Sensor-enabled high dioptre deformable mirror system (UWS/SELEX Galileo)
University: Professor Katherine Kirk, Microscale Sensors Research Group, University of the West of Scotland
Collaborative Partner: SELEX Galileo Ltd.
Project Type: Concept (Grant £5K)
Project Duration: 2 months (July/Aug 2012)
Project Abstract
SELEX Galileo has a requirement for a mirror/sensor system capable of high dioptre optical correction. Quality of optical components and sub systems can be degraded through an accumulation of tolerances and material inhomogeneities. Significant savings can be made by providing a dynamic optical correction that allows a relaxation of manufacturing tolerance, resulting in savings on critical alignment and enabling the use of more cost-effective components and raw materials.
SELEX Galileo requires corrective optics extending well beyond the capability of current adaptive optics designs. UWS, with its ability to develop a sensor-enabled precision corrective optic, proposes a solution which can be incorporated into existing designs – it will have the flexibility to vastly extend the range of correction, as well as monitor environmental change. Initial thermal distortions will be able to be tracked, thus allowing the equipment to be used before its normal warm up is complete. For field equipment this has an advantage in reducing battery power consumption.
Project Impact
The primary application area for this technology is with SELEX Galileo: the research has the potential to impact the performance of its optical systems. An additional application area has been identified in optics for retinal scanning systems, and there is potential to engage with businesses in this area following the completion of this project.
