Abstract: System, apparatus, and methods for controlling a motor by using servo-to-edge direction feedback are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a fiber optic rotary junction (FORJ) having a rotatable portion; a motor to rotate the rotatable portion; a connector to connect the rotatable portion to a rotatable fiber of an imaging probe; a sensor positioned in close proximity to a target and configured to output a signal indicative of which one of at least two distinguishable regions of the target is proximal to the sensor; and a controller configured to control the rotational direction of the motor based on the sensor signal. In one embodiment, the motor is a servo-motor, and the rotation of the motor and/or rotatable portion is controlled by a servo-loop to change the rotation direction of the motor back-and-forth around a predetermined rotational position without the use of an encoder.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for performing automated polarization control, polarization diversity and/or balanced detection are provided herein. One or more embodiments may achieve polarization diversity and balanced detection (or photo-detection) under any imaging circumstances. One or more embodiments, may achieve polarization control functionality regardless of whether such control is automatic or manual. Additionally, one or more embodiments may achieve automated polarization control, may achieve balanced detection (or photo-detection), and/or may address potential disturbances, such as, but not limited to, polarization drift over time, temperature and/or mechanical perturbations or variations.

Abstract: System, apparatus, and methods for controlling a motor by using servo-to-edge direction feedback are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus comprises: a fiber optic rotary junction (FORJ) having a rotatable portion; a motor to rotate the rotatable portion; a connector to connect the rotatable portion to a rotatable fiber of an imaging probe; a sensor positioned in close proximity to a target and configured to output a signal indicative of which one of at least two distinguishable regions of the target is proximal to the sensor; and a controller configured to control the rotational direction of the motor based on the sensor signal. In one embodiment, the motor is a servo-motor, and the rotation of the motor and/or rotatable portion is controlled by a servo-loop to change the rotation direction of the motor back-and-forth around a predetermined rotational position without the use of an encoder.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for performing automated polarization control, polarization diversity and/or balanced detection are provided herein. One or more embodiments may achieve polarization diversity and balanced detection (or photo-detection) under any imaging circumstances. One or more embodiments, may achieve polarization control functionality regardless of whether such control is automatic or manual. Additionally, one or more embodiments may achieve automated polarization control, may achieve balanced detection (or photo-detection), and/or may address potential disturbances, such as, but not limited to, polarization drift over time, temperature and/or mechanical perturbations or variations.

Abstract: A reflective metrological scale has a metal tape substrate and a scale pattern of elongated side-by-side marks surrounded by reflective surface areas of the substrate. Each mark has a furrowed cross section and may have a depth in the range of 0.5 to 2 microns. The central region of each mark may be rippled and darkened to provide an enhanced optical reflection ratio with respect to surrounding surface areas. A manufacturing method includes the repeated steps of (1) creating a scale mark by irradiating the substrate surface at a mark location with overlapped pulses from a laser, each pulse having an energy density of less than about 1 joule per cm2, and (2) changing the relative position of the laser and the substrate by a displacement amount defining a next mark location on the substrate at which a next mark of the scale is to be created.

Abstract: A laser processing system implements a method for aligning a probe element (e.g., a probe pin) with a device interface element (e.g., a contact pad of a circuit substrate). First, the laser processing system generates an optical reference beam at one or more predetermined positions to calibrate a reference field. The laser processing system then detects a position of the probe element in the reference field. The laser processing system also determines a relative position of the device interface element in the reference field. Based on the position of the probe element and the device interface element, the laser processing system then initiates alignment of the probe element and the device interface element. In one application, alignment of the probe element and the device interface element further includes contacting the probe element to the device interface element to make an electrical connection.

Abstract: A reflective metrological scale has a scale pattern of elongated side-by-side marks surrounded by reflective surface areas of a substrate, which may be a nickel-based metal alloy such as Invar® or Inconel® and may be a thin and elongated flexible tape. Each mark has a furrowed cross section and may have a depth in the range of 0.5 to 2 microns. The central region of each mark may be rippled or ridged and may be darkened to provide an enhanced optical reflection ratio with respect to surrounding reflective surface areas. A manufacturing method includes the repeated steps of (1) creating a scale mark by irradiating a surface of the substrate at a mark location with a series of overlapped pulses from a laser, each pulse having an energy density of less than about 1 joule per cm2, and (2) changing the relative position of the laser and the substrate by a displacement amount defining a next mark location on the substrate at which a next mark of the scale is to be created.

Abstract: A laser processing system implements a method for aligning a probe element (e.g., a probe pin) with a device interface element (e.g., a contact pad of a circuit substrate). First, the laser processing system generates an optical reference beam at one or more predetermined positions to calibrate a reference field. The laser processing system then detects a position of the probe element in the reference field. The laser processing system also determines a relative position of the device interface element in the reference field. Based on the position of the probe element and the device interface element, the laser processing system then initiates alignment of the probe element and the device interface element. In one application, alignment of the probe element and the device interface element further includes contacting the probe element to the device interface element to make an electrical connection.