| The design, testing, and potential application of an Adjustable Focus Optical Correction Lens (AFOCL) are described. The AFOCL was developed to perform optical re-alignment and wavefront correction to enhance the performance of Ultra-Lightweight Structures and Space Observatories (ULSSO). The AFOCL offers variable and rapid focusing capability similar to liquid crystal based spatial light modulators. It shows some potential advantages because of its solid-state, stationary, low-mass, rugged, and thin optical element. Optical metrology was performed on the device to measure focusing effects and optical quality. Furthermore, a series of design analysis of zoom lens systems incorporated with one or more AFOCL(s) has been conducted, which shows theoretical capability of a solid-state zoom lens. Therefore, the AFOCL may potentially become one of the technologies available for alignment and wavefront corrections in ultra light and compact systems for space applications. |
