Why Use Fast Steering Mirrors?
Fast steering mirrors are innovative optical devices designed to adjust the direction of a light beam rapidly and precisely. These mirrors are essential components in advanced applications such as high energy laser systems, optical communication, image stabilization and light switching. By enabling quick and accurate steering of beams fast steering mirrors play a crucial role in improving the performance and efficiency of various technologies. Whether in research labs or industrial settings, they are vital tools for achieving optimal results.
Simplified structure of a fast steering mirror. Piezoactuators are connected to the mirror via compliant joints that deform during operation.
Fast steering mirrors can be made using different types of actuators such as voice coils, galvanometers or piezoelectric actuators. The best performances with large mirrors at high frequencies are achieved using piezoelectric actuators, due to their high stiffness and output force. They can operate at hundreds or even thousands of hertz with repeatability of 1 micro radians or less. If you want to know more about piezoactuators, click here.
A fast steering mirror developed by Ulsis for optical image stabilization. Piezoactuators and compliant joints are used to realize precise steering.
A fast steering mirror developed by Ulsis for high energy laser system.
Fast Steering mirrors are used for different purposes. One of the important purposes is image stabilization for aircraft cameras, particularly when dealing with high-speed flight dynamics and turbulent conditions. These agile mirrors are capable of making rapid adjustments to the optical path, countering the vibrations and movements of the aircraft in real-time. By doing so, they ensure that the captured images remain sharp and clear, which is crucial for applications ranging from surveillance to scientific research. The precision and speed of FSMs allow them to correct even the slightest disturbances, providing a stable and focused field of view. This technology is indispensable in environments where maintaining image clarity despite constant motion is paramount.
Fast steering mirrors also play a pivotal role in high-energy laser (HEL) weapon systems by ensuring precise beam alignment and targeting over long distances. These mirrors rapidly adjust the laser beam's direction to compensate for environmental factors such as atmospheric turbulence, vibrations, and thermal blooming, which can distort the beam. By making real-time corrections, FSMs maintain a stable and focused laser beam, enhancing the weapon's accuracy and effectiveness. This capability is crucial for tracking and hitting moving targets, significantly improving the damage efficiency and flexibility of HEL systems. Overall, FSMs are indispensable for the reliable operation of high-energy laser weapons, ensuring they perform optimally in dynamic and challenging conditions.
Another are of Fast Steering Mirrors is laser communication systems, where they ensure the accurate and stable transmission of laser beams between distant points. These mirrors swiftly adjust the beam direction to compensate for any platform movements, atmospheric disturbances, or misalignments, maintaining a clear and focused signal path. By providing real-time corrections, FSMs enable high data transfer rates and robust communication links, even over vast distances. This capability is especially crucial in space-based communication, where maintaining precise alignment between moving satellites or spacecraft is essential for uninterrupted and efficient data exchange. FSMs thus play an indispensable role in enhancing the reliability and performance of laser communication systems.
Ulsis is experienced in designing and manufacturing Fast Steering Mirrors for different sets of specifications. You can check our products to select buy for your application. If you have additional specifications or need a completely new design, you can contact us to discuss possible solutions.