Hi,
I am interested in using a DLP as an optical mask. The mirror would be placed in a pupil plane, and would select some part of it, effectively "blocking" the others (the light being reflected in a different direction).
The typical surface flatness of a good mirror is a fraction of a wavelength (ideally lambda/20 or better, for a wavelength of 635nm). We know from experience that it is difficult to manufacture a MEMS mirror with really high surface quality, but lambda/4 could be a realistic value.
Our group is working on high-contrast and high-resolution imaging techniques in astronomy, in particular exoplanet direct imaging. The DLP would be used to modify the instrument's diffraction pattern.
A previous post on this forum (in 2011) indicated that TI did not measure the flatness of its mirrors. Moreover, other astronomers seem to have tried and measured it, finding a surface quality as large as 10 lambda. I would like to know if TI has made some progress in this direction, either by measuring the surface flatness of their mirror, or even better, by improving it.
Would it be possible for us to work with a sample, and test its optical properties before actually buying it ?
Finally, we are considering applying to a NASA research grant to develop these types of technologies. Would TI be interested in being associated to it ?
Thank you,
Alexis Carlotti