Design and Performance Test of Fast Steering Mirror

Currently, advanced countries such as the US and the UK are researching laser-based weapons and communication systems. The application of Fast Steering Mirror (FSM) is crucial in laser systems to control internal optical paths and compensate for disturbances, including atmospheric fluctuations and mechanical vibrations. Additionally, research is underway to enhance image clarity in surveillance and reconnaissance systems, such as Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) systems, by applying FSM technology. Consequently, the demand for FSMs is rising, necessitating the development of small, lightweight, and high-performance solutions. In this study, we designed a compact and lightweight FSM with a diameter of 25 mm, and its performance was validated through rigorous testing. Furthermore, we developed a piezoelectric actuator using single crystal piezoelectric material to ensure a wide operating bandwidth and rapid response speed for the FSM. Before manufacturing the designed FSM, we conducted modeling and simulation (M&S) to analyze its performance and confirm that it met the required specifications. Subsequently, a prototype of the FSM was produced, and its operating range, bandwidth, and accuracy were evaluated through performance tests.