Design and verification of a finite element model for a thin-shelled composite mirror for use with MEMS active optics

Thin-shelled composite mirrors have been recently proposed as both deformable mirrors for aberration correction and as variable radius of curvature mirrors for phase diversity, auto focus, and adaptive optical zoom. The requirements of actuation of a composite mirror far surpass those for MEMS deformable mirrors. This paper will discuss the development of a finite element model for a 0.2 meter carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror for use as a variable radius of curvature mirror in conjunction with a MEMS deformable mirror for aberration correction.