Abstract: A hybrid, wide angle imaging system combines high sensitivity superposition arrays with a high resolution apposition array to generate distortion free images with an infinite depth of field. A conformal, superposition array of Keplerian telescope objectives focuses multiple apertures of light through the tubes of a louver baffle. The baffle tubes are terminated by field stops that separate the focused light into inverted, intermediate sub-images. A superposition array of field lenses, positioned immediately after the field stops, reverses the angles of the light beams. An apposition array of erector lenses, linked optically to the superposition arrays and field stops, refocuses and adjoins the beams into a single, upright image. The upright image is formed on the convex surface of a fiber optic imaging taper, which transfers the image to the flat bottom of the taper where it can be viewed through an eyepiece or digitized by a detector array.

Abstract: An illuminable image-conducting optical assembly includes an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle having (i) an inner image-conducting bundle with opposed image-input and image-output faces and (ii) a plurality of illumination conduits disposed peripherally about the image-conducting bundle. The illumination conduits include light-emission ends that combine to define a light-output face. A translucent optics housing includes light-entrance and light-exit ends and an inside surface defining an optics channel for housing at least one optical element.

Abstract: A scanning beam assembly includes a beam generator to generate a beam of radiation; at least one reflector configured to deflect the beam across a field of view; and a plurality of multi-mode optical fibers for receiving radiation reflected from the field of view, wherein the optical fibers have end surfaces that face in at least two different directions, or wherein the optical fibers are configured to receive scattered radiation from an angular field of view larger than that determined by their individual numerical apertures.

Abstract: A camera (1) has a tubular housing (3) having an emission window (7). A unitized optical fiber bundle (9) is provided on the inner surface of the housing (3) by utilizing a bundle of light guiding optical fibers on the inner surface. The unitized optical fiber bundle (9) is placed on and bonded to the inner surface of the housing (3) with the fibers bonded together by a bonding agent. An end section of the unitized optical fiber bundle (9) reaches the emission window (7) of the housing (3) to be exposed. The camera (1) has sufficient waterproof capability and is easy to produce, and capable of avoiding a decrease in the amount of light.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for controlling at least one electro-magnetic radiation. For example, it is possible to rotate and/or translate at least one optical waveguide. At least one of the optical waveguide(s) can receive a first radiation at a first wavelength and transmit the first radiation to at least one sample. Such optical waveguide and/or another optical waveguide may receive a second radiation at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. For example, the second radiation may be produced based on an inelastic scattering of the first radiation. In addition, exemplary apparatus and method can be provided which can also be used to receive data associated with the second radiation, determine at least one characteristic of the at least one sample based on the data, and generate the image and/or the map of a portion of the arterial sample based on the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical fiber probe for side imaging and a method of manufacturing the same. An optical fiber probe according to an aspect of the invention includes a photonic crystal fiber, and an optical fiber lens that is formed by applying heat to a predetermined region including one end of the photonic crystal fiber and substantially removing air holes formed in the predetermined region. The optical fiber lens includes a light diffusion region that diffuses light propagating along a core of the photonic crystal fiber and focuses the light to enable side imaging, a reflector surface that reflects the light at a right angle to enable side imaging, and a lens surface that focuses the light. A small-sized optical fiber probe can be manufactured using a simple manufacturing process, and the optical fiber probe can be miniaturized. Therefore, a light measurement system can be miniaturized, which makes it possible to obtain side images of a very small sample, such as a blood vessel.

Abstract: A microsurgical laser probe primarily used in ophthalmic surgery provides both laser light and illumination light to a surgical site from a single light source. The laser probe has a dual core optic fiber that transmits both laser light and illumination light to the surgical site. A center core of the optic fiber transmits the laser light through the optic fiber and emits the laser light at the surgical site. The center core of the fiber is surrounded by an outer fiber core. The outer fiber core transmits illumination light through the optic fiber and emits the illumination light at the surgical site.

Abstract: An electro-optical system includes an array including a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of electrodes, and an insulator. The optical fibers are configured to transmit light, the optical fibers being mechanically coupled at distal ends in a distal arrangement and mechanically coupled at proximal ends in a proximal arrangement. The plurality of electrodes are substantially coaxially disposed with at least portions of corresponding optical fibers, the electrodes being electrically conductive, with the electrodes and optical fibers being disposed in pairs, thereby being pair components, with one of the pair components of each pair being disposed about a radial periphery of the other pair component. The insulator is disposed between the plurality of electrodes and configured to inhibit transfer of electrical energy between the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A light guiding member having a light direction changing face which extends in a longitudinal direction of the light guiding member and a light emitting face which faces the light guiding member, wherein the light direction changing face includes two faces arranged so that vertical faces which extend in the longitudinal direction and are respectively vertical to the two faces, intersect with each other. Also, a bifurcated linear light source apparatus comprises a LED, a light guiding member which is made up of a transparent rod shape member, and which emits light generated by the LED, in two directions, from a longitudinal direction side face of the transparent rod shape member, and a reflection mirror which reflects the light emitted in one of the two directions, to the other direction of the two directions.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: A medical inspection device. A housing includes a transparent plate and a first opening. A reflective layer is formed in the housing and opposes the transparent plate. The first opening is between the reflective layer and the transparent plate. A grip is connected to the first opening and extends in the exterior of the housing. An optical fiber bundle is connected to the first opening and disposed in the grip. The optical fiber bundle extends to the exterior of the grip and outputs light into the housing. The light is output to the exterior of the housing by reflection of the reflective layer and through the transparent plate. An image outside the housing is received by the optical fiber bundle through the transparent plate and by reflection of the reflective layer.

Abstract: An optical recording apparatus includes a plurality of laser modules, an optical fiber array unit, a photosensitive member, and an optical system. Each laser module includes a light source and an optical fiber. The optical fiber array unit bundles a plurality of optical fibers to form an optical fiber array. The photosensitive member has a photosensitive surface. The optical system scans laser beams outputted from the array of the optical fiber array in a first direction on the photosensitive surface, the laser beams forming dots aligned in a second direction to form an angle with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system and method that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed optical visual display systems and methods used for displaying critical visual symbology or rastered imagery in high ambient brightness environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling at least one of at least two sections of at least one fiber can be provided. The apparatus can include an arrangement which may be provided between the first and second sections of a particular continuous fiber of the fibers. A particular one of the first and second sections may be provided in a particular orientation that is perpendicular to an extension of the particular fiber. The arrangement is capable of controlling the particular fiber such that the particular one of the sections is capable of being rotated for at least 360° with respect to the particular orientation. The arrangement can include a further arrangement that is capable of at least partially wrapping the particular fiber around the second arrangement, and controlling the particular fiber such that the particular one of the sections is capable of being rotated with respect to the particular orientation during a transmission of the electro-magnetic radiation.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.

Abstract: A multiplexed fiber optic sensor system including a first optical fiber having a first end arranged to receive light from a light souce, at least two optical fibers having diameters smaller than the first optical fiber, and at least two fiber optic sensors, each of the at least two smaller diameter optical fibers arranged between the first optical fiber and one of the sensors for transmitting light from the first optical fiber to that sensor. The sensors can be static or dynamic pressure sensors, strain sensors, temperature sensors or other environmental sensors.

Abstract: This method determines the displacement of a pixel between a first and a second image, the first image representing, moreover, an object in a first scene taken from given viewpoint, and the second image representing the same object in a second scene, this second scene being obtained from the first scene by moving the object in the first scene and/or by moving the viewpoint of the first scene. The method comprises a definition operation of the colour of at least one point of the object of the second scene according to the position of this point in the first image such that the colour of the pixel of the second image corresponding to this point indicates the position of this pixel in the first image.

Abstract: The invention provides a laser hardening tool having little laser output loss. The laser hardening tool 100 condenses the irradiated beams LB1 from a semiconductor laser stack 120 via a condensing optical lens 134, and creates parallel light beams LB3 via a diverging optical lens 142. The laser beams LB4 having been bent by a first mirror 160 travels through an optical waveguide 150 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The laser beams LB5 having been condensed by a re-condensing optical lens 170 are irradiated through a nozzle 190 to subject a work to hardening. The number of reflections of the laser beams LB4 in the angular optical waveguide 150 is small, and thus the loss of laser output is reduced.

Abstract: An optical display system includes an image generator providing discrete anamorphic picture elements to form an image, with each picture element spatially compressed along only a short dimension. A fiber optic array magnifier extends from the image generator and includes optical fibers dimensioned for optically coupling to each discrete anamorphic picture element. An output face of the array magnifier is bias-cut for magnifying the image along the short dimension. A light redirecting structure includes layered arcuate waveguide slabs optically coupled to the array magnifier with each of the arcuate waveguide slabs optically coupled to the array magnifier. A screen is integrally formed with the light redirecting structure and includes tapered slab waveguide portions positioned between light absorbing material having a saw tooth styled edge for providing multiple scattering and thus multiple absorption of ambient light incident upon the screen.

Abstract: An illuminable image-conducting optical assembly includes an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle having (i) an inner image-conducting bundle with opposed image-input and image-output faces and (ii) a plurality of illumination conduits disposed peripherally about the image-conducting bundle. The illumination conduits include light-emission ends that combine to define a light-output face. A translucent optics housing includes light-entrance and light-exit ends and an inside surface defining an optics channel for housing at least one optical element.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for controlling position along an axis, comprising: an extensible member that can be extended and contracted along said axis, comprising shape memory alloy locatable to expand and contract along said axis, heating means for controlling said temperature of said shape memory alloy, and a feedback mechanism for controlling said heating means and responsive to variations in said position, wherein said position is controllable by means of said heating means and can be stabilized by means of said feedback mechanism.

Abstract: An illumination device is described containing optical fibers that transmit electromagnetic energy from a source to a target. Additional optical fibers return reflected electromagnetic energy from the target. High-level electromagnetic energy can be used for cutting, reforming, or treating a surface. Low-level electromagnetic energy illuminates the surface.

Abstract: An apposition microoptical compound lens comprises a plurality of lenslets arrayed around a segment of a hollow, three-dimensional optical shell. The lenslets collect light from an object and focus the light rays onto the concentric, curved front surface of a coherent fiber bundle. The fiber bundle transports the light rays to a planar detector, forming a plurality of sub-images that can be reconstructed as a full image. The microoptical compound lens can have a small size (millimeters), wide field of view (up to 180°), and adequate resolution for object recognition and tracking.

Abstract: Equipment includes an image guide (1) consisting of flexible optical fibers with: on the proximal end side: a source (2), angular scanning elements (3), injection elements (4) in one of the fibers, elements for splitting (5) the illuminating beam and the backscattered signal, elements for spatial filtering (6), elements for detecting (7) the signal, electronic elements (8) for controlling, analyzing and digital processing of the detected signal and display; and on the distal end side: an optical head (9) for focusing the illuminating beam exiting from the illuminated fiber. The scanning elements include a resonant line mirror (M1) and a galvanometric field mirror (M2) with a variable frequency and two afocal optical systems adapted to conjugate the two mirrors (M1, M2) firstly in the field mirror (M2) and the injection elements (4) in the image guide in a second step.

Abstract: Probes, and systems and methods for optically scanning a conical volume in front of a probe, for use with an imaging modality, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). A probe includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and defining an axis, with the proximal end of the optical fiber being proximate a light source, and the distal end having a first angled surface. A refractive lens element is positioned proximate the distal end of the optical fiber. The lens element and the fiber end are both configured to separately rotate about the axis so as to image a conical scan volume when light is provided by the source. Reflected light from a sample under investigation is collected by the fiber and analyzed by an imaging system. Such probes may be very compact, e.g., having a diameter 1 mm or less, and are advantageous for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Abstract: A probe for use in characterizing tissue. The probe includes a plurality of optical fibers and an optical element. Each fiber includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The fibers transmit light through the fiber to a surrounding area and collect light reflected back from the surrounding area. The optical element may be adjacent an outer periphery of the distal portion of the plurality of optical fibers. The optical element reduces an optical path length through blood.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: An optical module is provided in which recesses are formed in a sol-gel layer applied to a surface of a lens array substrate, each of the recesses having a capability to fit an optical fiber therein. The optical module comprises a planar microlens array substrate having a plurality of microlenses formed in one surface thereof; and an alignment recess array including a plurality of alignment recesses which are formed in a material applied to the other surface of the microlens array substrate by means of a mold with the center of each alignment recess being aligned to the center of a corresponding one of the microlens. The optical module may comprise a plurality of optical fibers each end thereof is adhered to the alignment recesses.

Abstract: An optical head for equipping the distal end of a flexible optical fiber bundle, designed to be urged into contact with an analyzing surface and including optical elements for focusing an excitation signal into a so-called excitation focal point located at a specific depth beneath the analyzing surface and for sampling a signal backscattered by the excitation focal point which is carried back by the fiber bundle. The head includes an optics-holder tube wherein are inserted on one side the distal end portion of the fiber bundle and on the other optical elements, the latter including a plate placed in contact with the end of the fiber bundle whereof the index is close to that of the fiber core and a focusing optical block, an output window being further provided adapted to provide index adaptation so as to eliminate parasitic reflection occurring on the analyzing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical lowpass filter that has a plurality of light guiding optical fibers, and to a method for producing such an optical lowpass filter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image display apparatus using optical fiber in which moving images projected from a projector can be transferred to a screen through an optical fiber bundle with a high-definition image quality. An object of the present invention is to improve message transfer effect of various information pieces such as advertisement, by employing a connector which can selectively control a magnification of an image to be displayed while decreasing the sizes of a condensing member or a liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A ribbon-of-light projection system projects a substantially uniform ribbon of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation) using a fiber-optic bundle, plano-mirrors, and a plano-cylindrical lens. Incidence optics directs a laser beam to be incident to the fiber-optic bundle at a predetermined angle of incidence, resulting in the projection of a sheet of light. The sheet of light is then projected towards the cylindrical lens where it is collimated into a ribbon. For the exemplary embodiment, the angle of incidence is orthogonal to the fiber-optic bundle. Thus, the laser projection system converts a beam of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation such as UV, visible, IR or microwave radiation) into a collimated ribbon of light that in the exemplary embodiment is substantially uniform. In one application, the laser projection technique can be used in industrial applications to monitor the flow of fluids.

Abstract: An array of cylindrical end-caps with separate or integral lenses is stacked with its members in close contact, forming inter-cylinder gaps between every subset of three adjacent cylindrical lenses. Conductive fibers are disposed in the inter-cylinder gaps. Heat that would otherwise accumulate in the array is removed through the conductive fibers and transmitted to an external heat sink.

Abstract: A fiber optic pressure sensor includes an optical fiber for transmitting light. The optical fiber has an axis. The fiber optic pressure sensor also includes an etched diaphragm perpendicular to the axis. The diaphragm includes an operative side located at a distance from the optical fiber sufficient to reflect a portion of the transmitted light into the optical fiber. The etched diaphragm includes a semiconductor, a dielectric, and/or a metal.

Abstract: A light petal generation structure for optical fibers, especially applied to a decorative optical fiber, collects loss light at a nodule position, and directly transforms into an enlarged and bright light petal. The structure uses primarily an optical fiber with side losses, wherein light-dot generation grooves are opened at a cladding layer on an exterior circular surface at nodule positions. A reflection mirror facing a direction of incident light is emplaced in the generation grooves. A loss light is directly reflected by the reflection mirror, and enlarged through a curvature of a core of the optical fiber, thereby transforming into an enlarged and bright light petal on an exterior circular surface at the other side of a spun of optical fiber.

Abstract: A photoirradiation device in which an optical system can be miniaturized and utilization efficiency of light can be improved in a manner that includes a first lens and a second lens, which share refraction of light to convert light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources into the light beams substantially parallel to an optical axis, and a third lens focusing the light beams from the second lens on an incident surface 20A of a lightguide 20. A fiber rod which can output uniform light beams in a manner that includes a first rod having a single fiber and a second rod having a plurality of fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical-scanning examination apparatus with a simple configuration, in which the resolution of acquired images can be freely changed and in which the fluorescence image intensity and examination depth can be adjusted to suit the purpose of examination. The optical-scanning examination apparatus includes a light source unit; a focusing lens for forming a first intermediate image of excitation light; an imaging lens; a first objective lens; an optical fiber bundle; a second objective lens; and an imaging unit for imaging return light that returns via the second objective lens, the optical fiber bundle, the first objective lens, and the imaging lens. In addition, a scanning mirror device, which is disposed at the first intermediate image position, is formed of a plurality of mirrors that simultaneously receive the first intermediate image and that can be selectively turned on and off.

Abstract: A variable field of view optical system and method comprising providing a forward curved optical element, providing a rearward optical element comprising an axially gradient index material, providing a curved focal surface, and conveying an image on the curved focal surface to a flat detector surface.

Abstract: An optical switch has an array of fibers, an optional lens, and a mirror with two-dimensional tilt adjustment. Light from the array passes through the lens, is reflected by the mirror, and passes again through the lens back towards the array. The input/output fibers are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern designed to avoid undesirable crosstalk between fibers. The pattern may include a plurality of fibers positioned around a central fiber in a circular arrangement. For a 1×8 or 8×1 switch, nine fibers are preferably positioned in a circle around the central fiber, thereby providing geometry that substantially avoids undesirable crosstalk between fibers in the array. In another implementation, the fiber array is implemented using a tapered ferrule housing a central fiber, surrounded by an intermediate layer of six fibers, surrounded by an outer layer of twelve fibers.

Abstract: A rod lens with one or more optically active surfaces and one or more inactive surfaces, in which one part of the optically inactive surface or surfaces, especially a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens, is smooth, and a method for smoothing one part of one or more optically inactive surfaces of a lens, especially of a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens. As a result, the occurrence of fissures in the lens is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A collimator array is disclosed that carries forward its alignment characteristics to optical devices that incorporate it. Little, if any active alignment need be performed in the manufacturing of such optical devices, such as switching arrays and optical add/drop arrays that employ a plurality of such collimator arrays in each device. The collimator array includes a fiber array having a plurality of regularly spaced optical fibers such that an output axis of each optical fiber has a predetermined spatial position and orientation with respect to a reference edge of the fiber array. The collimator array also includes an array of lenses separated from the fiber array by an air gap and aligned with the fiber array at an alignment position. The aligned position is such that collimated light exiting each lens has a predetermined position and direction with respect to the reference edge of the fiber array.

Abstract: An optical coupling device, a method of producing the same, and an optical apparatus using the same. A light transmitting medium of the optical coupling device is made of optical fibers to transmit the light. Three RGB laser beams can be compounded by forming one output end after heating one end of the optical fibers. Input ends of the optical fibers each have a lens to collimate each laser beam. A collimating lens installed at an output end of the optical fibers changes the compounded laser beam to a parallel ray. The optical coupling device made of the optical fibers can be applied to an image reproducing apparatus such as a projector and a projection TV. Especially, when the optical coupling device using the optical fibers is applied to an image reproducing apparatus having a DMD (digital micro-mirror device), the size of the image reproducing apparatus can be reduced and the quality of the image reproduced is improved.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is an optical fiber having a modified geometry. The optical fiber includes an optical fiber portion. The optical fiber portion can have a first fiber end face and a cylindrical fiber surface encircling the first fiber end face. The optical fiber having a modified geometry also includes a contoured surface formed from the first fiber end face. The contoured surface does not extend beyond the cylindrical fiber surface. A reflective coating disposed on the contoured surface and an optical transmission region formed from a portion of the cylindrical fiber surface are also included in the optical fiber having a modified geometry.

Abstract: A beam collecting device and a laser emission device are disclosed incorporating a laminated optical waveguide array and refraction means therein. The laminated optical waveguide array is composed of a plurality of plate-like optical waveguides made of a material having a predetermined refractive index and a plurality of spacer members having a lower refractive index than that of said optical waveguides and arranged alternately with said optical waveguides. The spacer members take the form of cylindrical members, spherical members or plate-like members. The beam collecting device and laser emission device comprise a semiconductor laser array having a plurality of laser emitting parts arranged in fast and slow axis directions, the optical waveguide array, optical fibers and a collective lens. The laser emitting parts are divided into plural groups separated in the slow axis direction.

Abstract: A backlight for a liquid crystal display (LCD) employing light recycling. In one embodiment the backlight includes a light guide fabricated from a substantially non-absorptive material and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material. In another embodiment the backlight includes a light source, a bundle of optical fibers, and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material, wherein the bundle of optical fibers is configured to receive light from the light source and distribute it to the reflective layer.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting rotational drift of mirror elements in a MEMS tilt mirror array used in an optical crossconnect. The optical crossconnect directs optical signals from an input fiber to an output fiber along an optical path by rotatably positioning mirror elements in desired positions. A monitoring device disposed outside of the optical path is used to obtain images of the MEMS array or to transmit and receive a test signal through the crossconnect for detecting the presence of mirror element drift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for in situ inspection of optical ports for occlusions that might impede an optical signal. The present invention utilizes a mini-borescope of the type having a borescope insertion tube of less that two millimeters in diameter. The mini-borescope may utilize a video camera for capturing images of the target and adjustably magnifies the target image for display. In addition, one of a plurality of component type borescope-to-optical port adapters is coupled to the mini-borescope insertion tube. Each particular type borescope-to-optical port adapter allows the insertion tube to be inserted and aligned to a corresponding type of optical component, for instance if the BOPA is an SC-type male connector, then the insertion tube will be readily accepted by an SC-type female adapter. Also included in the BOPA is a protective sleeve that surrounds a portion of the mini-borescope insertion tube.

Abstract: An endoscope system which can obtain a tomographic image in accordance with optical coherence tomography (OCT). An OCT section of the endoscope system comprises a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, an optical coupler, a super-luminescent diode (SLD), a photodetector, and a reference mirror. The first optical fiber is opposed to the SLD at its proximal end. The second optical fiber is opposed to the photodetector at its proximal end. The optical coupler establishes optical connection between the optical fibers. The reference mirror is arranged movable in front of the distal end of the second optical fiber. The distal end of the first optical fiber is introduced to an OCT scanning unit at a tip of an endoscope. This OCT scanning unit includes a polygon mirror having a plurality of reflecting surfaces, which are tilted in different angles from each other. The OCT scanning unit forms a plurality of scanning lines aligned in parallel over a subject at regular intervals.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include method and apparatus for detecting the alignment of movable reflectors in an optical switch. A diagnostic device embodiment includes a two-dimensional photoimager positioned to receive light from movable mirrors in the switch. Each movable mirror reflects light to different two-dimensional positions on the photoimager based on the position of each movable mirror, thereby creating a two-dimensional image of the reflector array. A controller receives information from the photoimager and adjusts the positions of the movable mirrors according to light received at the photoimager. A related diagnostic device includes an illumination source for directing monitor light beams onto the movable mirrors where the monitor beams are reflected onto the photoimager. This configuration provides two-dimensional information concerning the current position of the movable mirrors which is used to monitor and adjust the positions of the movable mirrors of the switch.

Abstract: A lensed polarization maintaining fiber having a lens on an end thereof has a core, two stress-applied regions disposed on both sides of the core, respectively, and a clad containing the core and stress-applied regions. The lens has at least an inclined face, the inclined face including an edge. Each of the stress-applied regions is exposed on the inclined face except the edge.