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: A fiber scanning system can have optimized performance by substantially matching the natural frequencies of the fiber scanning system's actuator and fiber optic scanning element. By matching the natural frequencies, the fiber scanning system can increase the maximum distance that the tip of the fiber optic scanning element may be driven relative to a resting position. Such an effect may be produced because matching the natural frequencies of the fiber scanner allows for larger amplitudes to be achieved. It should be noted that the natural frequency of the scanning system can be selected to avoid excitation frequencies that could destabilize the system. In this way, the system as a whole may act as a tuned mass damper or a tuned resonance structure, thereby improving scan performance while maintaining a stable scanning system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a variable diameter fiber includes providing a fiber optic cable, focusing a laser beam at a predetermined location inside the fiber optic cable, and creating a damage site at the predetermined location. The method also includes focusing the laser beam at a series of additional predetermined locations inside the fiber optic cable and creating a plurality of additional damage sites at the additional predetermined locations. The damage site and the additional damage sites define a variable diameter profile. The method further includes exposing the fiber optic cable to an etchant solution, preferentially etching the damage site and the plurality of additional damage sites, and separating a portion of the fiber optic cable to release the variable diameter 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: An image display system includes an optical subsystem configured to emit a first light beam and a second light beam, wherein the first light beam illuminates a first portion of a composite field of view and the second beam illuminates a second portion of the composite field of view. A scanning mirror is positioned to intercept and reflect the first light beam and the second light beam. The system also has a waveguide with at least one input coupling optical element for receiving the first light beam and the second light beam into the waveguide. The waveguide also has an output coupling optical element for projecting a plurality of output light beams derived from the first light beam and the second light beam from the waveguide to illuminate the composite field of view.

Abstract: An application software that combines instructional cues with music along with a graphic representation of a workout, such as a cycling workout, for teaching one or more individuals riding stationary bikes, or regular bicycles on stationary trainers, performing other exercises, used for indoor exercise or training. Instructors of indoor cycling or Spinning® classes can use their mobile device to create a class that contains music for the class, their instructional cues by voice or text, and an automatically generated graphic profile of the ride of workout. The climb or graph is represented by harder exercise efforts appearing higher on the graph, with easier efforts appearing lower as a function of the target heart zone or percent of max heart rate. Colors can be associated with specific cardiovascular or power zones of physical difficulty or intensity.