Abstract

Active optical systems commonly use influence coefficient methods to map actuator commands to surface deformation, but these static models only describe steady-state behavior and do not capture transient or frequency-dependent structural dynamics. This work develops a finite element analysis (FEA)-derived state-space framework for active optical control by reducing an ANSYS deformable mirror model into modal coordinates and mapping structural deformation into optical Zernike space. The framework is used to compare three control strategies: static feedforward inversion, LQI feedback tracking, and a combined LQR–feedforward controller under steady-state and time-varying Zernike setpoints. The results show that feedforward control provides rapid static correction, while dynamic feedback improves transient behavior and tracking under oscillating inputs; the combined approach provides the most effective balance between steady-state accuracy and dynamic robustness.

Publication Date

4-29-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration (MS)

College

College of Engineering Technology

Advisor

Brian Rice

Advisor/Committee Member

Jun Han Bae

Advisor/Committee Member

Michael Caldwell

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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