Modeling and Control of a Deformable Mirror

Abstract

A multi-input multi-output surface shape control system model is developed to study wavefront aberration correction. The plant model represents a deformable mirror and utilizes a finite element model that is validated using an actual prototype deformable mirror and an interferometer system. The sensor model is based on a Shack-Hartmann sensor, and the controller model is based on a least squares approach. The control system model is used to compare an available Gaussian model with the validated finite element model. Results clearly show the efficacy of the approach and the superiority of the finite element based method. The control approach is expected to be implemented on the adaptive optics system of the National Ignition Facility.