dargatz, Benjamin (PI Ceramic GmbH, Lindenstraße, 07589 Lederhose, Deutschland), Kamm, Andreas (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precison Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany), Bach, Mathias (Physik Instrumente GmbH & Co. KG, Auf der Roemerstrasse 1, 76228 Karlsruhe, Germany), Süßmuth, Klaus (Physik Instrumente GmbH & Co. KG, Auf der Roemerstrasse 1, 76228 Karlsruhe, Germany), Richter, Stefan (PI Ceramic GmbH, Lindenstraße, 07589 Lederhose, Deutschland), Broich, Bernd (PI Ceramic GmbH, Lindenstraße, 07589 Lederhose, Deutschland), Damm, Christoph (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precison Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany), Eberhardt, Ramona (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precison Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany), Reinlein, Claudia (Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precison Engineering, Albert-Einstein-Str. 7, 07745 Jena, Germany)

The extreme adaptive optics deformable mirror as outlined in the study of EPICS for the EELT helps to detect planets much fainter than the observed star. In doing so, excellent wavefront quality ensured by a high actuator count is mandatory. A long actuator lifetime is equally important since it reduces the number of dead actuators to a minimum, which is necessary for the coronagraphy techniques. The Fraunhofer Institute of Applied Optics in Jena and Physik Instumente GmbH teamed up to response to an ESO Call for Tender. We developed an appropriate deformable mirror (DM) concept, and are currently elaborating the breadboards to demonstrate critical technologies. The considered DM technology is based on piezoelectric stack actuators which deform a thin-shell glass substrate. As a main feature, we provide a modular solution, meaning that actuator modules may be inserted into a DM substrate. With that an exchange of actuator modules in case of actuator failure is possible that characterizes the SWAP DM for extreme adaptive optics. In order to enable a high lifetime of the DM, we will pre-stress the actuator and use a modified PICMA® actuator, which exhibits a ceramic insulation extending the lifetime. Thus, the array benefits from an improved actuator lifetime without the requirement for an additional encapsulation which would be disadvantageous for the necessity of a low actuator pitch. In this project several laboratory breadboards will be developed to demonstrate key aspects of the deformable mirrors and their TRL level. We present the current state of the preliminary design, the schematic design and the status of the breadboards.

DOI: 10.26698/AO4ELT5.0117- Proceeding PDF


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