Abstract: This disclosure describes the design and construction of high-precision off-axis optical imaging systems. The disclosure also describes the design and construction of high-precision mounting structures for rigidly holding optical elements in an optical imaging system. The disclosure further describes both a mechanism for highly stable mounting and a technique for high precision focusing of a detector in a complex optical setup. The disclosure even further describes both tooling and a technique used for focusing high precision optical imaging systems. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

Abstract: A fiber optic switch includes a plurality of optical modules that selectively direct light between optical fibers. Each optical module includes an optical fiber, and a light beam steering mechanism for directing light from or to an optical fiber. A processor within the optical module, and an optical detector form a control circuit such that each optical module can align light from fibers within the optical switch. In one embodiment, the beam steering mechanism includes one or more piezoelectric motors that position lenses in front of an optical fiber. The capacity of the fiber optic switch can be increased or decreased by adding or removing optical modules from the switch.