Abstract: An optical shutter device comprises an electro-optic layer of a material that shows the electro-optic Kerr effect, an array of shutter regions defined on the electro-optic layer for controlling a passage of an optical beam through the layer, a plurality of electrodes provided on the electro-optic layer in correspondence to the shutter regions for applying a predetermined electric field upon energization, a driver circuit connected to each pair of the electrodes for energizing the same independently from each other, a biasing circuit connected to the plurality of electrodes for applying a predetermined d.c. bias voltage thereto, a switching circuit for inverting the polarity of the d.c.

Abstract: An electrooptic device which comprises an electrooptic material disposed on an optical axis of an optical beam. The beam is linearly polarized in advance. The electrooptic material has opposed two surfaces in parallel with the optical axis and in both sides of the optical axis. A first electrode pair which is composed of electrode films is formed on the two surfaces of the electrooptic material to perform a lens function. And a second electrode pair which is composed of electrode films is formed on the two surfaces of the electrooptic material to perform a deflection function. The first and the second pairs are disposed side by side with each other along the optical axis.

Abstract: An electrooptic device which comprises an electrooptic material disposed on an optical axis of an optical beam. The beam is linearly polarized in advance. The electrooptic material has opposed two surfaces in parallel with the optical axis and in both sides of the optical axis. A first electrode pair which is composed of electrode films is formed on the two surfaces of the electrooptic material to perform a lens function. And a second electrode pair which is composed of electrode films is formed on the two surfaces of the electrooptic material to perform a deflection function. The first and the second pairs are disposed side by side with each other along the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus for scanning a beam of light from a light source over a target surface by a scanning mechanism to form an image on the target surface. The optical scanning apparatus includes an electro-optic lens provided in an optical path between the light source and the scanning mechanism, a plurality of electrodes being provided on top and bottom surfaces of the electro-optic lens for producing an electric field in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the optical path, and a voltage applying unit being connected to the electrodes. The electro-optic lens is made from an electro-optic medium, and has an ingress surface and and egress surface which are ground to exhibit an adequate electro-optic effect. The beam is cast on the target surface to produce a dot having an enlarged diameter in the vertical scanning direction and in the horizontal scanning direction due to the electro-optic effect of the electro-optic medium when the electric field is produced within the electro-optic lens.

Abstract: An optical scanner has a light source device for emitting an approximately parallel light beam polarized approximately linearly; a deflector for deflecting the light beam from this light source device toward a scanned face; an image forming optical system including an optical element having a focal length variable by an electrooptic medium, the image forming optical system being arranged between the light source device and the deflector to form the light beam from the light source device as an image in the shape of a spot on the scanned face; a controller for controlling the focal length of the image forming optical system; and an electrode pair disposed in the electrooptic medium of the optical element, the arrangement position and shape of the respective electrodes being constructed such that a convergent position of the emitted light can be changed when a voltage is applied by the controller between these electrodes; the controller controlling the focal length of the image forming optical system such that

Abstract: A recording optical system includes a semiconductor laser for emitting a light beam and a shutter device for changing the spot size of the light beam. The shutter device has a shutter array in which a plurality of shutter elements are arranged in a line, each of the shutter elements being controlled so as to be opened and shut in accordance with a gradational image. The recording optical system also has a deflection optical system for deflecting the light beam which passes through the shutter device and an image formation optical system for focusing the light beam which is deflected by the deflection optical system on a recording medium, so that the light beam scans the recording medium to form the image.

Abstract: An optical element comprising: an electro-optic medium through which a linearly polarized light beam passes; at least one pair of electrodes disposed on the electro-optic medium in such a way that the light beam passes between the electrodes; and a power source for applying an electric voltage to the pair of electrodes. A position and a shape of the electrodes of the pair are settled in such a way that when an electric voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes, the electro-optic medium functions as a lens to converge or diverge the light beam in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An optical writing device includes a substrate, an array of pixel electrodes, each of which is provided with a luminescent material, a filament electrode disposed in parallel with the array, an enclosure member for enclosing the pixel and filament electrodes and the array, and driver I.C. chips mounted on the substrate. Such a structure may be made extremely compact in size with low cost.