Jean-Philippe Déry

Dynamic response of ferrofluidic deformable mirrors.

Ferrofluids can be used to make deformable mirrors having highly interesting characteristics (e.g., extremely large strokes and low costs). Until recently, such mirrors were thought to be restricted to corrections of frequencies lower than 10 Hz, thus limiting their usefulness. We present counterintuitive results that demonstrate that the limiting operational frequency can be increased by increasing the viscosity of the ferrofluid. We tested the response of ferrofluids having viscosities as high as 494 cP, finding that they could allow an adaptive optics correction frequency as high as 900 Hz. We also demonstrate that we can counter the amplitude loss due to the high viscosity by overdriving the actuators. The overdriving technique combines high current, short duration pulses with ordinary driving step functions to deform the mirror. The integration of a FDM in a complete closed-loop adaptive optics system running at about 500 Hz thus appears to be a realistic goal in the near future.

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

We present the research status of a deformable mirror made of a magnetic liquid whose surface is actuated by a triangular array of small current carrying coils. We demonstrate that the mirror can correct a 11 μm low order aberrated wavefront to a residual RMS wavefront error 0.05 μm. Recent developments show that these deformable mirrors can reach a frequency response of several hundred hertz. A new method for linearizing the response of these mirrors is also presented.

Nanoengineered ferrofluid deformable mirrors: a progress report

We give a progress report on a new class of versatile optical elements pioneered by our laboratory. By coating ferromagnetic liquids we create reflective surfaces that can be shaped with magnetic fields, allowing us to make complex wavefronts that can vary rapidly in time. This new technology is capable of achieving complex surfaces that cannot be obtained with existing technology. The short-term objective is to perfect the technology for adaptive optics for both astronomical and ophthalmology applications. We have made a functional 112 actuator deformable mirror and characterized the ferrohydrodynamic response of the actuators. We have used high speed sensors to analyze the mirror surface subject to transient and periodic driving forces. We have developed algorithms to shape the surfaces. We have made new types of ferrofluids that are easier to coat with our nanoengineered layers. Theoretical model shown how the mirror parameters can be tuned as function of the applications. Challenges in design are outlined, as are advantages over traditional deformable mirrors.

Dynamic response of ferrofluidic deformable mirrors using elastomer membrane and overdrive techniques

Abstract The experimental results obtained with a ferrofluidic deformable mirror controlled by electro-magnet actuators are presented here. Using a step input through a single actuator, we obtained a steady-state settling time of 100 ms; however, different combinations of overdrive inputs can be used to decrease it to 25 ms. A new technique which consists of laying down an elastomer membrane, coated with an aluminum film, on the ferrofluid is also discussed. By adding the membrane on the ferrofluid, it further decreases the time response by a factor of 2. Furthermore, the thin aluminum layer improves the reflectivity of the mirror. Finally, using the membrane and the overdrive techniques combined, the time response is improved by a factor of 20. Numerical simulations show that ferrofluidic mirrors using membranes and improved electronics should reach settling times of the order of a millisecond. Presumably, even lower settling times could be possible.

HyperCube: a hyperspectral CubeSat constellation for measurements of 3D winds

Global measurements of vertically resolved atmospheric wind profiles offer the potential for improved weather forecasts and superior predictions of atmospheric wind patterns. Harris’ HyperCube constellation of twelve 6U hyperspectral CubeSats can provide measurements of global tropospheric wind profiles from space at very low cost. It is a commercially funded enterprise in which the data from the satellites is provided to users on a subscription basis. This requires that the design of each satellite be optimized for minimum cost, yet with a reasonably long service life. This paper will focus on the design, operations, and projected performance of the HyperCube system.

Sampling Jitter Reduction in CCD-Based Imaging FTS with Predictive Centered Triggering of Detector Integration

A new triggering scheme is developed to minimize the non-causal problem of matching delays of the metrology and the IR channels in an IFTS when an integrating camera is used. Predictive OPD-centered integration, challenges and results are presented.