Abstract: Substantially one-dimensional scan line images at 1200 dpi or greater are generated in response to predetermined scan line image data. A substantially uniform two-dimensional homogenous light field is modulated using a spatial light modulator in accordance with the predetermined scan line image data such that the modulated light forms a two-dimensional modulated light field. The modulated light field is then anamorphically imaged and concentrated to form the substantially one-dimensional scan line image. The spatial light modulator includes light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Abstract: An imaging (e.g., lithographic) apparatus for generating an elongated concentrated scan image on an imaging surface of a scan structure (e.g., a drum cylinder) that moves in a process (cross-scan) direction. The apparatus includes a spatial light modulator having a two-dimensional array of light modulating elements for modulating a two-dimensional light field in response to predetermined scan image data, and an anamorphic optical system is used to anamorphically image and concentrate the modulated light onto an elongated imaging region defined on the imaging surface. To avoid smearing, movement of the imaging surface is synchronized by an image position controller with the modulated states of the light modulating elements such that image features of the scan image are scrolled (moved in the cross-scan direction) at the same rate as the cross-scan movement of the imaging surface, whereby the features remain coincident with the same portion of the imaging surface.

Abstract: An imaging method for generating a substantially one-dimensional scan line image using multiple spatial light modulators, to modulate a homogenous light field, and then anamorphically imaging and concentrating the modulated light to form the scan line image. The spatial light modulators include light modulating elements that are arranged in two-dimensional array and are individually adjustable to either pass/reflect received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating two-dimensional modulated light fields. Anamorphic optical systems are used to image and focus received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure.

Abstract: A method for generating an elongated concentrated scan image on an imaging surface of a scan structure (e.g., a drum cylinder) in an imaging (e.g., xerographic or lithographic) apparatus, wherein the imaging surface is caused to move in a cross-scan (process) direction. A spatial light modulator having a two-dimensional array of light modulating elements is used to modulate a two-dimensional light field in response to predetermined scan image data, and then the modulated light is anamorphically imaged and concentrated onto an elongated imaging region defined on the imaging surface. To avoid smearing, movement of the imaging surface is synchronized with the modulated states of the light modulating elements such that image features of the scan image are scrolled (moved in the cross-scan direction) at the same rate as the cross-scan movement of the imaging surface, whereby the features remain coincident with the same portion of the imaging surface.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including multiple spatial light modulators, each including light modulating elements arranged in two-dimensional array disposed in a homogenous light field, multiple anamorphic optical systems, each disposed downstream from an associated spatial light modulator, a scan structure, and an image stitching controller. The light modulating elements of each spatial light modulator are individually adjustable to either pass received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating a two-dimensional modulated light field. Each anamorphic optical system images and focuses received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure.

Abstract: A single-pass imaging system for a printing apparatus capable of 1200 dpi or greater that includes a homogenous light generator for generating homogenous light from high energy IR lasers, a spatial light modulator including light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, and an anamorphic optical system. The light modulating elements are disposed such that each modulating element receives an associated homogenous light portion, and is individually adjustable between an “on” modulated state and an “off” modulated state, whereby in the “on” modulated state each modulating element modulates its received homogenous light portion such that an associated modulated light portion is directed onto a corresponding region of the anamorphic optical system. In the second modulated state, the associated homogenous light portion is prevented (e.g., blocked) from passing to the anamorphic optical system.

Abstract: A method for generating an elongated concentrated scan image on an imaging surface of a scan structure (e.g., a drum cylinder) in an imaging (e.g., xerographic or lithographic) apparatus, wherein the imaging surface is caused to move in a cross-scan (process) direction. A spatial light modulator having a two-dimensional array of light modulating elements is used to modulate a two-dimensional light field in response to predetermined scan image data, and then the modulated light is anamorphically imaged and concentrated onto an elongated imaging region defined on the imaging surface. To avoid smearing, movement of the imaging surface is synchronized with the modulated states of the light modulating elements such that image features of the scan image are scrolled (moved in the cross-scan direction) at the same rate as the cross-scan movement of the imaging surface, whereby the features remain coincident with the same portion of the imaging surface.

Abstract: Substantially one-dimensional scan line images at 1200 dpi or greater are generated in response to predetermined scan line image data. A substantially uniform two-dimensional homogenous light field is modulated using a spatial light modulator in accordance with the predetermined scan line image data such that the modulated light forms a two-dimensional modulated light field. The modulated light field is then anamorphically imaged and concentrated to form the substantially one-dimensional scan line image. The spatial light modulator includes light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array.

Abstract: An imaging (e.g., lithographic) apparatus for generating an elongated concentrated scan image on an imaging surface of a scan structure (e.g., a drum cylinder) that moves in a process (cross-scan) direction. The apparatus includes a spatial light modulator having a two-dimensional array of light modulating elements for modulating a two-dimensional light field in response to predetermined scan image data, and an anamorphic optical system is used to anamorphically image and concentrate the modulated light onto an elongated imaging region defined on the imaging surface. To avoid smearing, movement of the imaging surface is synchronized by an image position controller with the modulated states of the light modulating elements such that image features of the scan image are scrolled (moved in the cross-scan direction) at the same rate as the cross-scan movement of the imaging surface, whereby the features remain coincident with the same portion of the imaging surface.

Abstract: A single-pass imaging system for a printing apparatus capable of 1200 dpi or greater that includes a homogenous light generator for generating homogenous light from high energy IR lasers, a spatial light modulator including light modulating elements arranged in a two-dimensional array, and an anamorphic optical system. The light modulating elements are disposed such that each modulating element receives an associated homogenous light portion, and is individually adjustable between an “on” modulated state and an “off” modulated state, whereby in the “on” modulated state each modulating element modulates its received homogenous light portion such that an associated modulated light portion is directed onto a corresponding region of the anamorphic optical system. In the second modulated state, the associated homogenous light portion is prevented (e.g., blocked) from passing to the anamorphic optical system.

Abstract: An imaging method for generating a substantially one-dimensional scan line image using multiple spatial light modulators, to modulate a homogenous light field, and then anamorphically imaging and concentrating the modulated light to form the scan line image. The spatial light modulators include light modulating elements that are arranged in two-dimensional array and are individually adjustable to either pass/reflect received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating two-dimensional modulated light fields. Anamorphic optical systems are used to image and focus received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including multiple spatial light modulators, each including light modulating elements arranged in two-dimensional array disposed in a homogenous light field, multiple anamorphic optical systems, each disposed downstream from an associated spatial light modulator, a scan structure, and an image stitching controller. The light modulating elements of each spatial light modulator are individually adjustable to either pass received homogenous light portions to the anamorphic optical systems, or to block/redirect the homogenous light portions, thereby generating a two-dimensional modulated light field. Each anamorphic optical system images and focuses received modulated light field onto an associated substantially one-dimensional scan line portion on the scan structure.

Abstract: A scanning system including a conveyor unit and a revolver unit that respectively rotate around first and second parallel axes and cooperatively interact to continuously transfer collimated light along a light path between a fixed device (e.g., laser or image sensor) and an orbiting element (e.g., microscope objective or projection optics). The conveyor unit including first and second surfaces disposed to rotate in a fixed parallel relationship around the first axis such that collimated light is directed by the surfaces from a fixed light path portion to a parallel scanning light path portion that orbits the fixed path at a constant offset distance. The revolver unit including an orbiting element rotated around the second axis, which is collinear with the fixed light path portion, and the element orbits at a radius equal to the offset distance between the fixed and scanning light path portions.

Abstract: A fluorescence microscope for rare cell detection includes a laser beam illumination source for generating a laser beam to illuminate a specimen. A laser beam shaper is configured to generate a flat top (or uniform) laser beam. A time delay integration (TDI) image acquisition system includes a movable stage to hold the specimen, and a bi-directional row shiftable CCD array of a CCD camera system. The movable stage and bi-directional row shiftable CCD array are synchronized to acquire an image of the specimen by TDI. A low resolution image conversion arrangement includes the bi-directional row-shiftable CCD array and a clock which controls operation of the bi-directional row-shiftable CCD array, whereby charge is combined and collected during a readout operation, resulting in a lower resolution, yet high speed, acquired image.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a sample containing potential cells of interest and of using a laser of a laser based system for novel excitation and emission collection, and data usage including use of obtained data for direct and ratio based measurements. The prepared sample is configured to emit signals having spectral characteristics sufficient to permit filtering to differentiate and eliminate most false positives from true positives among acquired imaging events, in an imaging system employing a laser spot having a range of diameters from 1 to 20 ?m or greater and which excites the fluorescence in a conventional or novel manner. These filtered events may be subsequently imaged and confirmed with another higher resolution device such as a fluorescent microscope in a short amount of time.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices (i.e., solar cells) are formed using non-contact patterning apparatus (e.g., a laser-based patterning systems) to define contact openings through a passivation layer, and direct-write metallization apparatus (e.g., an inkjet-type printing or extrusion-type deposition apparatus) to deposit metallization into the contact openings and over the passivation surface. The metallization includes two portions: a contact (e.g., silicide-producing) material is deposited into the contact openings, then a highly conductive metal is deposited on the contact material and between the contact holes. The device wafers are transported between the patterning and metallization apparatus in hard tooled registration using a conveyor mechanism. Optional sensors are utilized to align the patterning and metallization apparatus to the contact openings. An extrusion-type apparatus is used to form grid lines having a high aspect central metal line that is supported on each side by a transparent material.

Abstract: A system and method permits for the separation of auto-fluorescence from a signal by applying a single probe to a sample, exciting the sample with a single wavelength light source, thereby emitting a light a distance from the light source. The emitted light is split, and the split light is collected into two or more distinct channels. A first channel of the distinct channels is positioned closer to the light source than a second distinct channel of the distinct channels, and the second channel is closer to the emission frequency of the single probe than is the first channel. The light collected in the first channel and the light collected in the second channel are investigated, and an output signal is generated based upon the investigation.

Abstract: A system and method permits for the separation of auto-fluorescence from a signal by applying a single probe to a sample, exciting the sample with a single wavelength light source, thereby emitting a light a distance from the light source. The emitted light is split, and the split light is collected into two or more distinct channels. A first channel of the distinct channels is positioned closer to the light source than a second distinct channel of the distinct channels, and the second channel is closer to the emission frequency of the single probe than is the first channel. The light collected in the first channel and the light collected in the second channel are investigated, and an output signal is generated based upon the investigation.

Abstract: A scanning/laser ablation apparatus includes an orbiting objective mounted on a radial arm that is rotated around a central axis such that the objective travels along a circular scan path. An input laser beam is directed along the central axis to a first mirror, which redirects the beam to the orbiting objective, e.g., by way of a second mirror. The orbiting objective focuses the beam at a focal point that coincides with the planar surface of a target object (e.g., a solar cell wafer having a blanket passivation layer). As the focused beam passes over the target object, the laser beam is repeatedly pulsed to ablate corresponding portions of the passivation layer such that contact openings are formed during each scan pass. The laser pulses are timed such that associated contact openings from multiple scan passes are aligned in parallel columns that are subsequently connected by metallization.

Abstract: A laser scanning mechanism and multiple processing stations are circumferentially disposed around a central axis. The laser scanning mechanism includes a rotating member driven by a motor to rotate around the central axis, and an optical system fixedly mounted on the rotating member and arranged to redirect input laser beam pulses from the central axis along a circular scan path. Each station including a mechanism for moving a corresponding target object radially across the circular scan path. The laser beam pulses output from the scanning mechanism can be used to process (e.g., ablate material from) multiple target objects simultaneously. The laser scanning mechanism redirects the input laser beam pulses such that the laser beams remain on-axis and in focus as they are scanned along the circular (curved) scan path. A system for producing photovoltaic devices utilizes the laser ablation apparatus and a direct-write metallization apparatus.