Boston Micromachines to Develop High-Resolution Deformable Mirrors

A Phase 1 contract worth $100,000 has been signed between Boston Micromachines (BMC) and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) for the advancement of space-based imaging research.

The Phase 1 project has been designed with an aim to establish a consistent and fault-tolerant microelectromechanical deformable mirror (MEMS-DM) technology that will solve the issues involved in the future coronagraphic observatories of NASA's roadmap. BMC has enhanced the manufacturing process by limiting the actuator electrical current density generation and by altering the actuator design. Limiting the actuator’s electrical current density helps to prevent a short time single fault failure from happening.

Modifying the actuator design helps to prevent failure between contacting surfaces of the actuator flexure and fixed base due to adhesion. According to the contract, BMC will put into operation these modifications to the manufacturing process.

Paul Bierden, president of Boston Micromachines stated that this innovative project will lead to the development of high-resolution deformable mirrors appropriate for space-based operation.

Source: http://www.bostonmicromachines.com/