Open Access

Maximilian Freudling, Andreas Grzesik, Markus Erhard, Maximilian Gerhards, Sinje Leitz, Sven Verpoort, Ulrich Wittrock, Pascal Hallibert

• This paper presents the results of the technology development project “Enabling Technologies for Piezo-Based Deformable Mirrors in Active Optics Correction Chains” conducted by OHB System AG together with its partner Münster University of Applied Sciences (MUAS). The project was funded by ESA within their General Support Technology Programme (GSTP). We address in this paper mainly the definition, flow-down and verification of the requirements for the Deformable Mirror (DM). The requirements were derived from a set of real space mission applications. The deformation of the mirror is performed by piezo-ceramic actuators in an unimorph configuration. The finally developed DM is able produce Zernike modes with a stroke of several tens of µm over a clear optical aperture of 50 mm in diameter. It underwent successfully a full environmental qualification campaign including thermal cycling, shock- and vibration testing, as well as exposure to proton and γ–ray radiation. Thermal and performance tests were performed in the temperature range from 100 K to 300 K. Furthermore, the DM sustained all vibration (random 17.8 g RMS and sinus) and shock (300 g) testing. Thereby all criticalities which were identified a previous study have been overcome successfully. A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 is reached, as the component has been validated in relevant environment. Based on the high level of maturity, this deformable mirror is now ready for the incorporation in future flight instruments. The achieved TRL of 5 is sufficient for the status of a PDR at payload level and gives thus a very good basis for all kinds of potential B2, C/D payload developments.