There is a need for ever-larger apertures for use in space based optical imaging systems. Requirements on optical instrumentation for future observations in space will place rigorous demands on wavefront quality. The design of such mirrors involves a balance between the utilization of ultra-lightweight mirror and support structures, and the active correction of the increased deformations due to these compromises in structural rigidity. Performing wavefront control with a primary mirror requires precision and stability over a large structure. The wavefront correction, therefore, can be partitioned in spatial frequency between the primary mirror and a tertiary deformable mirror (DM). To realize the full potential of new ultra-lightweight, active primary mirror, the large-stroke microactuator and DM technologies need to be developed. This paper presents a set of candidate components: linear microactuator technology and a piezoelectric unimorph-based large-stroke DM technology, in the context of a lightweight active mirror concept.
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