Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems (300), devices and methods for machining a work-piece from a plurality of directions using a single laser beam and galvanometer scan head (302). In some embodiments, such a system includes, for example, a scanning galvanometer head (“scan-head”) (302), having one or more mirrors (323) for directing a laser beam in at least one plane. Preferably, in some embodiments, the scan-head includes two mirrors for deflecting the laser beam in the at least one plane (e.g., an X-Y plane). A plurality of second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) is arranged after the scan-head (302) to direct the laser onto a predetermined portion of the exterior of the object to be machined. In some preferred embodiments, there are three such second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) each to direct the laser over a 120 degree area of the object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems (300), devices and methods for machining a work-piece from a plurality of directions using a single laser beam and galvanometer scan head (302). In some embodiments, such a system includes, for example, a scanning galvanometer head (“scan-head”) (302), having one or more mirrors (323) for directing a laser beam in at least one plane. Preferably, in some embodiments, the scan-head includes two mirrors for deflecting the laser beam in the at least one plane (e.g., an X-Y plane). A plurality of second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) is arranged after the scan-head (302) to direct the laser onto a predetermined portion of the exterior of the object to be machined. In some preferred embodiments, there are three such second mirrors (312A, 312B, 312C) each to direct the laser over a 120 degree area of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing optically variable devices, optically variable media, dot matrix holograms or embossing substrates. The system includes: a laser beam generator, a laser beam shaper, a spatial light modulator, imaging optics and an image positioner. The laser beam generator generates a laser beam, which is shaped by the laser beam shaper to modify the laser beam to an optimized beam profile. The shaped laser beam is modulated by the spatial light modulator, which generates, at a place removed from the substrate surface, an optical pattern. The imaging optics causes the optical pattern to be imaged on the substrate surface. An image positioner allows for the optical pattern to be positioned to different areas of the substrate surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an illuminating optical device for forming a field of illumination. The optical device includes a first one-dimensional homogenizer positioned to homogenize a first dimension/axis of the field of illumination and a second one-dimensional homogenizer positioned to homogenize a second dimension/axis of the field of illumination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for micromachining a conical surface. In one embodiment, such a system may include a rotating platform for receiving a long line of laser illumination, a mask having a predetermined pattern comprising a sector of a planar ring, the mask being positioned on the rotating platform, a workpiece stage having a rotational axis for rotating a removably-affixed workpiece comprising a conical surface, wherein the sector comprises the planar image of the conical surface, an excimer laser for producing a laser beam, a homogenizer for homogenizing the laser beam in at least a single direction, at least one condenser lens, a turning mirror and at least one projection lens.

Abstract: An improved high sensitivity optical inspection system for detecting flaws on a diffractive surface containing surface patterns includes: a first and a second illumination means for illuminating predetermined regions on the diffractive surface to generate a scattered intensity distribution in response to either a flaw or a surface pattern; means for detecting the intensity level of the scattered intensity distribution at a plurality of locations about the diffractive surface; means for establishing a minimum detected intensity level; means, responsive to the minimum detected intensity level, for indicating the absence of a flaw on the illuminated region of the diffractive surface when the minimum detected intensity level is below a threshold intensity level and for indicating the presence of a flaw on the illuminated region of the diffractive surface when the minimum detected intensity level exceeds the threshold intensity level; and means for moving the diffractive surface to generate a scan pattern on the d

Abstract: A surface displacement detection system including a detector for detecting displacement of a surface in a direction normal to the surface as the surface revolves; an encoder which divides the surface into N sectors; a signal processor responsive to the detector for calculating the amount of displacement of the surface in each sector of the surface as it revolves; a displacement value look-up table; and a routine for writing to the table a displacement value for each sector once per M revolutions, and an adjustment system including a focussing actuating element, a routine to read displacement value look-up table, a routine to for updating the position of the focussing actuating element for every sector, according to the displacement values stored in the look-up table.

Abstract: A system for detecting displacement of a surface in a direction normal to the surface, the system including a first grating; a second grating; an optical subsystem for projecting an image of the first grating onto the surface and for directing a secondary image of the first grating reflected off the surface onto the second grating; and a detector, responsive to the fringe pattern formed after the secondary image passes through the second grating, for detecting displacement of the surface in a direction normal to the surface.