Liquid deformable mirror for high-order wavefront correction

Abstract

We propose and demonstrate a novel liquid deformable mirror, based on electrocapillary actuation, for highorder wavefront correction. The device consists of a two-dimensional array of vertically oriented microchannels filled with two immiscible liquids, an aqueous electrolyte, and a viscous dielectric liquid, where the dielectric liquid overfills the top end of the channel and forms a thin layer on top. To remedy the poor reflectivity of pure liquids, a free-floating reflective membrane or a dye-coated liquid can be used. The proposed device offers several advantages for adaptive optics applications. These advantages include a high number of actuators, high stroke dynamic range, low power dissipation, fast response time, an initially flat surface, and low cost. However, the device is mainly suitable for dynamic wavefront correction and is limited by its orientation.

Adaptive optics in microscopy

“…Magnetically actuated DMs have also been demonstrated (Fernandez et al 2006). These DMs have been complemented by more exotic technologies such as thermally actuated (Vdovin & Loktev 2002), fluidic (Vuelban et al 2006) and ferromagnetic devices (Laird et al 2006).…”

Laser beam shaping with magnetic fluid-based liquid deformable mirrors

“…But this mirror could only create a concave or convex deformation. Vuelbanet et al [22] proposed a liquid deformable mirror based on electrocapillary actuation. The proposed mirror offers several advantages, such as a high number of actuators, a high stroke dynamic range, and low cost.…”

Wavefront correction with a ferrofluid deformable mirror: experimental results and recent developments

“…However, the high density of mercury means that strong magnetic fields and thus high electrical currents are required. Liquid adaptive mirrors shaped by electro-capillary effects have also been discussed by Vuelban et al in 2006 7 .…”