Abstract: A method of fabricating a plurality of composite optical assemblies is disclosed. Each optical assembly includes a first optical element and a second optical element. The method includes the steps of providing a first composite substrate that may be divided into a plurality of first optical elements and forming on an exposed surface of the first composite substrate a second composite substrate that may be divided into a plurality of second optical elements, the first and second composite substrates providing a composite structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a movable member (10) with respect to a fixed member (40) is provided. The movable member (10) includes a magnetically permeable portion (81) contained therein and magnetic element (50) fixedly attached thereto and movable therewith. The movable member (10) is supported for rotation with respect to the fixed member (40) by an outer bearing surface (11) of the movable member and an inner bearing surface (20) of the fixed member (40). The fixed member (40) provides access to the movable member (10) from two sides thereof. A magnetically permeable stator element (70) is fixedly attached to the fixed member (40) and positioned within a magnetic flux field of the magnetic element (50) such that an air gap (73) is formed between the magnetic element (50) and the stator element (70).

Abstract: A non-symmetrical scanning mirror for a laser scanning system is stiffer at a bottom end than at a top end. The mirror, which is driven from the bottom end, has a relatively high resonant frequency and can thus accelerate quickly and smoothly. The mirror may be wider or thicker at the bottom end or it may be made stiffer by attaching stiffeners to the bottom end.

Abstract: An optical element positioner in which a carriage holding the optical element is driven in response to electrical control signals to selected locations along an optical path by a moving-iron, limited-rotation actuator, with the reflected load inertia substantially matched to the actuator rotor and crank arm inertia.