Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom hinge system is provided, which is particularly well adapted for eyewear, such as spatial computing headsets. In the context of such spatial computing headsets having an optics assembly supported by opposing temple arms, the hinge system provides protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms. The hinge systems also allow the temple arms to splay outwardly to enable proper fit and enhanced user comfort.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom hinge system is provided, which is particularly well adapted for eyewear, such as spatial computing headsets. In the context of such spatial computing headsets having an optics assembly supported by opposing temple arms, the hinge system provides protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms. The hinge systems also allow the temple arms to splay outwardly to enable proper fit and enhanced user comfort.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom hinge system is provided, which is particularly well adapted for eyewear, such as spatial computing headsets. In the context of such spatial computing headsets having an optics assembly supported by opposing temple arms, the hinge system provides protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms. The hinge systems also allow the temple arms to splay outwardly to enable proper fit and enhanced user comfort.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Abstract: A fiber scanning system includes an actuator configured to have an actuator natural frequency, and a fiber optic scanning element coupled to the actuator. The fiber optic scanning element is configured to have a fiber natural frequency that is within a threshold of the actuator natural frequency, such that a displacement gain of the fiber optic scanning element as a function of operating frequency exhibits a first peak value at a first resonance frequency less than the fiber natural frequency, and a second peak value at a second resonance frequency greater than the fiber natural frequency.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical fiber, an actuator, and a joint mechanically coupling the actuator to the optical fiber. The joint includes a neck extending along an axis. The optical fiber is threaded through an aperture extending along the axis through the neck. The optical fiber is attached to the joint at a surface of the neck facing the axis. The joint also includes a collar extending along the axis. The actuator is mechanically attached to the joint at an inner surface of the collar facing the axis. The joint also includes a flexural element extending radially from the neck to the collar. During operation, the joint couples a force from the actuator to the optical fiber to vary an orientation of a portion of the optical fiber extending from the neck with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques for characterizing optical fibers. Disclosed systems and techniques employ optical metrology, functional metrology, or both to characterize microstructured optical fibers and determine fiber characteristics, errors, and quality control metrics. The characteristics, errors, and quality control metrics are useful for improving the manufacturing of optical fibers.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical fiber, an actuator, and a joint mechanically coupling the actuator to the optical fiber. The joint includes a neck extending along an axis. The optical fiber is threaded through an aperture extending along the axis through the neck. The optical fiber is attached to the joint at a surface of the neck facing the axis. The joint also includes a collar extending along the axis. The actuator is mechanically attached to the joint at an inner surface of the collar facing the axis. The joint also includes a flexural element extending radially from the neck to the collar. During operation, the joint couples a force from the actuator to the optical fiber to vary an orientation of a portion of the optical fiber extending from the neck with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom hinge system is provided, which is particularly well adapted for eyewear, such as spatial computing headsets. In the context of such spatial computing headsets having an optics assembly supported by opposing temple arms, the hinge system provides protection against over-extension of the temple arms or extreme deflections that may otherwise arise from undesirable torsional loading of the temple arms. The hinge systems also allow the temple arms to splay outwardly to enable proper fit and enhanced user comfort.

Abstract: Described are optical fibers and scanning fiber displays comprising optical fibers. The disclosed optical fibers include a plurality of mass adjustment regions, such as gas-filled regions, positioned between a central waveguiding element and an outer periphery for reducing a mass of the optical fiber as compared to an optical fiber lacking the plurality of mass adjustment regions.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques for characterizing optical fibers. Disclosed systems and techniques employ optical metrology, functional metrology, or both to characterize microstructured optical fibers and determine fiber characteristics, errors, and quality control metrics. The characteristics, errors, and quality control metrics are useful for improving the manufacturing of optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber scanning system includes an actuator configured to have an actuator natural frequency, and a fiber optic scanning element coupled to the actuator. The fiber optic scanning element is configured to have a fiber natural frequency that is within a threshold of the actuator natural frequency, such that a displacement gain of the fiber optic scanning element as a function of operating frequency exhibits a first peak value at a first resonance frequency less than the fiber natural frequency, and a second peak value at a second resonance frequency greater than the fiber natural frequency.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical fiber, an actuator, and a joint mechanically coupling the actuator to the optical fiber. The joint includes a neck extending along an axis. The optical fiber is threaded through an aperture extending along the axis through the neck. The optical fiber is attached to the joint at a surface of the neck facing the axis. The joint also includes a collar extending along the axis. The actuator is mechanically attached to the joint at an inner surface of the collar facing the axis. The joint also includes a flexural element extending radially from the neck to the collar. During operation, the joint couples a force from the actuator to the optical fiber to vary an orientation of a portion of the optical fiber extending from the neck with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A fiber scanning system includes an actuator configured to have an actuator natural frequency, and a fiber optic scanning element coupled to the actuator. The fiber optic scanning element is configured to have a fiber natural frequency that is within a threshold of the actuator natural frequency, such that a displacement gain of the fiber optic scanning element as a function of operating frequency exhibits a first peak value at a first resonance frequency less than the fiber natural frequency, and a second peak value at a second resonance frequency greater than the fiber natural frequency.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of fiber scanning systems and methods of scanning optical fibers. The disclosed systems and methods advantageously provide an improvement to the scanning range, the oscillation amplitude, and/or the maximum pointing angle for an optical fiber in a fiber scanning system by inducing a buckling of a portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical fiber, an actuator, and a joint mechanically coupling the actuator to the optical fiber. The joint includes a neck extending along an axis. The optical fiber is threaded through an aperture extending along the axis through the neck. The optical fiber is attached to the joint at a surface of the neck facing the axis. The joint also includes a collar extending along the axis. The actuator is mechanically attached to the joint at an inner surface of the collar facing the axis. The joint also includes a flexural element extending radially from the neck to the collar. During operation, the joint couples a force from the actuator to the optical fiber to vary an orientation of a portion of the optical fiber extending from the neck with respect to the axis.