MEMS based vision correction using Adaptive Optics

Many common vision problems, such as myopia and astigmatism, are caused by aberrations introduced by the eye and are easy to correct with eyeglass lenses. Other aberrations are harder to deal with, both in improving a person's vision and in examining the eye. Technology derived from adaptive optics (AO) research for astronomy is being adapted to measure aberrations in the eye. AO promises to revolutionize vision science by allowing physicians to measure the optical imperfections of the living eye with unprecedented thoroughness and accuracy. With this technology, physicians will be able to diagnose tiny retinal defects before they become a threat to healthy vision. In this technology, light leaving an eye is focused onto a deformable mirror the key feature of adaptive optics - and corrected for any aberration, thereby producing the highest quality images of/on the retina ever seen. This paper deals with the design of a MEMS based AO system for vision correction. In particular, this paper presents the design of a deformable mirror using a fixed-fixed micro-cantilever for actuation. The structural design follows an approach that reduces process complexity. The feasibility of the approach is shown in simulations