Multi-DM™ User Manual Section 10 - Reference Information
BMC Document Number: DOC-0009 Rev. 5.2 Page 44
10.1 Glossary
Actuator
An Actuator is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) element comprised of an electrode
attached to a silicon substrate and a flexure element attached to a post that is attached to the
underside of a mirror surface. A voltage applied to the electrode attracts the flexure element,
thus changing the height of the mirror surface above the actuator. Actuators in a DM are
configured in an array. Acting in concert, this actuator array can control the mirror surface to
create shapes from flat to complex 3D surfaces.
Actuator Map
A convention for relating the actuator positions on a DM with respect to the order in which
they are listed in a Command Map. The sequence of deflections in a Command Map are
mapped to the DM actuators in the sequence the DM actuators are listed in the Actuator Map.
Actuator Map files have the file name extension .map and are stored in the Program
Files\Boston Micromachines\Map folder. A DM of a particular size may have more than
one Actuator Map corresponding to different packaging (e.g. cable pin out) configurations.
Amplifier Slew Rate
The rate at which output voltage of the high-voltage amplifier signal from the driver electronics
move from one output level to another output level, expressed as a change in voltage per unit
time.
Amplifier Slew Time
The time it takes the output voltage of the high-voltage amplifier signal from the driver
electronics to move from their current state to a new state. The Amplifier Slew Time is
the difference between the start and end voltages divided by the Amplifier Slew Rate.
Command Map
A set of deflections used to drive a Deformable Mirror surface to a specific Shape. A Command
Map for a particular DM model must conform to the defined Actuator Map for that DM. A
Command Map must contain a deflection value, even if zero, for each actuator in the DM array.
Command Map files have the file name extension .csv or .txt and are stored in the Program
Files\Boston Micromachines\Shapes folder.
Continuous DM
A Deformable Mirror where the reflective mirror surface extends continuously (without any
breaks) over the entire actuator array. In Continuous DMs, actuator arrays can be linear, square
grid, or other type of pattern. Coupling between the mirror surfaces over adjacent actuators is
typically between 13 to 22 percent of the desired deflection.
Data Latency
The time between when the PC first starts sending a Frame of data to the Driver
and when the Driver has processed that data and is ready for another Frame.
The Data Latency is inversely proportional to the Frame Rate.
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