Abstract: A probe for a three-dimensional (3D) scanning optical imaging which prevents rotational irregularity, axial runout, friction, rotation transmission delays of a rotational part by reducing occurrences of rotation transmission delays, torque loss, and the like, and can perform scanning of a certain length in an axial direction and obtain a three-dimensional observation image, in a probe for OCT image diagnosis. A fixed side optical fiber that transmits light between a tip side and a rear side of a probe and is non-rotatably disposed, a first optical path conversion means that rotates to emit a light ray in a substantially radial direction, a rotation side optical fiber which is rotated by a motor, and a second optical path conversion means that rotates and emits light toward the first optical path conversion means are collinearly disposed. In this way, it is possible to obtain a high quality 3D observation image.

Abstract: To provide a vibration actuator capable of both rotation and linear drive and providing a stable driving force. A vibration actuator whose output shaft is moved by vibration includes an oscillatable element with an approximately polygonal shape, the oscillatable element including a hole through which the output shaft is inserted and a slit portion expanding radially from this hole. This slit portion generates the spring force between the output shaft and the oscillatable element to energize the output shaft and holds the output shaft. At least one surface of outer peripheral surfaces of the oscillatable element and its opposite surface are provided with vibrators with the patterned electrodes. A progressive wave is generated in the oscillatable element by applying sequentially voltage to an electrode pattern of the patterned electrodes, thereby rotating the output shaft and displacing the output shaft axially due to the vibration.

Abstract: A probe for a three-dimensional (3D) scanning optical imaging which prevents rotational irregularity, axial runout, friction, rotation transmission delays of a rotational part by reducing occurrences of rotation transmission delays, torque loss, and the like, and can perform scanning of a certain length in an axial direction and obtain a three-dimensional observation image, in a probe for OCT image diagnosis. A fixed side optical fiber that transmits light between a tip side and a rear side of a probe and is non-rotatably disposed, a first optical path conversion means that rotates to emit a light ray in a substantially radial direction, a rotation side optical fiber which is rotated by a motor, and a second optical path conversion means that rotates and emits light toward the first optical path conversion means are collinearly disposed. In this way, it is possible to obtain a high quality 3D observation image.

Abstract: (Problem) To suppress vibration generated while rising of a reciprocating lens actuator using a piezoelectric element or the like as a driving source and to shorten a rising speed. (Solving Means) By setting a time of a rising portion to a period corresponding to a natural frequency of a driving source, it is possible to prevent resonance of the driving source while rising so as to suppress vibration after rising and to increase a rising speed. In addition, by returning to an original point before driving, it is possible to improve reproducibility of movement displacement of the input signal.