Adaptive-optics actuator arrays and methods for using such arrays

An optical system, comprising an adaptive-optical element, the adaptive-optical element comprising:

• a deformable optical surface;
• an array of force devices coupled to the optical surface, each force device comprising a respective movable member that is configured, when actuated, to exert a respective force on a respective locus of the optical surface that imparts a respective localized deformation of the optical surface such that actuation of the force devices collectively forms the optical surface into a desired shape, the force devices being arranged into multiple sets, each force device being a member of a designated first set and a designated second set that is different from the first set;
• at least one force controller coupled to the force devices of a respective first set and configured to cause, when activated, the movable members of the force devices of the respective first set to apply respective forces to the respective loci;
• and
• at least one braking controller coupled to the force devices of a respective second set and configured to prevent, when activated, a change in force exerted by the movable members of the force devices of the respective second set and by the movable member of at least one force device of the first set.

An optical system, comprising an adaptive-optical element, the adaptive-optical element comprising:

• a deformable optical surface;
• an array of force devices coupled to the optical surface and configured to exert respective forces on the optical surface that impart respective localized deformations of the optical surface so as collectively to form the optical surface into a desired shape, the force devices being arranged into braking groups and force-altering groups, each force device being a member of a designated braking group and a designated force-altering group;
• at least one force controller coupled to the force devices of a respective force-altering group and configured to cause the force devices of the respective force-altering group to apply respective forces to respective loci of the optical surface so as to deform the optical surface;
• and
• at least one braking controller coupled to the force devices of a respective braking group and configured to prevent, when activated, a change in the respective forces applied by the respective force devices of the respective braking group when the braking controller is activated.