Actively-supported multi-degree of freedom steerable mirror apparatus and method

Abstract

A steerable mirror assembly, the assembly comprising a mounting plate and a mirror with a mounting surface and a reflective surface. The assembly further comprising at least one flexible connector coupled between the mounting plate and a peripheral portion of the mirror. The flexible connector is adapted to allow the mirror to move within a predetermined range along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mirror and adapted to allow tilting of the mirror. The assembly also comprising at least one moveable support member coupled between the mounting plate and the mounting surface of the mirror. The moveable support member provides mechanical support to the mirror and is adapted to move the mirror within a predetermined range along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the mirror and adapted to allow tilting of the mirror. The assembly additionally comprising at least one position sensor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.