Abstract: A lens configuration integral with the output window of an enclosure at least partly surrounding a source of a beam is provided. In one embodiment, the beam is an anomorphic diverging beam, such as that produced by a diode laser, having differing angles of divergence along parallel and perpendicular axes, and the at least one lens is configured to at least partly equalize the angles of divergence along the perpendicular and parallel axes.

Abstract: A test checks for appropriate positioning of priority fields for image collection and evaluation. The tests characterize lateral repeatability of stage movement in an X-Y plane, the longitudinal repeatability of the stage along a Z axis, cross coupling of motion in the Z direction from the X-Y stage movement, repeatability of the microscope objective turret positioning, mechanical centration of optical paths and the parfocality of optical paths. The process includes moving to a rough location, performing focus pans to determine the best focus and searching for a known object to register coordinate locations, processing those locations to determine the repeatability and accuracy of the motion system. Further, a means of evaluating these parameters is disclosed by which an automated cytology instrument will validate or invalidate data taken since the last position integrity check.

Abstract: A laser source arrangement is provided for use in a laser instrument of a kind used to transmit a scan pattern to a target which is spaced from the laser instrument and to detect light reflected from the target. The laser source arrangement preferably comprises a laser diode for producing a laser beam used to form the scan pattern. The laser diode is characterized by astigmatism which is subject to variation with the temperature of the case of the diode. The arrangement further includes drive apparatus for driving the laser diode in a pulsed mode having a duty cycle which reduces the astigmatism and substantially controls the temperature dependence of the astigmatism. Optics are also provided for statically correcting the astigmatism of the laser diode.