Boston Micromachines has manufactured an enhanced version of its Mini-DM. This new mirror is for human vision and microscopy researchers undertaking experiments that require wavefront correction.
The Mini-DM is an wavefront control device that consists of a mirror membrane supported by an underlying actuator array. Each actuator in the array can be individually deflected by electrostatic actuation to achieve the desired pattern of deformation, which will correct aberrations in images. Unlike other technologies such as electromagnetic and piezoelectric mirrors, electrostatic actuation ensures mirror deformation without hysteresis.
Vision researchers are limited in their ability to gain a clear view of the human retina due to image distortion caused by tissue-induced wavefront aberration. The new Mini-DM with its larger stroke allows for the correction for larger aberrations making it a perfect entry-level tool for researches studying glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
The mirror is also ideal for studying human tissue. In this kind of imaging, the resolution quickly diminishes the deeper the researcher delves into the sample. The Mini-DM will enable scientists to extract more detailed information about biological specimens such as cells and tumours.
The new Mini-DM boasts 32 actuators, 2.25mm aperture, with 6μm of stroke. The active mirror area is deformed by thirty-two electrostatic actuators and has a fully integrated controller and user-friendly interface. In addition to the deformable mirror, this turnkey system comes complete with a USB controller, software and a gimbal mount for easy installation.