Abstract: A lens barrel assembly of a camera module and a laser apparatus for assembling the lens barrel assembly are provided. The lens barrel assembly includes a barrel in which at least one lens is received, the barrel having a stopping protrusion in a lower-end inner surface thereof to stop the lens; and a retainer having a horizontal portion which has a lens exposing hole and covers an upper opening of the barrel and a vertical portion which is formed to extend from an outer circumference of the horizontal portion in the optical-axis direction and which an outer surface of the barrel is inserted into, wherein an overlapped region of the barrel and the horizontal portion is fuse-secured by laser illumination.

Abstract: There is provided a lighting module of the type having a solid-state light source, in particular a LED, a supporting plate, and a lens; the lens has a recess housing the light source; the lens is supported by and projects from the plate by means of supporting members (25) carried by the lens and for fitting the lens directly to the plate; and the supporting members are formed in one piece with the lens, and are spaced apart and separated from one another by cooling windows.

Abstract: An optical mount (1) for optical component (2) which has a edge contour (4) relative to extending radially optical axis (A), includes a rigid optical support (3) having an axially oriented stop edge (5), which is suitable for an axial contact with the optical component (2), and at least one flexible spring element which is arranged radially outside the stop edge (5), extends axially on the component side and is curved radially inward. The radial spring element passes at an axial distance from the stop edge into a circumferentially closed jacket sleeve an inner contour (8) of which extends farther radially than the edge contour (4) of the optical component (2).

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a camera head capable of efficiently radiating heat generated by heat sources in the camera head even if it is equipped with a dust-proofing and drip-proofing structure. A heat radiating member having a higher heat conductivity than the heat conductivity of the lens barrel is disposed farther backward in the direction of the optical axis than the lens barrel. Heat generated in a CPU is transferred to the heat radiating member through a mount section, and heat generated in a CCD is transferred to the heat radiating member through the lens barrel. Since the outer circumference of the heat radiating member is always in contact with the external atmosphere, it is maintained at the temperature level of the external atmosphere, and the heat generated in the CPU and the CCD is efficiently radiated into the outer space.

Abstract: A holding device for an optical element in an objective has a mount that is connected to the objective, on the one hand, and at least indirectly to the optical element, on the other hand. Arranged between the mount and the optical element is a reinforcing element whose coefficient of thermal expansion corresponds substantially to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical element.

Abstract: An optical receiver is provided, which includes a housing, an objective lens situated in the housing, a solid immersion lens (SIL) mounted onto the housing, and thermal management element affixed to the housing to control the temperature of the SIL. The thermal management element may be a coolant conduit, a thermoelectric cooling (TEC) device, etc. A coolant spray may also be provided to spray the imaged specimen.

Abstract: An object lens unit for an optical pickup comprising: a first optical element positioned facing an optical information recording medium; a second optical element positioned on a light source side of the first optical element; and a frame which has a first reference surface in contact with the first optical element to position the first optical element in an optical axis direction and a second reference surface in contact with the second optical element to position the second optical element in the optical axis direction so that the first optical element and the second optical element are fixed to be integrated with the frame, wherein the first optical element, the second optical element and the frame are attached, as a single optical component, to another member.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus which exposes a pattern of an original onto a substrate. The apparatus includes an optical system, including a reflective optical element, configured to conduct exposure light, a cooling mechanism configured to cool the reflective optical element included in the optical system, a detection unit configured to detect cooling information of the cooling mechanism and to produce a detection result, and a determination unit configured to determine optical characteristics of the reflective optical element, based on the detection result of the detection unit and a previously stored correlation between optical characteristics of the reflective optical element and the cooling information of the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: A lens barrel for holding a lens includes a barrel body for containing the lens. A ring shaped receiving wall is formed on the barrel body, for receiving a rear face of a peripheral portion of the lens, to position the lens in an optical axis direction. Three retaining claw portions are disposed to project from the barrel body, for retaining the lens on the ring shaped receiving wall by engagement with the peripheral portion thereof. Three first through holes are formed in the barrel body, and adapted to insertion and pressure of an external adjusting rod for positioning adjustment of the lens. Second through holes are formed in the barrel body, and adapted to introduction of adhesive agent for attaching the lens on the barrel body. The retaining claw portions and the first through holes are arranged at a regular pitch on a circumference of the barrel body.

Abstract: A heat sink is attached to a subject-side end portion of a barrel body of a lens barrel. The heat sink is provided with a large number of radiation fins formed in whorl. A heat pipe is disposed between the heat sink and a mount-side end portion of the barrel body. A CCD is fixed to the mount-side end portion of the barrel body. Heat of the CCD is transferred to the heat pipe via the mount-side end portion. Successively, the heat is efficiently transferred to the heat sink by the heat pipe. The heat having been transferred to the heat sink is efficiently radiated into the air by the whorl-like radiation fins regardless of conditions of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A drive unit for performing precise linear movement of a driven object comprises a motor having a cylindrical stator and a cylindrical rotor that is coaxially put in the cylindrical stator and capable of rotating relatively to the cylindrical stator, a movable barrel for holding a driven object mounted for rotation in the cylindrical rotor, a motion transformation mechanism comprising an internal helical groove formed in the cylindrical rotor and an external helical thread formed on the movable barrel which engage with each other so as to cause relative rotation between the cylindrical rotor and the movable barrel when the cylindrical rotor rotates, thereby transforming rotational movement of the rotor into a linear movement of the movable barrel, and a head-on striking structure provided between the helical groove and the helical thread to restrict the relative rotation at an intended extreme end of an axial path of the movable barrel.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated structure includes a temperature compensator having a temperature-compensation bellows whose length is responsive to changes in temperature, and a temperature-compensation actuator that moves responsive to the length of the temperature-compensation bellows. There is a movable structure, and a mechanical force multiplier extending between the temperature-compensation actuator and the movable structure so that a force applied to the movable structure is greater than the force produced by the temperature-compensation bellows.

Abstract: A molded plastic lamp component includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a first portion formed from a first material having a first heat distortion temperature, and a second portion formed from a second material having a second heat distortion temperature. The first heat distortion temperature is higher than the second heat distortion temperature.

Abstract: An improved mount for, and method of mounting an, optical structure is provided, wherein the optical structure has at least one mounting surface. The mount has a mounting section with at least one surface extending therealong for receipt thereagainst of a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure. The at least one surface of the mounting section has at least one opening extending therethrough, or at least one cavity therein, for receipt of adhesive. The adhesive will at least partially fill the at least one opening/cavity and touch a portion of the at least one mounting surface of the optical structure in order to mount the optical structure.

Abstract: A flange assembly of an optical system has a first flange, a compensation element and a second flange. The flanges and the compensation element are substantially axially symmetric both flanges (2, 2?) being suitable for being connected to other components of the optical system in a non-destructive, non-positive axially separable fashion. The two flanges consist of different materials with different coefficients of linear thermal expansion. The compensation element is radially soft, but connects the two flanges rigidly in their relative spatial position.

Abstract: A fixation method for fixing an optical member to a holding member using irradiation of a laser beam. The method includes the steps of inserting the optical member into the holding member, providing a fixing member, mounting the fixing member to the holding member having the optical member positioned therebetween, and irradiating laser beams on the holding member through the fixing member.

Abstract: A retainer for holding an optical element having three first grooves includes a first support member that supports the optical element through the first grooves, and a second support member that has three second grooves corresponding to the first grooves, and supports the first support member through the second grooves.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment apparatus for adjusting the temperature of an optical member includes a first radiation mechanism, with a first radiation member, that transfers the radiation heat between a predetermined area of the optical member and for adjusting the temperature of the optical member by the first radiation member; and a shielding member for reducing radiation heat transferred to an area other than the determined area among the radiation heat from the first radiation member.

Abstract: A holding device for an optical element, is formed at least in part, of a silicon-containing aluminum material.

Abstract: A method for designing a base includes (1) selecting a location of a first center of expansion of a child part (CEchild) relative to a parent part; (2) determining a location of a second center of expansion of a bond joint (CEbond) bonding the child part to the base; and (3) determining a location of a third center of expansion of the base (CEbase) on a centerline, which is defined by the CEchild and the CEbond, so the CEchild does not substantially move relative to the parent part under a temperature change. To determine the location of the CEbase, the method further includes (a) determining a length change to the child part from the CEbond to the CEchild under the temperature change; (b) determining a length of the base that produces the same length change under the temperature change; and (c) locating the CEbase at the length away from the CEbond.

Abstract: A retainer for holding an optical element having three first grooves includes a first support member that supports the optical element through the first grooves, and a second support member that has three second grooves corresponding to the first grooves, and supports the first support member through the second grooves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holding system and an exposure apparatus having the same, wherein deformation of an optical member resulting from its thermal expansion and causing degradation of imaging performance can be reduced to assure desired imaging performance. The holding system for holding an optical member includes a barrel for at least partially surrounding the optical member and/or a heat source, an average of radiation coefficient of an inside surface of the barrel is not less than 0.8.

Abstract: An optical engine includes a light source, an optical main body and a projection lens. The optical main body includes a reflective light valve, a case, a first heat-dissipating device and a heat-insulating device. The reflective light valve reflects the incident light beam to form an image light beam or a dumped light beam that is not projected into the projection lens. The case encloses the light paths of the incident light beam, the image light beam and the dumped light beam. An opening is on the case for the dumped light beam to be projected into. A first heat-dissipating device is fixed on the case and covers the opening for removing the heat generated by the dumped light beam. A heat-insulating device is disposed between the first heat-dissipating device and the case for preventing the heat conduction between the first heat-dissipating device and the case.

Abstract: This invention has building members which include an image sensing portion, an optical member for forming a beam from an object to be sensed into an image on the image sensing portion, a positioning portion which positions the optical member, and a support member which holds the optical member and to which the positioning portion is fixed. When the optical member deforms along the optical axis upon a temperature change of the building members, the image sensing portion is deformed in the same direction as deformation of the optical member. The position of the image sensing portion is adjusted via a plurality of adjustment members movably attached to the support member. The image sensing portion is fixed to the support member after adjustment by adhering the image sensing portion and the adjustment members to each other, and adhering the adjustment members and the support member to each other.

Abstract: Cooling chambers (R1, R2) for accommodating therein a cooling fluid for cooling a liquid crystal panel (441) are formed inside a pair of frame members (4405, 4406) constituting an optical modulator holder (4402). There are provided, in the pair of frame members (4405, 4406), inlet ports (4405D, 4406D) for inletting a cooling fluid into the cooling chambers (R1, R2), outlet ports (4405E, 4406E) for discharging the cooling fluid inside the cooling chambers (R1, R2) to the outside, and a buffer section (Bf1) for temporally accumulating the cooling fluid flowing therein via the inlet ports (4405D, 4406D) and rectifying a flow direction of the cooling fluid to a direction parallel to an optical modulation face and/or to a direction perpendicular to the optical modulation face.

Abstract: A photodetection device for a rotary laser system for projecting at least two fan-shaped beams tilted at a known angle with respect to a horizontal plane and having a known spreading angle, comprising at least three photodetectors arranged in a known relationship.

Abstract: An optical element holder for holding an optical element includes a holding element to hold the optical element or a holding part provided to the optical element unitedly, wherein there is substantially no heat exchange between the optical element and the holding element or the holding part and the holding element.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus contains a projection system configured to project a patterned beam of radiation onto a target portion of a substrate. The projection system contains one or more optically active mirrors and heat shields located to intercept heat radiation to or from the mirrors and/or their support. The heat shields are actively cooled and the mirrors and the heat shields and the mirrors are supported separately on a support frame to reduce vibration of the mirrors due to active cooling. The heat shields may include heat shields that intercept heat radiation to or from the support and/or respective heat shields for individual mirrors that intercept heat radiation to or from the mirrors.

Abstract: A supporting structure for supporting an optical element includes a first supporting member for supporting the optical element, and a second supporting member for supporting the first supporting member. The value of a thermal expansion coefficient of the first supporting member is between those of the optical element and the second supporting member.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes: a lens holder having an objective lens, an optical component, a radiator plate formed of a sheet metal, and a base member on which the lens holder and the optical component are mounted, the base member being formed of a synthetic resin molded body. The base member has a base plate portion in which a light passage hole is opened in such a manner as to face the objective lens, a mounting wall on which the optical component is mounted and a mounting piece of the radiator plate is secured, and an enclosure wall that is erected substantially on an opposite side to the mounting wall across the light passage hole. The surface plate portion extends toward the enclosure wall and an end of the surface plate portion is fixed to a top portion of the enclosure wall.

Abstract: In a low-deformation support device of an optical element (8, 24), in particular an end plate (14) of a projection objective (7) of a projection exposure machine (3) for microlithography for the purpose of producing semiconductor components, in a mount (13), the optical element (8, 14) is connected to the mount (13) at least partly via a bonded connection. The bonded connection is located between the adjacent circumferential wails of mount (13) and optical element (14). The mount (13) is provided with at least three bearing elements (20) which are distributed over the circumference and by means of which the optical element (8, 14) is laterally and axially supported. The mount (13) has spring elements (15) which are constructed monolithically with the bearing elements (20) and are soft in axial and radial directions.

Abstract: An optical device (44) includes fluid circulating member link sections (446) that can link a plurality of fluid circulating members (448). The fluid circulating member link sections (446) are arranged respectively between a main tank (445) and an optical device main body (440) and between a radiator (447) and the optical device main body (440) to allow the optical device main body (440) to be fitted to and removed from the main tank (445) and the radiator (447).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding a beam splitter element having an optically active beam splitter layer in an optical imaging device, the beam splitter element being connected to at least one support element that is fastened in the housing of the imaging device. The connection between the beam splitter element and said at least one support element is designed in such a way that the position of the beam splitter layer of the beam splitter element remains nearly constant relative to the housing independently of temperatures and of thermal stresses acting upon the beam splitter element.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a temperature compensation device for optical instruments which comprises a lens assembly, motor means for rotating the lens assembly about the optical axis thereof, kinematic means for producing rectilinear motion of the lens assembly in response to the rotary motion of the lens assembly, and means for determining the linear displacement and therefore the actual linear position of the lens assembly. Additionally, the device comprises thermometric means, e.g. a temperature detector, which measures the temperature of the environment and transmits the temperature to a processor which controls the actual linear position of the lens assembly through an electronic circuit. The relationship between the temperature detector reading and the corresponding desired linear position is defined by memorized means, preferably by a LUT (look-up table) or, e.g., through optimization on a sensor (ccd, IR, etc.) output (picture).

Abstract: A tunable micro-lens and micro-lens array for use in optical communications are disclosed. The micro-lens uses thermo optical material and a temperature controller to adjust the temperature and, hence, the index of refraction of the thermo optical material. In one embodiment, a single temperature controller is used to maintain an array of micro-lenses at a desired temperature. In an alternate embodiment, the individual lenses in an array are separately tunable. The invention may be used with either 2D or 3D lenses, and is well suited for use with existing planar lightwave circuit (PLC) technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holding system and an exposure apparatus having the same, wherein deformation of an optical member resulting from its thermal expansion and causing degradation of imaging performance can be reduced to assure desired imaging performance. The holding system for holding an optical member includes a barrel for at least partially surrounding the optical member and/or a heat source, an average of radiation coefficient of an inside surface of the barrel is not less than 0.8.

Abstract: A method is described for fixing a lens of an optical group with respect to an optical sensor in an image acquisition device comprising the steps of housing the optical sensor in a housing, fixing a lower holder of the optical group to the housing, aligning an upper holder of the optical group, wherein the lens is placed, with the sensor so as to align a focusing point of the lens with respect to the sensor, welding the upper holder to the lower holder. The welding step may be performed by means of ultrasounds.

Abstract: An optical element holder for holding an optical element includes a holding element to hold the optical element or a holding part provided to the optical element unitedly, wherein there is substantially no heat exchange between the optical element and the holding element or the holding part and the holding element.

Abstract: An improved coupler with contrast ribs for use in a projection system. The coupler supports a projection lens in alignment with a projection optical signal generation device (e.g., a Cathode Ray Tube). The contrast ribs minimize contrast distortion that occurs in the coupler. The coupler defines a cooling chamber between said projection lens and said projection signal generating device and is filled with liquid in order to transport the optical signal between the projection optical signal generation device and projection lens. The contrast ribs change the angle of reflection of stray light rays generated by the projection optical signal generation device and direct a portion of those stray light rays to other contrast ribs. The ribs are preferably coated with a chemical composition that helps allow the ribs to absorb a portion of each ray incident on the rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compact, highly reliable optical module in which a light-emitting element and optical modulator element that differ from each other in thermal expansion coefficient are mounted in one casing. In the optical module having a differential thermal expansion coefficient less than 5×10?6 [1/K] between the light-emitting element and the casing, and a differential thermal expansion coefficient of at least 5×10?6 [1/K] between the optical modulator element and the casing, a section at which the optical modulator element and the casing are fixed is equal to or less than 10 mm wide in the direction of an optical axis.

Abstract: A digital camera module (10) for a portable electronic device includes a barrel (12) containing a first lens (122) and a second lens (124), a holder (15) containing part of the barrel, and an image sensor (141) below the first and second lenses. The first and second lenses are adhered in the barrel by an ultraviolet (UV) adhesive. The UV adhesive is cured between 75° Celsius and 100° Celsius for 20 to 30 minutes, and is volatilized little. The image sensor is packaged with a Ceramic Leaded Chip Carrier. The structure of the digital camera module can effectively protect the first and second lenses thereof from moisture, dampness, and oxidation.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which is resistant to changes in environmental characteristics such as temperature and humidity and achieves a stable and favorable reflection suppressing effect. The optical element has a base member and a resin layer which is formed on the base member and has a linear expansion coefficient different from that of the base member. The resin layer has a minute periodic structure which has a period smaller than the wavelength of incident light on the optical element.

Abstract: A projection lens unit compensates for thermal expansion and contraction. The unit comprises a coupler at the front surface of a CRT, a lens unit body for projecting an image onto a screen by controlling and magnifying the light from the CRT, a plurality of legs secured to the coupler for supporting the lens unit body at more than three points, a slide mechanism (latch arms and latch engaging slots provided between the legs and the lens unit body for slidably supporting the legs for movement along the optical axis relative to the lens unit body, and expansion/contraction bars provided between the legs and the lens unit body for compensating for the thermally induced expansion/contraction, with one end engaged with a leg and the other end engaged with the base of the lens unit body.

Abstract: In a space navigation optical instrument comprising a barrel for housing therein an optical part and a contaminant removing door, provided at a part of the outer periphery of the barrel which has the largest radiant heat coupled to the space during a space navigation and has the least external heat input, for opening the inside of the barrel to the space, a thermal gradient is generated in which the inside of the barrel is of a high temperature and the space is of a low temperature, and the inside of the barrel is opened to the space by opening the contaminant removing door to discharge contaminants into the space.

Abstract: A projection optical system includes an optical element that includes and locally uses a reflective or refractive area that is substantially axially symmetrical around an optical axis, the optical element being rotatable around the optical axis.

Abstract: A lens unit for a scanning device includes a frame having a hollow cylindrical shape, the frame being defined with a lens contact portion therein, a lens accommodated in the frame contacting the lens contact portion, and a retainer accommodated in the frame to retain the lens in position, the retainer having a hollow cylindrical shape, one end side face of the retainer contacting a peripheral portion of the lens received by the frame, an other end portion of the retainer being secured to the frame so that the retainer presses the lens toward the lens contact portion of the frame to fix the lens to the frame. Deformation of the frame, lens and retainer due to the load generated as the retainer presses the lens absorbs deformation of the frame, lens and retainer due to temperature change at least within a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: A temperature controlled optoelectronic device includes an optoelectronic transducer having an active area, an electronic cooling device, on which the optoelectronic transducer is mounted, and a temperature sensor installed in the electronic cooling device. The temperature sensor and the electronic cooling device control a temperature of the optoelectronic transducer. A surface of an electronic cooling device directly contacts a base of the optoelectronic transducer for efficient thermal coupling. When the temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the optoelectronic transducer is directly attached to a substrate of the electronic cooling device, e.g., to an inside surface of a plate on which the optoelectronic transducer is mounted, the temperature of the optoelectronic transducer can be accurately sensed and adjusted to a precise target temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat control and cooling of an optoelectrical unit, which converts between electrical and optical signal formats. The optoelectrical unit contains at least one optoelectrical capsule positioned on a circuit board. A primary heat sink is adapted to receive heat energy dissipated from the capsule. The capsule is oriented on the circuit board, such that it presents a relatively small footprint thereon and, at the same time, rises relatively large area sides, which do not face directly towards the circuit board. The primary heat sink has at least one cavity, which is adapted to the shape and dimensions of the capsule, such that the cavity contains at least one capsule. The primary heat couples thermally well to the capsule. Furthermore, the capsules assist in aligning the primary heat sink in its intended position.

Abstract: A temperature adjustment apparatus for adjusting the temperature of an optical member includes a first radiation mechanism, with a first radiation member, that transfers the radiation heat between a predetermined area of the optical member and for adjusting the temperature of the optical member by the first radiation member; and a shielding member for reducing radiation heat transferred to an area other than the determined area among the radiation heat from the first radiation member.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a hermetic seal between a lens or window and a lid, which minimizes bending moments, and therefore, bifringance on the window or lens is disclosed. This is accomplished by use of a transition member, specific geometries, and selection of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials to insure that the solder joint is in compression on cool down and solder strains are maintained within acceptable limits. The transition member may be soldered or welded to lid or integral through machining.