Abstract: An improved light-readable information recording medium is provided that comprises an optical data storage structure having lands and pits, in which the depth of the pits is about: ? 2 ? n ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, and n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits. The invention also provides an improved optical reading system with the parameters satisfying the relationship: nd = ? 2 ? n ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits, and d is the depth of the pits.

Abstract: An improved light-readable information recording medium is provided that comprises an optical data storage structure having lands and pits, in which the depth of the pits is about: ? 2 ? n ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, and n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits. The invention also provides an improved optical reading system with the parameters satisfying the relationship: nd = ? 2 ? n ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits, and d is the depth of the pits.

Abstract: A bar code scanning device, system and method that utilizes one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes for producing at least one laser beam, where the vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes are disposed on a substrate, and wherein the produced laser beam is substantially an essential single spatial mode laser beam. The bar code scanning device, system and method of present invention also comprise a photodiode attached to the substrate and arranged to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected off the scanned bar code or symbol.

Abstract: A bar code scanning device, system and method that utilizes one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes for producing at least one laser beam, where the vertical cavity surface emitting laser diodes are disposed on a substrate, and wherein the produced laser beam is substantially an essential single spatial mode laser beam. The bar code scanning device, system and method of present invention also comprise a photodiode attached to the substrate and arranged to receive at least a portion of the beam of light reflected off the scanned bar code or symbol.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: An improved light-readable information recording medium is provided that comprises an optical data storage structure having lands and pits, in which the depth of the pits is about: ? 2 ? n ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MTT is the transverse magnification, and n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits. The invention also provides an improved optical reading system with the parameters satisfying the relationship: n ? ? ? d ? ? 2 ? m 1 + M T 2 , wherein ? is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits, and d is the depth of the pits.

Abstract: A plastic lens includes refractive and diffractive optical apparatus configured to produce optothermal changes substantially canceling each other over a predetermined working temperature range to render the plastic lens substantially athermalized over the range.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: A green laser beam is generated and is focused and shaped with an asymmetrical beam cross-section in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia. The green laser beam is also used to illuminate an aiming spot or pattern on the indicia prior to reading.

Abstract: A scan module for use in a bar code reader including a base, a light source, a focusing lens, a scan mirror mounted for oscillatory motion relative to the base so as to create a scanner laser beam, and a magnifying lens for magnifying the angle of reflection of a light beam from the light source off the scan mirror.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A green laser beam is generated and is focused and shaped with an asymmetrical beam cross-section in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia. The green laser beam is also used to illuminate an aiming spot or pattern on the indicia prior to reading.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader including a housing bounding an interior, a window, a generally planar printed circuit board mounted in the interior, and an optical scanning assembly mounted on the board and including a scanner for directing a light beam through the window at an acute angle relative to the board. A scanning element of the reader is manufactured by spacing a first and second support element apart by a gap bounded by edges of the support elements; injection molding a curable, elastomeric material in flowable form over the edges and into the gap; and allowing the curable, elastomeric material to cure and bond to the edges, and form a flexible hinge in the gap for enabling movement of the support elements relative to one another both away from and toward a stable rest initial position.

Abstract: An improved optical system for scanning optical codes is disclosed. A laser beam produced thereby is a diverging, nearly diffraction free beam and may be used to produce an elongated scanning spot. A laser assembly which may be used to produce such beams and spots, combines various optical functions in structures which are relatively insensitive to temperature change.

Abstract: An improved light-readable information recording medium is provided that comprises an optical data storage structure having lands and pits, in which the depth of the pits is about: λ 2 ⁢ n ⁢   ⁢   ⁢ M 1 + m T 2 , wherein &lgr; is the wavelength of light used to read the information recording medium, m is the order of interference selected from a group consisting of odd integers, MT is the transverse magnification, and n is the refractive index encountered by the reading light inside the pits.

Abstract: A plastic lens includes refractive and diffractive optical apparatus configured to produce optothermal changes substantially canceling each other over a predetermined working temperature range to render the plastic lens substantially athermalized over the range.