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Why is high-order wavefront correction so important for visual quality? Explore the power of deformable mirrors!
In recent years, with the rapid development of optical technology, deformable mirrors (DM) have become a new force in the field of optics. The definition of a deformable mirror is that its surface can be deformed to achieve wavefront control and correction of optical aberrations. The rise of this technology has given us new thinking and understanding about improving visual quality.
Deformable mirrors take the possibilities of adaptive optics to new heights by combining them with wavefront sensors and real-time control systems.
The functions and principles of deformable mirrors
The surface shape of the deformable mirror can be adjusted quickly, which is important because it can quickly compensate for the dynamic aberrations present in the optical system. In practice, the shape of a deformable mirror should change faster than the process that requires correction. This means that deformable mirrors must have high-performance response capabilities, both in static and dynamic applications.
The number of degrees of freedom of a deformable mirror is usually determined by mechanical actuators, with each actuator representing a degree of freedom. This provides the necessary flexibility for wavefront correction.
Advantages and challenges of deformable mirrors
The number of deformable mirrors and the design of the actuator directly affect its ability to correct the wavefront. Generally speaking, the ability to respond to low-order Zernike polynomial modes is the primary indicator of deformable mirrors. For correction of atmospheric turbulence, eliminating low-order Zernike terms can usually significantly improve image quality.
Deformable mirrors are not only used in high-end microscope technology, but also play a vital role in large astronomical telescopes, such as the James Webb Space Telescope.
Different types of deformable mirrors
The concept of deformable mirrors can be divided into different types according to the corresponding technologies, such as segmented mirrors, continuous panel mirrors, MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) mirrors, etc. Each type of deformable mirror has different application areas based on its structure and performance, thereby serving a variety of optical calibration needs.
For example, a segmented mirror is composed of a series of independent flat mirror segments, each segment can move independently, which gives the mirror the ability to correct high-precision wavefronts. In contrast, continuous panel mirrors enable more comprehensive wavefront modification by controlling the panel shape through a large number of actuators.
Future Outlook
The new generation of deformable mirror technology is still developing. Future space telescopes, such as NASA's new generation telescope, will use the technical advantages of deformable mirrors to conduct more future exploration and research. And as wavefront correction methods continue to improve, this will extend beyond astronomy to biomedical imaging and other precision optical applications.
Mastering the future of deformable mirror technology will be key to improving image quality and will determine the public opinion we are able to explore and observe.
As optical wavefront correction technology continues to advance, we can’t help but wonder: How will our visual experience change driven by such technology?
