Abstract: An optical element with multi-layer composites that deforms to reduce optical aberrations in off-axis optic. Methods are also described in relation to the optical element.

Abstract: A scanning system device has a predetermined aberration as it scans or switches light along selected optical paths. A deformable membrane receives the light and introduces an inverse “aberration” that offsets that of the scanning system. In one embodiment the scanning system includes a torsion arm that supports an oscillatory body. The torsion arm and/or body can be machined from metal, micromachined in silicon or formed in a variety of other ways. Alternatively, the scanning system may include a rotating polygonal scanner or other type of optical scanner. In another approach, an optical switch replaces the scanner.

Abstract: A scanning system device has a predetermined aberration as it scans or switches light along selected optical paths. A deformable membrane receives the light and introduces an inverse “aberration” that offsets that of the scanning system. In one embodiment the scanning system includes a torsion arm that supports an oscillatory body. The torsion arm and/or body can be machined from metal, micromachined in silicon or formed in a variety of other ways. Alternatively, the scanning system may include a rotating polygonal scanner or other type of optical scanner. In another approach, an optical switch replaces the scanner.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected form the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A light scanning type confocal optical device comprises a light source section, a light transmitting section, a light scanning section, and a processing section. The scanning section includes a movable mirror, a fixed mirror and a converging lens. The movable mirror has an opening at the center, and is supported to be swingable about at least one axis. The fixed mirror is fixedly supported by an optically transparent plate. Reflection surfaces of the movable and fixed mirrors are located opposed to each other. The transmitting section includes an optical fiber having a core, whose end face substantially functions as a confocal pinhole. The light from the end face of the core is, upon passing through the opening, reflected by the fixed mirror toward the movable mirror. The light from the fixed mirror is then reflected by the movable mirror, and is converged by the converging lens onto an object surface.

Abstract: A scanning mechanism for scanning light to scan a field of view, a method of micromachining the scanning device, and a method of operating the scanning device are disclosed.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A light scanning type confocal optical device comprises a light source section, a light transmitting section, a light scanning section, and a processing section. The scanning section includes a movable mirror, a fixed mirror and a converging lens. The movable mirror has an opening at the center, and is supported to be swingable about at least one axis. The fixed mirror is fixedly supported by an optically transparent plate. Reflection surfaces of the movable and fixed mirrors are located opposed to each other. The transmitting section includes an optical fiber having a core, whose end face substantially functions as a confocal pinhole. The light from the end face of the core is, upon passing through the opening, reflected by the fixed mirror toward the movable mirror. The light from the fixed mirror is then reflected by the movable mirror, and is converged by the converging lens onto an object surface.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope which includes an optical fiber which serves as a point source of light and for collecting reflected light is disclosed. A lens for focusing the light from the optical fiber onto an image plane and for gathering light reflected from the image plane and focusing it into the optical fiber is also disclosed, together with a scanning mechanism for scanning the light to scan a field of view.