Lightweight Mirror Structures for Mechanical Beam Steering

摘要

Defense applications of space-borne laser radar require a sensor that can point to a large number of targets--in rapid succession and over a wide field of regard. By using a full-aperture, mechanically steered flat mirror, the requirements for high-acceleration beam steering can be met. Three alternative mirror structures were designed and their performance was evaluated through computer simulation. The mirror structures were (1) a thin glass sandwich coupled to a deep backup structure, (2) a full-depth beryllium sandwich, and (3) a full-depth graphite/epoxy sandwich. Unlike existing large steering mirrors, these mirrors can survive angular accelerations as high as 1000 rad/sq s during steering, yet still limit residual vibration amplitudes after steering to lambda/20 rms at 10.6 micrometers. All three designs can use existing fabrication technologies to meet performance goals. Reprints. (RH)