Thomas Bifano

Dynamic Surface Interferometry

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The goal of this project is to measure the mechanical response of a small (600µm span, 10µm thick) mirror segment that can be moved in angular (Tilt) or surface-normal (Piston) directions by appying voltage to one or more of three underlying electrostatic actuators.

The measurements will be made using an existing Zygo NT 600 Dynamic Interferometer. The participants will assess the dynamic response (i.e. angular and surface normal velocity in response to a step input) of a tip-tilt-piston (TTP) microelectromechanical deformable mirror (DM) that is to be used in high speed beam steering applications.

The mirror description can be found in: Stewart JB, Bifano TG, Cornelissen S, Bierden P, Levine BM, and Cook T, “Design and development of a 331-segment tip-tilt-piston mirror array for space-based adaptive optics,” Sensors and Actuators a-Physical, vol. 138, pp. 230-238, (2007).

REU STUDENT
Jesus Ramos

LEARNING GOALS
• Understand the principles of surface mapping interferometry and its use to measure static and dynamic surfaces.
• Gain hands-on experience with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and their control.
• Understand dynamic response and temporal bandwidths of mechanical structures.

Learn more about Professor Bifano on his faculty page.