Abstract: An optical device includes a plurality of laser light sources, an output module having an optical modulator, and a time divider that is disposed between the plurality of laser light sources and the output module and that is configured to divide laser beams emitted from the plurality of laser light sources in time.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and its use for laser welding. A laser welding apparatus comprise at least one first laser device, each providing at least one first optical feed fiber with a first laser beam; at least one second laser device, each providing at least one second optical feed fiber with a second laser beam; means for generating a composite laser beam comprising a first output laser beam and a second output laser beam for welding a workpiece; wherein the first output laser beam has a circular cross-section and the second output laser beam has an annular shape concentric to the first output laser beam. The second laser device is a fiber laser device or a fiber-coupled laser device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of industrial robots, and particularly relates to a coordinate system calibration method, a device, and a computer readable medium.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, a light deflecting unit, an optical member, a casing, a cover member, and a detecting unit. The cover member is provided with a first opening permitting passage of a light beam emitted from the light source, a second opening permitting passage of the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit, and third and fourth openings which are provided in positions on a side opposite from the first and second openings with respect to the deflecting unit. Through the third opening, an outflow of the air from the cover member by rotation of said deflecting unit is relatively high. Through the fourth opening, an inflow of the air into the cover member by rotation of said deflecting unit is relatively high. The detecting unit is provided at a position where the air flow blowing through the third opening hits the detecting unit.

Abstract: Provided are a monitoring device and method. A monitoring device includes a laser processor configured to emit a processing laser beam to perform a melting annealing process on a wafer; a laser monitor configured to emit a monitoring laser beam onto the wafer while the laser processor performs the melting annealing process, the laser monitor configured to measure reflectivity of the wafer; and a data processor configured to process data on the reflectivity measured by the laser monitor, and monitor one or more characteristics of the wafer based on the data on the reflectivity.

Abstract: An exposure system (10), an exposure apparatus and an exposure method are disclosed. The exposure system (10) includes: a laser unit (11), a light spot switching unit (12) and a lens unit (13); the laser unit (11) is configured for producing a laser beam; the light spot switching unit (12) is configured to direct the laser beam to travel along one of different optical paths based on a desired size of a light spot for a workpiece to be exposed so that a laser beam in correspondence with the desired size of the light spot is obtained; and the lens unit (13) is configured for altering a direction in which the laser beam is incident on the workpiece. The light spot switching unit (12) enables the laser beam to be switched between the different optical paths so as to form light spots sized in different ranges, which can satisfy different needs of workpieces with various critical dimensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image forming apparatus, including an optical scanning device, wherein the optical scanning device includes: a holding member configured to integrally hold a first cleaning member and a second cleaning member; a first guide member configured to guide a movement of the holding member; a second guide member configured to guide a movement of the holding member; a first groove portion; a second groove portion, and wherein when the holding member moves from end portions of the first guide portion and the second guide portion to an opposite side with respect to a central portion side and a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion of the holding member respectively pass in the first groove portion and the second groove portion, engagements of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with the first guide portion and the second guide portion are released.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which includes an optical scanning device, wherein the optical scanning device includes: a holding member configured to integrally hold a first cleaning member and a second cleaning member; a first guide member configured to guide a movement of the holding member; and a second guide member configured to guide a movement of the holding member. A first protruding portion protrudes upward from an upper surface of the holding member and is provided at a position closer to an end portion of the holding member than the first cleaning member, and a second protruding portion protrudes upward from the upper surface of the holding member and is provided at a position closer to an end portion of the holding member than the second cleaning member. The first protruding portion and second protruding portion are provided for bending the holding member.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, a deflector, an optical member, a supporting portion, a casing, a cover member, a first air current deflecting portion configured to deflect, to a direction from the bottom toward the cover member, an air current generated by rotation of the rotatable polygonal mirror and flowing along a longitudinal direction of the optical member; and a second air current deflecting portion provided on the cover member and configured to deflect, to a direction crossing the longitudinal direction, the air current deflected by the first air current deflecting portion and flowing in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus including: a light source; a rotary polygon mirror configured to deflect a light beam emitted from the light source; an optical component of an incident optical system configured to introduce the light beam to the rotary polygon mirror; an optical box configured to contain the rotary polygon mirror and the optical component; and a supporting base installed between the light source and the rotary polygon mirror and configured to support the optical component, wherein the supporting base includes: a first dust-proof member configured to seal a boundary portion between the optical box and the supporting base; and a protrusion configured to enter an opening, which is formed in a side wall of the optical box from the inside of the optical box in a state in which the supporting base is mounted to the optical box, the light source being fixed to the opening.

Abstract: An optical image capturing system is provided. In order from an object side to an image side, the optical image capturing system includes a first lens with refractive power, a second lens with refractive power; a third lens with refractive power, a fourth lens with refractive power; a fifth lens with refractive power; a sixth lens with refractive power. There is at least one lens with positive refractive power among the first lens to the fifth lenses. The sixth lens may have negative refractive power. When meeting some certain conditions, the optical image capturing system may have outstanding light-gathering ability and the adjustment ability about the optical path in order to elevate the image quality.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a light source, a deflecting unit, a reflection mirror, a casing, and first and second leaf springs. The casing includes first and second mirror supporting portions and a facing portion. The following relationship is satisfied: D2<L+W?D1. With respect to a longitudinal direction, L is a length of the reflection mirror, D1 is a longest distance between the first and second supporting portions, W is a contact width of the second supporting portion to the reflection mirror, and D2 is a distance between the facing portion and a closest position thereto of the first supporting portion. The first and second leaf springs urge the reflection mirror against the first and second mirror supporting portions, respectively. At least one of the first and second leaf springs is bonded to the reflection mirror with an adhesive.

Abstract: A system includes a nonlinear crystal positioned such that a focus of a laser beam is outside the nonlinear crystal in at least one plane perpendicular to a beam propagation direction of the laser beam. The nonlinear crystal is disposed in a crystal mount assembly. A laser beam may be directed at the nonlinear crystal for wavelength conversion. The system may be used as a deep-UV wavelength converter.

Abstract: A method of generating white light pulses (2) with a white light generation device (100) includes the steps of coupling pump laser pulses (1) into a white light generation crystal (10), generating the white light pulses (2) by an optically non-linear conversion of the pump laser pulses (1) in the white light generation crystal (10) and detecting at least one pulse characteristic of at least one of the pump laser pulses (1) and the white light pulses (2), wherein the white light generation device (100) is controlled using a control loop device (30) and the white light generation device (100) is adjusted in dependency on the at least one detected pulse characteristic. Furthermore, a white light generation device (100) for generating white light pulses (2) is described.

Abstract: A system includes a nonlinear crystal positioned such that a focus of a laser beam is outside the nonlinear crystal in at least one plane perpendicular to a beam propagation direction of the laser beam. The nonlinear crystal is disposed in a crystal mount assembly. A laser beam may be directed at the nonlinear crystal for wavelength conversion. The system may be used as a deep-UV wavelength converter.

Abstract: A laser processing device including: a laser oscillator; a processing table; a transmission optical system for transmitting laser light emitted from the laser oscillator to the processing table; a processing head for condensing and radiating the laser light transmitted via the transmission optical system to an object to be processed; a moving mechanism for changing a relative position between the object to be processed and the laser light to be radiated to the object to be processed; and a variable curvature spherical mirror. The transmission optical system includes a reflective beam expander mechanism for collimating and magnifying the laser light from the laser oscillator. The reflective beam expander mechanism includes a spherical mirror and a concave mirror having different curvatures in two orthogonal axes.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a first aperture and an adjustment mechanism. The first aperture includes a first opening portion and a first cut portion. The first opening portion restricts a beam path width of a laser beam emitted from a light source. A first blocking member that blocks the laser beam is inserted in a detachable manner in the first cut portion in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first opening portion, at a predetermined position of the first cut portion. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a fixed state of the first aperture.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a first frame, an image-carrying member, a transfer member, and a second frame. The image-carrying member is rotatably supported by the first frame and is configured to carry a developer image thereon. The transfer member is rotatably supported by the first frame and faces the image-carrying member. The transfer member is configured to transfer the developer image from the image-carrying member to a recording medium. The image-carrying member and the transfer member define a nip portion therebetween. The second frame is attached to the first frame and is disposed downstream from the nip portion in a passage direction in which a recording medium passes. The second frame defines at least part of a first opening. The first opening allows a recording medium that has passed through the nip portion to pass therethrough.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes a light source, a near-field light transducer including an electroconductive scattering body configured for generating near-field light when irradiated by light from the light source, the near-field light transducer including a triangular shape at a media-facing surface thereof having three apexes including a trailing-side apex positioned on a trailing side of the near-field light transducer, a main pole configured for writing data to a magnetic medium, the main pole being positioned in a down-track direction from the near-field light transducer, a first material positioned near the trailing-side apex of the near-field light transducer, and a second material positioned near other apexes of the near-field light transducer, the first material being more difficult to etch than the second material, wherein the near-field light transducer is configured to assist the main pole in writing data to the magnetic medium by production of the near-field light.

Abstract: An optical writing device includes a light source, an optical deflector that deflects and scans light from the light source, a pre-deflector optical system that guides the light from the light source to the deflector, a post-deflector optical system that guides the scanned light to a target surface, a cover covering the deflector and including a first opening and a second opening provided at different positions, and a housing housing these optical elements. Light traveling from the light source to the deflector and the light scanned by the deflector are transmitted through the first opening but not through the second opening. During the rotation of the deflector, a forced inflow of air flowing from outside to inside the cover is generated in the first opening, and a discharged airflow flowing from inside to outside the cover is generated in the second opening.

Abstract: A groove in which a curable resin is filled, is formed on the opposite side face of a face for reflecting light of an oscillating mirror unit. The groove extends so as to cross the swing axis of the oscillating mirror unit, seen from the opposite side of the reflection face of the oscillating mirror unit.

Abstract: A laser label printer for use with a laser markable medium includes a laser-diode fiber-coupled to an optical train, which includes a focusing lens for focusing the radiation on the medium. The focusing lens is traversed across the medium, with incremental motion of the medium between traverses, for line by line printing of the label. The printer includes a feature for protecting the focusing lens from contamination, and self-diagnostic and adjustment features.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that reduces main scanning jitter with a simple configuration and performs light amount control with high accuracy. The image forming apparatus includes: a laser emitting luminous flux; a main-scanning aperture portion shaping the luminous flux; a beam splitter splitting the luminous flux passed through the main-scanning aperture portion into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam; a rotary polygon mirror deflecting the transmitted beam so that the transmitted beam scans the surface of a photosensitive drum; and an optical box in which the laser, the main-scanning aperture portion, the beam splitter and the rotary polygon mirror are disposed. The main-scanning aperture portion is disposed so as not to block a deflected and transmitted beam. The beam splitter abuts against the main-scanning aperture portion so as not to block a deflected and transmitted beam deflected, and is positioned by abutting against the main-scanning aperture portion.

Abstract: A light emitting element head includes a first light emitting element array, a second light emitting element array, and an optical device. The first light emitting element array includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a main scan direction. The second light emitting element array includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in the main scan direction. The optical device focuses a light output from the first light emitting element array and the second light emitting element array on a photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor. The first light emitting element array and the second light emitting element array are overlapped each other in a sub scan direction in an overlapping section. Interval between the light emitting elements of the first light emitting element array are different from interval between the light emitting elements of the second light emitting element array.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes: a light source device that emits five light beams corresponding to four basic colors and a single specific color; and five scanning optical systems corresponding the five light beams. One light beam in a first waveband among the light beams corresponding to the four basic colors enters one scanning optical system of the five scanning optical systems. The one scanning optical system includes a dichroic mirror that transmits a light beam in a second waveband different from the first waveband. An angle ?b formed between a normal to the incidence plane of the dichroic mirror and orthogonal projection to an assumed plane orthogonal to the main scanning corresponding direction of the incident path of the light beam to the incidence plane of the dichroic mirror is set at an angle of 0° or more and an angle of 45° or less.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, an optical scanning apparatus for exposing a photoconductor includes a light source, a deflecting device, an imaging optical system and a light-guiding optical system. The light source configured to emit a light beam. The deflecting device configured to deflect and scan the light beam from the light source. The imaging optical system configured to form an image by using the deflected and scanned light beam on the photoconductor. The light-guiding optical system configured to guide the light beam passing through the imaging optical system to a photodetector.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus capable of fixing an optical member using a plate spring without forming a die cut hole and thus having high dust-proof performance includes a mirror supporting portion supporting a reflection mirror, and a projecting portion configured to form a gap between the reflection mirror supported on the mirror supporting portion and itself, and to deform the plate spring with the reflection mirror, and the projecting portion is provided with a cut hole for engaging the plate spring.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus, including: light sources; a deflector configured to deflect beams emitted from the light sources; and imaging optical systems configured to focus the beams deflected by a deflecting surface of the deflector on surfaces to be scanned, respectively, wherein: the beams entering the deflecting surface are P-polarized beam; the optical scanning apparatus further includes at least one reflection optical element reflecting a beam in a sub-scanning cross section on each of optical paths from the deflecting surface to the surfaces to be scanned; the optical paths include first and second optical paths having different numbers of the reflection optical elements from each other; and the optical scanning apparatus further includes an adjustor configured to adjust an output of a light source corresponding to at least one of the first and the second optical paths from among the light sources so that predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and/or apparatus for the collective marking of a surface by two or more laser beams generated by a laser controller. A method includes receiving one or more input signals from a controller of the laser system. The method also includes adjusting a first mirror through a first galvanometer scanner, a second minor through a second galvanometer scanner, a third mirror through a third galvanometer scanner, and a fourth mirror through a fourth galvanometer scanner based on the one or more input signals. The method further includes steering, through the first mirror and the second mirror, a first laser beam generated by the controller and transmitted to a marking head through a beam delivery vessel; and steering, through the third mirror and the fourth minor, a second laser beam generated by the controller and transmitted to the marking head through another beam delivery vessel.

Abstract: An optical scanning device, arranged on one side of at least two to-be-scanned members in a second direction, and the two to-be-scanned members being arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the second, includes: an illuminating system that emits beams including a first beam and a second beam whose polarization directions are different from each other; an optical deflector that deflects the beams; and a scanning optical system that includes a polarization separation element that transmits one of the first and second beams and reflects the other; a first mirror group including reflecting mirrors for guiding the first beam to a to-be-scanned member; and a second mirror group including reflecting mirrors for guiding the second beam to a to-be-scanned member. Last-stage reflecting mirrors in the first and second mirror groups are arranged on one side of the beams deflected by the optical deflector in the second direction.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes: light sources emitting first beams having colors; a beam splitting unit splitting the first beams into second beams; a deflecting unit including reflecting members, each corresponding to one of the second beams and each performing deflection scanning of the second beams; an optical system for image formation of the second beams scanning on target surfaces that have been assigned with colors corresponding to the first beams; a detecting unit for detecting which of the reflecting member corresponds to the second beam; an interchanging unit for obtaining data of a lines corresponding to each of the first beams and interchanging the data of the lines based on a detection result; and a light source control unit for controlling the light sources in such a way that the light sources emit the first beams in accordance with the data of the lines interchanged.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, an exposure device including a plurality of light emitting elements, and a holding member configured to hold the exposure device at a mounting portion between first positioning members provided at both longitudinal end portions of the exposure device. In addition, a second positioning member positions the holding member relative to the image bearing member so as to position the exposure device relative to the image bearing member at the mounting portion, a second elastic member urges the holding member toward the image bearing member so as to maintain a positioned state of the second positioning member, and first and second adjusting members adjusts a distance in a direction of an optical axis between the image bearing member and the exposure device at both longitudinal end portions and at the mounting portion of the exposure device.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a plurality of automatic cleaning units which automatically cleans dust-proof glasses. The automatic cleaning units include screw shafts threadedly coupled to holding units that hold cleaning members. When the holding members are moved by rotationally driving the screw shafts of the automatic cleaning units at the same time, the height of the cleaning member of at least one of the automatic cleaning units with respect to the dust-proof glasses becomes different from the height of the cleaning members of the remaining automatic cleaning units with respect to the dust-proof glasses.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed, including a surface emitting laser element having a surface emitting laser which emits a light in a direction which is perpendicular to a substrate face; a light receiving element which monitors the light of the surface emitting laser; a package provided with a region on which the surface emitting laser element and the light receiving element are provided; and a lid which has a window through which passes the light of the surface emitting laser, the window being formed with a transparent member, and which covers the surface emitting laser element and the light receiving element.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming apparatus including plural photosensitive members on which developer images are formed by supplying developer to electrostatic latent images, respectively, an exposure device which illuminates light beams onto surfaces of the photosensitive members to form the electrostatic latent images, respectively. The developer images on the respective photosensitive numbers are transferred to a transferred medium which is moved in a moving direction while contacting the respective photosensitive members. The exposure device is configured such that a beam diameter of light beam exposing a most-upstream photosensitive member in the moving direction on a surface of the most-upstream photosensitive member is larger than a beam diameter of light beam exposing a most-downstream photosensitive member in the moving direction on a surface of the most-downstream photosensitive member.

Abstract: A lens array, a linear light exposure device, and an optical apparatus including the linear light exposure device. The lens array includes: an image side lens array unit in which a plurality of lens cells are arranged in at least one line along an arrangement direction to have optical axes parallel with each other; and a light blocking unit provided on an incidence surface of the image side lens array unit, the light blocking unit having light transmission regions, through which light is transmitted toward each lens cell, and blocking regions in regions other than the light transmission regions, wherein each lens cell of the image side lens array unit has a square formed effective optical region.

Abstract: Device for processing a substrate are described herein. Devices can include a radiation source and an aperture positioned to receive radiant energy from the radiation source. The aperture can include one or more members, and one or more interfering areas, wherein the interfering areas surround a transmissive area. The one or more structures can affect transmission of radiant energy through a portion of the transmissive area of the aperture. Structures disposed on the aperture can reduce or redirect transmission to provide for more uniform overall transmission of radiant energy through the aperture.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical scanning device includes plural light sources, a polygon mirror, a first lens, a first reflection mirror, and a second lens. The polygon mirror deflects lights emitted from the plural light sources in a predetermined direction. The first lens allows the lights emitted from the plural light sources and deflected by the polygon mirror to pass. The first reflection mirror reflects the lights passed through the first lens in a direction different from the deflecting direction of the polygon mirror. The second lens receives incidence of the lights reflected by the first reflection mirror from a direction different from an incident direction of the first lens and allows, with one lens, the lights emitted from the plural light sources to pass.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes: a light reflecting section having light reflectivity; a movable section which includes the light reflecting section and can be displaced; two link sections connected to positions of ends of the movable section, the positions facing each other; a supporting section supporting the link sections; and a displacement providing section turning the two link sections, wherein each link section includes a turnable drive section, and a shaft section connecting the movable section and the drive section and bending in a thickness direction of the movable section by turning of the drive section.

Abstract: An image forming device includes a photoconductive body, an exposure unit configured with a plurality of light emitting elements aligned in a predetermined direction, the exposure unit being adopted to expose the photoconductive body to light emitted by the light emitting elements, a frame configured to support both sides of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, the frame having a reference portion configured to position the exposure unit in the predetermined direction in contact with an end of the exposure unit in the predetermined direction, and a pressing member provided to one of the frame and the exposure unit, the pressing member being configured to press the end of the exposure unit against the reference portion.

Abstract: A first lens array unit includes a first lens array plate and a second lens array plate in which a plurality of lenses are provided in the main scanning direction, and a first light shielding member piece and a second light shielding member piece provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the lenses. The first lens array plate, the second lens array plate, the first light shielding member piece, and the second light shielding member piece are formed as one piece. The lens array is built by bending joints joining the lens array plates and the light shielding member pieces such that the lens is located to directly face the corresponding through hole.

Abstract: An optical scanning unit may include a light source unit configured to emit a light beam, an optical housing configured to receive and support the light source unit, an optical device configured to deflect the light beam and to focus the light beam on a light receiving member, and a fixing member configured to fix the light source unit to the optical housing by applying pressure to the light source unit, wherein the pressure is applied in a direction, which is substantially perpendicular to an optical axis direction of the light source unit.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus and an image forming apparatus having the optical scanning apparatus includes a before-light-deflecting-unit optical system and a scanning optical system. The optical system includes a first optical device, a second optical device made of a resin material which has an anamorphic negative refracting power in a deflection scanning direction and a deflection scan perpendicular direction and has a larger refracting power in the deflection scan perpendicular direction than a refracting power in the deflection scanning direction, and a third optical device made of a glass material which has substantially no refracting power in the deflection scanning direction and a positive refracting power in the deflection scan perpendicular direction. An interval of the scanning lines formed on the scanned surface is adjusted by displacement of the second and third optical devices in an optical axis direction of the before-light-deflecting-unit optical system.

Abstract: There is provided an exposure device including: a light-emitting element array at which a plurality of light-emitting elements, that emit light that passes through an optical path of diffused light, are arrayed one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally on a substrate; and a hologram element array at which a plurality of hologram elements are formed at positions, that respectively correspond to the plurality of light-emitting elements, of a hologram recording layer disposed on the substrate, so as to diffract and collect, at an outer side of illumination regions of all of the plurality of light-emitting elements, respective lights that are emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements respectively.

Abstract: An optical scanning device including a light source having multiple light emitters; an optical element to reflect and transmit the emitted light beams; a photodetector to receive the reflected light beams; an aperture having an opening to shape the transmitted light beams; a light deflector to deflect the transmitted light beams; and a scanning optics to guide the deflected light beams to a scanning surface. The quantity of each of the light beams received by the photodetector is not less than 0.01 mW, and the size of a light receiving surface of the photodetector is determined such that even when the full width at half maximum of the emitted light beams changes, the rate of change of the ratio of the quantity of the light beams detected by the photodetector to the quantity of the light beams passing through the opening of the aperture is not greater than 4%.

Abstract: A housing (30) includes a base portion (30a) for installation of an optical beam emission unit (31), a light guiding unit (35a-39a, 35b-39b), and a deflection unit (32, 33), and a cover portion (30b, 30c) that includes an indented heat emission channel (30b1, 30c1) that transmits heat in an inner portion of the housing (30) to a fluid.

Abstract: An optical scanning device that optically scans a surface to be scanned in a main-scanning direction includes a light source; an optical deflector that has a reflective surface rotating on an axis of rotation of the reflective surface and deflects a light beam emitted from the light source; a scanning optical system that guides the light beam deflected by the optical deflector to the surface to be scanned; and a flow guide member that is provided near the optical deflector and turns back a flow of air generated by rotation of the reflective surface toward the reflective surface.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source including light emitters, an aperture member collimating light beams from the light source, a deflector deflecting the light beams passing through the aperture member, and a scanning optical system condensing the deflected light beams onto a scanned surface to optically scan the surface in a main-scanning direction. The scanning optical system includes a resin scanning system having at least one resin scanning lens. At least one folding mirror/sheet glass is disposed between a scanning lens nearest to the deflector in the resin scanning system and the scanned surface. At least one scanning lens in the resin scanning system has an uneven birefringence distribution with respect to a sub-scanning direction. An optical conjugate image of the aperture member is formed between a lens surface nearest to the deflector in the resin scanning system and a lens surface nearest to the scanned surface with respect to the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: A laser printer arranged to print a pixellated image on laser sensitive tape includes a carriage on which are arranged two laser-beam sources delivering separately modulated laser-beams and optics for focusing the beams on the tape. The tape is mounted on a tape drive which drives the tape incrementally in one direction. The carriage is translated over the tape in a direction perpendicular to the tape-drive direction, while the modulated beams are focused. Two rows of the pixellated image are drawn across the tape in this manner. The tape is then incremented and a further two rows are drawn.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a light source; a photosensitive member; a brushless motor including a stator and a rotor; a rotary polygon mirror rotated by the brushless motor; an energization switching unit that turns on/off energizations of the coils; a voltage detecting unit that outputs a detection signal based on induced voltages generated in coils of the stator by rotation of the rotor; and a motor controlling unit that controls the turning on/off of the energizations by the energization switching unit based on the detection signal. In a non-image forming period after one image forming operation, the motor controlling unit performs a low-speed process where the motor controlling unit maintains a rotation speed of the brushless motor at a speed, which is lower than a speed in the image forming operation, and at which the induced voltages are detectable by the voltage detecting unit.