Abstract: A needle type lens structure comprises, an inner tube having a relay lens inserted therein, an outer tube mounted around an outer periphery of the inner tube in concentric relation thereto with a predetermined gap, and light transmitting device, for guiding illumination light to the distal end of the needle type lens, provided axially between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube provides a two-dimensional sequential scan pattern on which dots for scanning or printing are presented as spots of light provided in sequence. A single multi-scan linear raster sweep of the cathode ray tube electron beam produces a single line of dots on the scanned image or photosensitive medium. A fiber optics array with one end facing the cathode ray tube, is configured two-dimensionally in a pattern that corresponds to the sequential sweep pattern of the cathode ray tube. The trace of dots on the cathode ray tube has sufficient length to accommodate the number of dots required for the width of the finished product or scanned image. A lens positioned between the cathode ray tube and optical fiber array, focuses the cathode ray tube image onto the fiber ends with a reduction in size. At the other end of the fiber optics array, the fibers are abutted together linearly to form the desired final output line width with coherence of the fibers from input to output.

Abstract: A coupler 30 for use with medical laser delivery systems is disclosed. The delivery system includes an articulated arm and an endoscope 42. The coupler 30 connects the arm to the endoscope. The coupler includes an axially extending tube 46 receivable in the bore 48 of the endoscope. The tube facilitates alignment of the coupler with the endoscope. The coupler is also provided with a telescope optical system (50, 52) for adjusting the diameter of the beam at the entrance to the endoscope to reduce clipping of the beam thereby enhancing transmission.

Abstract: A fiberoptic endoscope scanning system with multiple scanning modes. A first mode is a multifiber scanning about its longitudinal axis and a second scanning mode is a chromatic scan, comprising a prism and/or grating at the distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically scanning a reflective object includes a first reflector having a frustoconical reflecting surface with a central opening. A second reflector has a flat reflecting surface which faces the frustoconical surface and is inclined with respect to the axis thereof. To the side of the flat surface is an optoelectronic sensor which is connected to a processing unit. Between the sensor and the flat surface is a focusing system which functions to focus light reflected from such surface onto the sensor. In operation, an object to be scanned is moved through the central opening of the frustoconical surface along the axis of the latter. As the object moves, a light source illuminates successive, circumferentially complete bands of the object at a predetermined location within the space surrounded by the frustoconical surface. Light from the source impinges upon the object from laterally thereof and at an angle to the axis of the frustoconical surface.

Abstract: A small diameter multimode optical fiber with a low numerical aperture (i.e., 0.1) is used as a microlens to collimate the output emissions of a laser diode before butt coupling the output of the laser diode to an optical fiber. The optical fiber used as the microlens is chosen such that its diameter roughly equals the diameter of the fiber to be coupled to the laser diode. The collimation is performed in the high NA direction of the output of the laser diode. The output of a bundle of butt coupled optical fibers may be used to pump a laser system.

Abstract: A fiberoptic bundle or liquid light guide for a borescope, fiberscope or videoscope is coupled to the light source using a light guide coupler having a plurality of air passages to vent excess heat. The illumination unit comprises a fan that draws cool air through the passages into the light source to remove excess heat from the light guide coupler. Heat radiators can be added to the coupler to increase its surface area and to improve heat dissipation. Air baffles can be added to optimize the air flow through the light guide coupler. The light guide coupler thus acts as a heat sink while dissipating excess heat using an air flow caused by the difference in air pressure created by the fan in the illumination unit.

Abstract: A device for introducing illuminating light that is emitted from a light source to an illuminating light guide fiber bundle associated with an endoscope. The device has an incident end face of the light guide fiber bundle that is disposed at a position where the light from the light source is converged, and a lens which is disposed in close proximity to the incident end face of the light guide fiber bundle. That lens has a convex surface which faces the light source and a concave surface which faces the light guide fiber bundle.Accordingly, the illuminating light is refracted by the concave surface of the lens so as to enter the light guide fiber bundle at a small angle to the optical axis. Thus, the illuminating light is transmitted through the light guide fiber bundle with a considerably small number of times of reflection.