Catoptric focus mechanisms for high-energy laser (hel) systems

A system comprising:

• at least one light source configured to generate at least a high-energy laser (HEL) beam;
• a telescope configured to direct the HEL beam towards a target and to receive optical energy from the target;
• at least one camera configured to image the target based on the received optical energy;
• and
• a catoptric focus mechanism comprising a deformable mirror, wherein the deformable mirror comprises:
• a reflective surface configured to reflect the HEL beam and to focus the HEL beam on the target;
• and
• multiple actuators configured to adjust a shape of the reflective surface in order to maintain focus of the HEL beam on the target over a specified range of distances between the deformable mirror and the target;
• wherein at least one portion of the reflective surface is configured to be adjusted by the actuators and obtain convex, flat, and concave shapes.

A method comprising:

• generating a high-energy laser (HEL) beam;
• directing the HEL beam towards a target;
• receiving optical energy from the target;
• imaging the target based on the received optical energy;
• and
• using a catoptric focus mechanism comprising a deformable mirror, focusing the HEL beam on the target;
• wherein the deformable mirror comprises:
• a reflective surface configured to reflect the HEL beam and to focus the HEL beam on the target;
• and
• multiple actuators configured to adjust a shape of the reflective surface in order to maintain focus of the HEL beam on the target over a specified range of distances between the deformable mirror and the target;
• and
• wherein at least one portion of the reflective surface is configured to be adjusted by the actuators and obtain convex, flat, and concave shapes.