Cryogenic Deformable Mirrors, two 37-ch and one 349-ch.

1. Small Business Innovation Research NGST Cryogenic Deformable Mirror Demonstrator Xinxtics Inc. Devens, MA Designed, assembled, and tested cryogenically active deformable mirrors specific to the needs of the NGST. Developed a cofired actuator process specific to company’s cryogenic electroceramic. Presently, building a cryogenically active 349-ch engineering model DM using cofired cryogenic actuators and designing a cryogenically active high-density modular mirror. INNOVATION • ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Developed an electrostrictive electroceramic formulation with stroke capabilities between 35 and 65K, specific to the needs of Next-Generation Space Telescope (NGST). • Developed a piezoelectric electroceramic formulation with stroke capabilities between 35 and 375K. • Designed and built two cryogenic 37-channel (ch) deformable mirrors (DM) using cut & bond cryogenically active actuators. • Designed and built a cryogenic 349-ch engineering model DM using cut & bond actuators (maintaining a 7mm actuator spacing). • Developed a cofired actuator technology specific to the cryogenically active electroceramic formulation. • Designed and built a cryogenic testing chamber capable of measuring DMs up to 15 inches in diameter. • Successfully cycled the 37-ch DM to 35K, transitioning lessons learned to the 349-ch cryogenic DM with cofired actuators presently being assembled. • Using one of the cryogenic deformable mirrors, possible mirror figure control was demonstrated at 50K. • COMMERCIALIZATION • Will market cryogenic actuator stacks, positioners, and stages using cofired and cut & bond assembly technology. • Will market deformable mirrors for cryogenic applications. Cryogenic Deformable Mirrors, two 37-ch and one 349-ch. • GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS • Deformable mirror for the NGST. • DM for satellite surveillance systems, general amateur and professional observatory use at all nighttime temperatures without special thermal control. • Cryogenic actuators for precision alignment of devices in thermal vacuum chambers at all temperatures. • Enhanced optical stability of cryogenic structures using the new generation electroceramic to provide subnanometer control. Marshall Space Flight Center Subtopic: 11.03, Adapt. Optics Correction System Technology April 2001 - SS-8-047 Contacts: MSFC, Tom Knight; 256-544-5353 Xinetics Inc., M.L. Mulvihill; 978-772-0352 x210 1996 Phase II; NAS8-98073