This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II research project will advance the state of the art in MEMS deformable mirror arrays. The research will address the key technology bottlenecks in the production of affordable, high performance adaptive optics systems. The objective is to further expand the proof of concept and to successfully fabricate and package the MEMS arrays.
The mirror arrays will play a key part in the understanding, diagnoses, and treatment of the leading causes of progressive vision deterioration and blindness in humans. Having improved retinal resolution will allow physicians to detect diseases and prescribe treatment earlier than current technologies allow. This will allow for increased preservation of eyesight and increase in lifestyle. Further, improved resolution will allow for increased research into various pathologies for additional scientific and medical advancement in a more efficacious time frame.