Position Sensor for Segmented Adaptive Optics

There is a serious need for new types of position sensors for use with adaptive optics systems which employ segmented mirrors. In particular, sensors which enable the system to control and maintain the phase matching of the mirrored surfaces of adjacent segments to accuracies of a few nanometers are needed. Blue Line Engineering Co. proposes to develop a novel type of sensor which will be suitable for low cost mass production. Our goal is to provide optical systems designers with a the basic building blocks for constructing extremely low mass, highly agile, near diffraction limited segmented optical systems for use in broadband optical wavelengths. The approach, which will be described in detail in the proposal, utilizes devices which can produce and sense high gradient magnetic fields. The concept is also unique in that it is entirely composed of solid state devices and builds on mature commercial technologies. A research and development plan is presented in which the concept is analytically modeled, a prototype is designed, fabricated, and tested, and a production plan is generated. Potent commercial applications include both institutional and high end amateur astronomy markets, high performance imaging systems for both broadcast and government requirements, next generation optical computing systems, and beam control for laser communications. The low cost potential of the device will likely yield many other unforeseen applications.