Abstract: An imaging device comprises pixels. The pixel includes first semiconductor regions of a first conductivity type provided in a surface part of a semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type provided in the surface part of the semiconductor substrate between the first semiconductor regions. The pixel includes: a light-receiving unit in which photodiodes each configured between the second semiconductor region and one of the first semiconductor regions; quenching circuits, each connected to a corresponding one of the first semiconductor regions; and a counter unit connected to each of connection nodes between the first semiconductor regions and the quenching circuits and counts a pulse generated in response to a photon being incident on the light-receiving unit. The second semiconductor region is provided across a deeper part of the semiconductor substrate than the first semiconductor regions.

Abstract: A command generation device to control a motor includes command input circuitry configured to receive a first command, first intermediate data calculation circuitry configured to calculate first intermediate data based on the first command, delay time setting circuitry configured to determine a delay time based on the first command, second intermediate data calculation circuitry configured to calculate second intermediate data by smoothing the first intermediate data based on the delay time, and command output circuitry configured to calculate, based on the second intermediate data, a second command according to which the motor is controlled. A first time period during which positioning the motor based on the first command is completed when the first intermediate data is smoothed is longer by the delay time than a second time period during which positioning the motor based on the first command is completed when the first intermediate data is not smoothed.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of the invention includes an image pickup device for picking up object light; a mirror section for switching an optical path of the object light; a retaining member for retaining at least the mirror section; and a shake detection section for detecting a shake of the image pickup device. The shake detection section is provided in a member separate from but indirectly connected to the retaining member via a predetermined connection section.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion compensator whereby the amount of dispersion and the group delay time can be easily adjusted. A dispersion unit, a transmitting lens and a group delay generation unit are arranged along the optical axis of incident light. The dispersion unit separates the incident light into beams of respective different wavelengths. The transmitting lens is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths separated by the dispersion unit, and refracts the beams at different angles according to their respective incidence positions. The group delay generation unit is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths refracted by the transmitting lens, causes the beams to undergo propagation delay for periods corresponding to their respective incidence positions, and converges and emits the beams of different wavelengths. Consequently, the beams of different wavelengths are imparted group delay corresponding to the refracting angles of the transmitting lens.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion compensator whereby the amount of dispersion and the group delay time can be easily adjusted. A dispersion unit, a transmitting lens and a group delay generation unit are arranged along the optical axis of incident light. The dispersion unit separates the incident light into beams of respective different wavelengths. The transmitting lens is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths separated by the dispersion unit, and refracts the beams at different angles according to their respective incidence positions. The group delay generation unit is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths refracted by the transmitting lens, causes the beams to undergo propagation delay for periods corresponding to their respective incidence positions, and converges and emits the beams of different wavelengths. Consequently, the beams of different wavelengths are imparted group delay corresponding to the refracting angles of the transmitting lens.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser cutting device, a method for laser cutting and a laser cutting system with which it is possible to perform laser cutting of parts of various shapes through easy control, to prevent adhesion of dust or similar and scratches being formed in cut parts, and to send out such parts while reliably supporting the same.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus of the invention comprises: an image pickup device for picking up object light; a mirror section for switching an optical path of the object light; a retaining member for retaining at least the mirror section; and a shake detection section for detecting a shake of the image pickup device, wherein the shake detection section is provided in a member separate from but indirectly connected to the retaining member via a predetermined connection section. The shake detection section is attached to the separate member connected indirectly to the retaining member that retains the mirror section and hence receives directly a vibration at the time of driving of the mirror section, with the intervention of the connection section. This avoids that the vibration caused by the driving of the mirror section is directly transmitted to the shake detection section. That is, the vibration is bypassed and damped along a route going through the connection section.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion compensator whereby the amount of dispersion and the group delay time can be easily adjusted. A dispersion unit, a transmitting lens and a group delay generation unit are arranged along the optical axis of incident light. The dispersion unit separates the incident light into beams of respective different wavelengths. The transmitting lens is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths separated by the dispersion unit, and refracts the beams at different angles according to their respective incidence positions. The group delay generation unit is arranged across the optical paths of the beams of different wavelengths refracted by the transmitting lens, causes the beams to undergo propagation delay for periods corresponding to their respective incidence positions, and converges and emits the beams of different wavelengths. Consequently, the beams of different wavelengths are imparted group delay corresponding to the refracting angles of the transmitting lens.

Abstract: A method for generating plasma, comprising irradiating an electromagnetic wave to an energy converter capable of converting an irradiated electromagnetic wave to an electric energy and discharging said electric energy, in the presence of a rare gas in a chamber. A method for activating plasma, further comprising applying an electric cr magnetic field to said generated plasma, a process for treating a substrate, using the generated and optionally activated plasma, and apparatuses therefor are also disclosed.