US 7,064,885 B1 · Composite ultra-light weight active mirror for space applications

Abstract

A lightweight active mirror. A first layer has a front side and a backside. A second layer has a front side and a backside. The backside of the second layer faces the front side of the first layer. A reflective surface is on the front side of the second layer. The reflective surface is operable to reflect desired wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. A plurality of electroactive actuator strips arranged between the first layer and the second layer are operable to alter a curvature of the mirror. Electrical connectors are operable to cause the electroactive strips to alter the curvature of the mirror. A plurality of stiffening elements interconnected with at least one of the first layer and the second layer are operable to stiffen the mirror. A plurality of shape retaining elements attached to at least one of the first layer and the second layer are operable to deploy the mirror and to bias the mirror in a desired position.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A mirror comprising:

a first layer having a front side and a back side;
a second layer having a front side and a back side, the back side of the second layer facing the front side of the first layer;
a reflective surface disposed on the front side of the second layer;
a plurality of electroactive actuator strips arranged between and connected with the first layer and the second layer and operable to alter a curvature of the reflective surface;
and
electrical connectors coupled with the electroactive actuator strips and operable to cause the electroactive actuator strips to alter the curvature of the reflective surface,
wherein the first layer has a thickness of about 2 μm to about 10 μm.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Composite ultra-light weight active mirror for space applications

Life of this patent

Composite ultra-light weight active mirror for space applications

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16