Line-of-sight Stabilization of an Optical Instrument Using Gained Magnetostrictive Actuators

A line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization system using gained magnetostrictive actuators is described in this paper. The system requires a relatively low supply voltage, has a wide frequency bandwidth and is relatively cheap. The system principle of operation is explained. The actuator and system design is described. The characterization tests are discussed and test results are shown. A coupled electromechanical model obtained from the measured transfer function is given. The design of a linear suboptimal regulator with output-integral feedback combined with a suboptimal estimator, is described. The controller test results are presented. It is shown that the system achieves 80% of the target isolation.