Dynamic response of ferrofluidic deformable mirrors using elastomer membrane and overdrive techniques

Abstract The experimental results obtained with a ferrofluidic deformable mirror controlled by electro-magnet actuators are presented here. Using a step input through a single actuator, we obtained a steady-state settling time of 100 ms; however, different combinations of overdrive inputs can be used to decrease it to 25 ms. A new technique which consists of laying down an elastomer membrane, coated with an aluminum film, on the ferrofluid is also discussed. By adding the membrane on the ferrofluid, it further decreases the time response by a factor of 2. Furthermore, the thin aluminum layer improves the reflectivity of the mirror. Finally, using the membrane and the overdrive techniques combined, the time response is improved by a factor of 20. Numerical simulations show that ferrofluidic mirrors using membranes and improved electronics should reach settling times of the order of a millisecond. Presumably, even lower settling times could be possible.