Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a novel technology that enables dynamic modification of a an optical surface coating for wavefront control. These can be applied for use with high-density deformable mirrors, switchable diffractive pupils, and photonic focal plane masks.
Background:
High-contrast imagery, such as searching for dark exo-planets orbiting bright stars are stymied by the fixed nature of the coatings. In addition, the current technologies for electrically or mechanically deformable mirrors and other adaptive optics are complex and limited in scalability, resolution, and discretization.
Advantages:
- Rapid dynamic modification in real time
- Maintains resolution and dynamic range
- Scalable
- Relatively simple to operate
Applications:
Status: issued U.S. Patent #10,866,406
