Abstract: Focus arrangements for laser radar and other applications provide compensation of orientation-dependent gravitational forces. A linear stage can be preloaded and provided with balanced linear encoders so that gravitational force induced pitch, yaw, and roll can be reduced, detected, or compensated. Alternatively, movable focus elements can be secured to actuator driven spring assemblies that are controlled to compensate orientation-dependent gravitational forces.

Abstract: An optical assembly for a system for inspecting or measuring of an object is provided that is configured to move as a unit with a system, as the system is pointed at a target, and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the system. The optical assembly comprises catadioptric optics configured to fold the optical path of the pointing beam and measurement beam that are being directed through the outlet of the system, to compress the size of the optical assembly.

Abstract: A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.

Abstract: Stereoscopic imaging systems are coupled to laser radar systems to permit selection of an intended scan area. Such imaging systems can also provide target depth data that can be used in conjunction with laser radar scan data. In some examples, stereoscopic images are presented to an inspector for operation assisted pointing of a laser radar axis or for computer-aided assessment of target conformance to design.

Abstract: A light beam is scanned, for use in laser radar and other uses, by an optical system of which an example includes a beam-shaping optical system that includes a first movable optical element and a second movable optical element. The first optical element forms and directs an optical beam along a nominal propagation axis from the beam-shaping optical system to a target, and the second optical element includes a respective actuator by which the second optical element is movable relative to the first optical element. A controller is coupled at least to the actuator of the second optical element and is configured to induce motion, by the actuator, of the second optical element to move the optical beam, as incident on the target, relative to the nominal propagation axis.

Abstract: A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.

Abstract: An optical assembly for a system for inspecting or measuring of an object is provided that is configured to move as a unit with a system, as the system is pointed at a target, and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the system. The optical assembly comprises catadioptric optics configured to fold the optical path of the pointing beam and measurement beam that are being directed through the outlet of the system, to compress the size of the optical assembly.

Abstract: A device for calibration of an industrial robot, which calibration device is adapted for being in contact during the calibration with at least one plane of reference arranged on the robot, the calibration device includes an angle measuring member arranged for measuring an angle relative to the vertical line. The device further comprises two contact elements each having a curved surface, and the contact elements are arranged for being in contact with the plane of reference.