STTR Phase I: MEMS Spatial Light Modulators for Large Telescopes

这个小企业技术转让（STTR）第一阶段项目将开发用于天文仪器的大行程空间光调制器（SLM）。当前天文仪器技术的关键挑战是对大活塞冲程和增加致动器数量的要求。拟议的第一阶段项目将开发一种能够达到10微米冲程的活塞式空间光调制器，作为成功演示天文学界可用设备的最早途径。虽然镜子的规格在各种商业和军事应用中各不相同，但天文学界将受益于批量制造所实现的成本节约。除了望远镜，商业应用还包括最后一英里链路的自由空间光通信、眼科成像和激光手术器械。

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will develop a large-stroke spatial light modulator (SLM) for astronomical instrumentation. Key challenges to current astronomical instrument technology are the requirements for large piston stroke and for increased number of actuators. The proposed Phase I project will develop a piston SLM capable of achieving 10 micron stroke as the earliest path to the successful demonstration of a useable device for the astronomical community.There is substantial demand for improved SLMs for large telescope programs and retrofits for existing telescopes. While mirror specifications vary among the various commercial and military applications, the astronomical community will benefit from cost savings realized from volume manufacturing. Beyond telescopes, commercial applications including free space optical communication for last mile links, ophthalmic imaging, and laser surgical instruments.