Design considerations for fast-steering mirrors (FSMs)

Abstract

The single-axis and two-axis, flexure mounted, fast steering mirror (FSM) represents a compact, low cost, high performance design solution for a variety of emerging optical scanning and beam stabilization applications. Such devices are used to correct for polygon cross scan errors in prepress photography, acquire and lock beams within free space laser telecom systems, modulate tilt and cavity control in interferometers, maintain beam stabilization in the presence of thermal drift and vibration, and provide general two axis beam scanning. This paper discusses the tradeoffs among range of motion, spring selection, actuator types, mirror designs, and control systems. Actual product design and performance data is presented for a single axis FSM used for polygon cross scan error correction, and a dual axis FSM used for free space laser telecom.