Optimized actuators for ultra-thin mirrors

A deformable structure, comprising:

• a composite shell including a plurality of plies each including carbon fibers embedded in a resin;
• a nanolaminate comprising individual nanolayers attached to a first side of the composite shell, wherein the nanolaminate reduces print-through of the carbon fibers from the composite shell;
• an actuation structure attached to a second side of the composite shell, the actuation structure including:
• a common electrode;
• patterned electrodes;
• a material between the common electrode and the patterned electrodes, the material changing shape in response to one or more electric fields applied between the patterned electrodes and the common electrode, thereby changing a shape of the composite shell and a shape of the nanolaminate;
• and
• a flexible electrode routing layer attached to the actuation structure and electrically connected to the patterned electrodes, wherein the flexible electrode routing layer:
• includes conductive electrode traces electrically connected to the patterned electrodes through vias in the electrode routing layer, the conductive electrode traces extending away from an active surface area of the structure for connection to a source of electrical biasing, and
• deforms with the composite shell when the electric fields, generated by the source, are applied.