Abstract:
A deformable mirror is configured to be deformed by surface-parallel actuation. In one embodiment, the deformable mirror includes a first piezoelectric active layer on a first surface of a substrate. The first piezoelectric active layer has a substantially uniform thickness across the first surface of the substrate. The mirror also includes a first electrode layer on the first piezoelectric active layer. The first electrode layer has a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first pattern and has a substantially uniform thickness across the first piezoelectric active layer. The mirror may further include a second piezoelectric layer on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer on the second piezoelectric layer. The electrodes of the first and second electrode layers are configured to supply a voltage to the piezoelectric active layers upon actuation to thereby locally deform the shape of the mirror to correct for optical aberrations.
Abstract:
A self-deployable antenna and/or antenna array that is made up of one or more antenna elements. Each of the antenna elements has a structural base that supports portions of the antenna and can be positioned between a stored configuration for compaction and a deployed configuration for transmitting. The antenna elements and structural base can be part of a base substrate that provides a base support for the antenna and/or antenna array to be compacted and deployed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the invention provide a photovoltaic concentrator tile for a space-based solar power (SBSP) system including constituent components thereof. In a number of embodiments, the photovoltaic concentrator tile include a one photovoltaic cell, a reflector, a power transmitter and circuitry configured to perform a variety of control functions. Embodiments also provide compactible structures, materials for improving thermal emissivity, and methods and mechanisms for manufacturing and using these components.
Abstract:
A self-deployable antenna and/or antenna array that is made up of one or more antenna elements. Each of the antenna elements has a structural base that supports portions of the antenna and can be positioned between a stored configuration for compaction and a deployed configuration for transmitting. The antenna elements and structural base can be part of a base substrate that provides a base support for the antenna and/or antenna array to be compacted and deployed.
Abstract:
Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the invention provide a photovoltaic concentrator tile for a space-based solar power (SBSP) system including constituent components thereof. In a number of embodiments, the photovoltaic concentrator tile include a one photovoltaic cell, a reflector, a power transmitter and circuitry configured to perform a variety of control functions. Embodiments also provide compactible structures, materials for improving thermal emissivity, and methods and mechanisms for manufacturing and using these components.
Abstract:
A micro-scaled bi-material lattice structure includes a frame comprising a first material having a first coefficient of expansion and defining a plurality of unit cells. The bi-material lattice structure further includes a plurality of plates comprising a second material having a second coefficient of expansion different from the first coefficient of expansion. One of the plates is connected to each unit cell. The bi-material lattice structure has a third coefficient of expansion different from both the first coefficient of the expansion and the second coefficient of expansion, and the bi-material lattice structure has a thickness of about 100 nm to about 3000 microns.