Boston Micromachines awarded NASA grant for space-imaging MEMS deformable mirrors
Cambridge, MA--Boston Micromachines Corporation (BMC) has been awarded a Phase 1 contract for $100,000 by NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to support space-based imaging research. BMC develops MEMS-based deformable-mirror (DM) products for adaptive-optics systems.
Tool for finding exoplanets
Over the past decade NASA has pioneered coronagraphic-instrument concepts and testbeds to provide a foundation for exploring feasibility of space-based coronagraphic approaches to high-contrast imaging and spectroscopy, especially useful for finding new exoplanets. From this work, NASA has identified a current technology need for compact, ultra-precise, multi-thousand-actuator DM devices.
The Phase 1 project is for the development of a reliable, fault-tolerant MEMS-DM technology to fill a critical gap in NASA's roadmap for future coronagraphic observatories. To achieve this, BMC will implement two innovative, complementary modifications to the manufacturing process. The team will develop drive electronics that will inherently limit actuator electrical-current density generated to prevent permanent failure when a short-time-frame single-fault failure occurs, and will modify the actuator design to reduce failure due to adhesion between contacting surfaces of the actuator flexure and fixed base.
"Space-based astronomical imaging systems are inherently challenged by the need to achieve diffraction-limited performance with relatively lightweight optical components. Given the current constraints on fabrication methods, a new manufacturing technique is required to increase reliability and prevent single-actuator failures," said Paul Bierden, president and cofounder of Boston Micromachines.
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John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)
John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.