Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided which uses directed light from a scanning element, which directed light is reflected through a symmetrical arrangement of reflective surfaces for scanning across a medium with a planar object surface. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the directed light in accordance with a video signal.

Abstract: A flying spot scanning system is provided by utilizing reflected light from a multifaceted rotating polygon which is then directed to the scanned medium. A light source illuminates a portion of the mirrored sides of the polygon during each scanning cycle, to provide a desired sequence of spot scanning. In each scanning cycle, information is transmitted to the scanned medium by modulating the light from the light source in accordance with a video signal. An optical convolution of elements including at least two lenses having power in one optical plane and substantially no power in the other plane, is provided in combination with the polygon. One of these lenses is placed in the optical path between the polygon and the scanned medium with its power plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the polygon for allowing a wide variance in runout tolerance of the scanning system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position device which rides over a surface for controlling a cursor over a visual display. The device generates signals indicative of its position to cause the cursor to be displayed on the display at a corresponding position. The device includes a control mechanism that comprises a transport sphere coupled with rotatable shafts which represent the position of the device in terms of Cartesian coordinates. The sphere is in contact with the surface over which the device rides and the rotatable shafts contact the sphere at a position on the sphere approximately 90.degree. from the contact loci of the sphere and the surface.

Abstract: A laser having layers of a first material interleaved with layers of a second material with the first material having a different index of refraction and bandgap than those of the second material. The thicknesses of the layers of the first and second materials satisfy the relationship t = m .lambda./2n where m is the laser mode and n is the index of refraction of the material, such that the right and left going waves of the light produced by the layers of the first material when the laser is pumped are coupled and reinforced in a coherent manner by the layers of the second material such that reflections from the second material are in phase, thus allowing laser operation in the absence of discrete end mirrors.