Requirements for piezoelectric materials for deformable mirrors

Abstract

Abstract Deformable mirrors to correct wavefront errors in real time have emerged as a key component in adaptive optical systems being developed for a variety of applications. Piezoelectric materials, particularly lead zinconate titanate have proven to be the most desirable actuators for high speed, high element density, electrically controlled mirrors. However, this application has place particularly tight constraints on the properties of the materials employed, some of which remain to be optimized. A general description of deformable mirror types is given, followed by a discussion of the material properties required for this application.