Actively controlled segmented mirror
US5109349A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B5/08
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A segmented mirror control system comprises an array of structural elements (e.g. mirrors) which can be actively positioned to maintain an accurate pre-determined overall shape. The present invention is "active" and so may be characterized as an Active Segmented Mirror Control "ASMC". The segments of a mirror or the reflecting panels, in for example, a radiotelescope, may be continually adjusted with ASMC to provide an accurate reflecting mirror of very large diameter even when disturbed by external forces. ASMC is a closed loop control system. That is, an array of sensors is first used to measure differential position errors. This data is then processed to determine position actuator commands. Finally, these commands are used to move the segments until the sensors are nulled and the desired shape is obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.