In order to cover new needs of large stroke beyond +/-2° for Free-space optical communication (FSO), inter-satellite links in constellations, as well as for Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIES (CTEC) has developed a compact, low-power, high-stroke and high-bandwidth, Fast Steering Mirrors called M-FSM. The proposed M-FSM design is based on proprietary MICA™ flexure bearing magnetic actuators technology, taking heritage from other MICA™ Space application domains, such as long-life space cryogenic refrigerators. The M-FSM includes a dedicated 30mm silicon carbide (SIC) mirror developed by CTEC, based on PAM30 Flight Model knowhow heritage, currently under manufacturing for NASA PYSCHE Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) spacecraft.

The recent progresses made in the manufacturing of new plasmonic photomobile films are offering innovative solutions for light induced motion actuators and devices. Indeed, such films can be assimilated as transducers thanks to their ability to convert light into displacement with strokes up to several millimeters. By adjusting the incident light parameters (wavelength, exposure time…) the photomobile films actuation can be controlled to answer many applications requesting high displacements and low forces. In these regards, the behaviour of the photomobile films were characterized prior to their integration in more complex devices. Then, several proof-of-concepts of these devices were manufactured to try to bring new functionalities to the market such as light driven optical switch, optical micro-valve, and deflector: The optical switch features interesting properties in term of electrical insulation by eliminating the dark currents responsible for noise in image sensors. It also exploits the large stroke of the photomobile films to achieve the standard electrical insulation distance versus emitter voltage. Light driven micro-valves/micro-pumps are suitable for delivering a small quantity of fluids with high precision for example in medical devices. Using this technology, a fluid circuit can be opened and closed when light is switched from on to off (or inversely) without embedded electric power. Optical deflectors are used widely in optical pointing applications where fast responses and/or high precisions are critical. An appropriate understanding of the photomobile films behaviour enables to control the direction of the beam deflection within large angular ranges.