Abstract: A platen surface structure construct, particularly useful in a hard copy apparatus for a vacuum holddown, is configured by dimensioning print media platen surface structure channels and ports in order to ensure print media leading edge and trailing edge holddown. Moreover, the vacuum is distributed across the platen surface in accordance with predetermined dye flow characteristics based upon known dye composition and known print medium composition and such that print artifacts are not created by vacuum pulling wet dye through the capillaries of the medium.

Abstract: Conventional reference beam detecting apparatus require the use of transits and levels in addition to the reference beam detecting apparatus itself to make the operation of determining the height of construction very cumbersome. A reference beam detecting apparatus 404 according to the invention comprises a first light receiving section 412 and a second light receiving section 414. The angle SFH formed by the first light receiving section 412 and the front surface of the apparatus main body and the angle SFG formed by the second light receiving section 414 and the front surface of the apparatus main body are same and equal to about 30° . The reference beam detecting apparatus further comprises a light receiving position display section 118, a notch 140 and a data display section 404.

Abstract: A device for non-invasively measuring an analyte within the body uses a source of light to illuminate a tissue component, then detects and measures the light during more than one selected time period. The light source may be tuned or coupled with one or more filters to provide a selected light spectrum. The tissue component may be any extremity which contains blood and can conduct light, preferably a finger or ear lobe. The detector selects a wavelength or group of wavelengths. The light source may be varied, the source filters may be modulated, or the detector may be sampled at selected times. In general, it is desirable to take one measurement during maximum blood flow in the tissue component and a second measurement during minimum blood flow. The blood flow may be modified by pressure or temperature. The minimum blood flow measurement provides a reference to be subtracted from the signal for the analyte of interest in blood.

Abstract: A method for analysis of samples having turbidity and/or high absorption is disclosed. The analysis incorporates several factors that affect transmittance or absorption. These factors may include: absorption as measured in a non-turbid sample, scattering losses due to particles and limitations of the measurement device as measured in a non-absorbing sample, additional scattering losses due to sample absorption, variable path length effects due to the sample, and variable path length effects due to the measurement device. By taking into account additional factors that affect transmittance or absorption, a more accurate analysis is achieved.

Abstract: An optical head (4) for sensing banknotes using six different groups of light sources, namely LEDs generating light at six different wavelengths both in the visible range of the spectrum and in the infra-red range of the spectrum. Unitary light guides (16,18) define the path between linear arrays (8,10) of the LEDs and the surface of a banknote (2). Diffusely reflected light is separately collected by a pin diode detector array (12). Both the LEDs and the detectors are commonly mounted on a single printed circuit board (14). The light sources (8,10) are arranged to shine directly into the light-receiving end of each light guide, which are unitary and allow the light to mix and spread within in order to provide a homogeneous illumination. The detectors (12) are optically isolated and detect discrete areas on the banknote transport path.

Abstract: A transmitted light refractometer comprises an optical system having a movable mirror for redirecting light transmitted through a light-refracting sample to a beam splitter for dividing the light between first and second detection paths. The first detection path leads to an eyepiece whereby an operator may view an illumination boundary shadowline brought into the field of view of the eyepiece by adjusting the position of the movable mirror. The second detection path leads to a light-sensitive detector, preferably a linear scanned array, for generating signal information indicative of the location of the shadowline on the detector. An optical position sensor associated with the movable mirror includes a position detector providing signal information indicative of the position of the movable mirror.

Abstract: A tracking system having an acquisition sight for use by a pilot to acquire and track a target. Once the target is acquired an operator using a track handle can control tracking of the target. The operator monitors the target utilizing narrow and wide field of view monitors. A computer receives azimuth and elevation positional signals from the tracking device which may be the acquisition sight, the track handle, or other tracking device. The computer then processes the azimuth and elevation data and provides azimuth and elevation angle signals to a gimballed mirror steering the mirror to the target. The mirror receives image forming light from the target and then directs the image forming light to a wide field of view camera and a zoom telescope. The wide field of view camera is connected to the wide field of view monitor displaying the target on the monitor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process of inspecting a container wherein a container is positioned at a predetermined location for inspection. At least a portion of the container is illuminated over a defined finish surface, which can relate to various complete surfaces of the container design. Illuminating light is captured from an area corresponding to the defined finish surface without physical manipulation of the container. Thereafter, it is determined whether the defined finish surface of the container is within predetermined tolerances, which then can be used for quality control or other purposes. An apparatus in accordance with the invention preferably has a source of illuminating light to direct light over defined finish surface of the container, and a light sensor to capture light from an area corresponding to at least the defined finish surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a surface condition of a wafer can be incorporated in a wafer production system. The apparatus has a laser beam source for emitting a laser beam having a wavelength for transmission through the wafer. The laser beam source is positioned to apply the laser beam to the wafer from a reverse side thereof such that the laser beam undergoes total reflection from a surface of the wafer for thereby producing near-field leakage light on the surface of the wafer. Scattered light generated by the near-field leakage light is observed to detect a surface condition of the wafer. A method of detecting a surface condition of a wafer is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method or system that utilizes fluorescence in a sample that would otherwise yield inaccurate results due to spectrally interfering components. The system quantifies spectral interference of a fluorescent label.

Abstract: A reflector for improving the signal of spectrophotometer, the reflector comprising a truncated cone having a reflective inner surface and a conical axis, the truncated cone open at a larger axial end thereof, open at a smaller axial end thereof, and having an opening in the cone surface. The reflector returns specularly scattered light back to the surface of a sample, and therefore enhances the amount of collected light.

Abstract: Light from a light source is converged by a converging lens and is irradiated to an object to be measured through a converging lens, the object to be measured or the converging lens and the reference light mirror are displaced so as to maximize intensities of interference light at the reference light mirror and the front and rear surfaces of the object to be measured, and displaced distances of the object to be measured or the converging lens and the reference light mirror at a position where an intensity of interference light becomes maximum at the rear surface and a position where an intensity of interference light becomes maximum are obtained in order to simultaneously measure a refractive index and a thickness of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting a position of a graduation support relative to a support of the device in a direction of displacement of the graduation support and the support relative to each other. The device has a light source. The support has a high resolution graduation consisting of a sequence or array of optical elements focusing the light beam sensing plane on a support on which light-sensitive sensing elements are arranged so that the displacement of the graduation support in relation to the sensing plane can be assessed with precision. The light flux is modified by the graduation and intercepts at least the entire width of an optical element such that the light energy is converted into an alternating signal representing the position of the graduation support in relation to the support. The device is suitable for producing high resolution sensors with simple elements which are easy to manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser-assisted measuring system for three-dimensional objects and complex surfaces. In accordance with the invention, three-dimensional objects are preferably interior areas of buildings or geological hollows with complex surfaces. The invention makes a considerable contribution to the rationalization and improvement of precision in measuring operations of this kind. In the known pulse operation time method, the distance is measured by a laser pulse from the transmitter to the measuring point and back. A measurement fan is generated on emission of laser pulses. In accordance with the invention, the measurement fan (11) must be turned 360° step by step at a constant speed, in order to cover a three-dimensional area. In a wall, up to 200,000 measuring points can be obtained. An appropriate evaluation of the measurement data takes place so that a 3D wire model can be constructed.

Abstract: In a three dimensional measurement system, a three dimensional pickup apparatus picks up an object repeatedly to generate image information including a shape of the object, and an information processor receives image frame signals and digital signals from the pickup apparatus to process the image information. Image information is sent as image frame signals through a first output terminal, and digital signals are sent through a second output terminal in correspondence to output of the image information through the first output terminal. In the information processor, an input controller receives the digital signals from the first output terminal and receives the image frame signals suitable for transmission of moving images in correspondence to the received digital signals from the second output terminal. For example, the pickup conditions for a next period are set based on the pickup information obtained in a current period.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for film measurement and endpoint detection in a noisy environment, such as CMP processing of semiconductor wafers, are disclosed, characterized by the use of spectral analysis of intensity data derived from light reflected off the sample to estimate film thickness or detect an endpoint condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for sensing horizontally and measuring the level or tilt of features on different locations on a wafer in general, and on chip sites, in particular. This is accomplished on a conventional level sensor, modified and improved, however, according to this invention where a new electrically adjustable, two-directional zoom lens is introduced. The adjustable zoom lens provides field-by-field alignment on a stepper, by providing a variable field view and depth of focus on the viewed field. Thus, whereas prior art provides fixed field-by-field local alignment capability over fixed ship sites on a ware, the present invention extend that capability to variable field-by-field alignment over variable sites on a wafer.

Abstract: An alignment system for multiple objects, such as gain generator modules for a distributed laser resonator. The present invention allows for banks or rows of objects, such as gain generator modules, to be maintained in alignment with one another under closed loop control. In particular, one module of every bank or row is designated as the reference or master module, for example, at one end of the bank. Each of the remaining modules or objects are designated as slave modules and carried by a positioning module. The positioning modules are used to control the x and y movements of the slave modules relative to the master or reference module under closed loop. An iris or target with an aperture is mounted on each of the slave modules. A laser source mounted on the master or reference module is dithered relative to the targets in the x and y directions. An optical system, for example, simple telescope at the base of each target images the laser onto a detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of optically monitoring one or more sensors that responds to the target gas by means of an optical change. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by more than one photodiode in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photocurrent from the photodiode is converted to a digital sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings are essentially differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously measuring in real time for a reflection-type holographic optical element the wavelength of maximum diffraction efficiency, the angular and spectral selectivities, and the direction of the grating vector by analyzing the characteristics of the intensity distribution of the transmitted beam. A diverging or diffusive beam having an angle of divergence greater than the incident angle satisfying the Bragg condition of the holographic optical element under measurement. The apparatus comprises a multi-wavelength oscillation laser beam source, a beam diffuser, a objective lens, and an image projection screen.

Abstract: An image processing device of the present invention includes a storage for storing image data and a printer for printing images on a plurality of copies of sheets in accordance with the image data. The printer produces a single copy of printings at a time on the basis of a plurality of pages of image data stored in the storage. When a plurality of copies of printings are desired, and if a copy proof mode is selected, the operation of the printer is interrupted before the printer produces the second copy of printings. The operation of the printing section is resumed in response to a print restart command. The image processing device therefore allows the operator desiring a plurality of copies of printings to proof a printed image before the image is printed on the second sheet.

Abstract: A printer system has a computer, a printer disposed separately of the computer for forming an image on a recording paper in compliance with image data received from the computer, and recognizing apparatus for recognizing a start of operation of the computer, the printer incorporating a setting apparatus for setting the printer in a state capable of producing a printing operation when the start of operation of the computer is recognized by the recognizing apparatus, thus permitting a printing operation with only a small operational rise time.

Abstract: A particular image written in a particular paper of a particular paper size is scanned by a scanner to produce image data, a format of the image data is changed to a mail format to change the image data to mail data, the particular paper size is added to the mail data, and the mail data is transmitted from a transmitting side to a receiving side through a LAN by an electronic mail. In the receiving side, the mail data is changed to reproduced image data, and it is judged whether or not the particular paper size of the particular paper is larger than a prescribed paper size treatable on the receiving side. In cases where the particular paper size is larger than the prescribed paper size, the reproduced image data is thinned out to produce adjusted image data, and a downsized image is printed on a prescribed paper of the prescribed paper size according to the adjusted image data.

Abstract: An ink jet printer includes an MPU for outputting 1 byte of reverse data. This reverse data is loaded onto a reverse data register. Low nibble data in 4 bits is set to a data switch in response to a “state 1” control signal from a status control. Responsive to a “state 6” control signal, high nibble data in 4 bits is set to the data switch. Thus, the reverse data, configured by 8 bits in the “state 1” and “state 4”, is sent on a 4-bit basis to a host computer.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus analyzes the objects contained in print data and creates index information consisting of the types of objects included in one job and on each page of the job, the numbers of the objects and the sizes thereof. The index information is sent to a printer together with print data. On the basis of the index information, the printer calculates the size of the image developed and the quantity of data before it performs printing. If the calculated image size and quantity of data conform to conditions decided from the memory size and printing speed of the printer, the print data is developed into an image the resolution and number of tones of which are less than those originally specified. This image is printed out.

Abstract: A drawing object is processed in accordance with an attribute thereof to obtain an output image of a high quality. To this end, an image processing method for developing a drawing object, converting the drawing object into a code representative of a pattern for each set of a plurality of dots, and outputting the code to an output device, includes the steps of, judging whether the drawing object is a resolution prominent object, developing a drawing object which is not the resolution prominent object at a first resolution to convert into the code, developing the resolution prominent object at a second resolution higher than the first resolution, deriving an edge portion from an image developed at the second resolution, for each of blocks constituted of the plurality of dots, and converting the edge portion into an edge pattern code for each set of the plurality of dots, and outputting the code and the edge pattern code to the output device.

Abstract: A multi-color image forming apparatus and method to form a color image by overlapping multiple gradation pattern images formed for each of the recording colors based on the input color image information, wherein the screen angles of the unit gradation patterns of the multiple gradation pattern images are set such that they are separated from one another by 20 degrees or more, and in which the first unit gradation pattern is formed using a line pattern in which the colored dot patterns are made to extend in the direction corresponding to a first screen angle and the second unit gradation pattern is formed using a line pattern in which the colored dot patterns are made to extend in the direction corresponding to a second screen angle which is different from the first screen angle by 90 degrees.

Abstract: Error diffusion halftoning in which error diffusion coefficients and/or thresholds vary, and preferably vary based on output error or on image source data plus accumulated error. Varying error diffusion coefficients and/or thresholds is observed to reduce printed artifacts. Preferably, a look-up table is provided, which may be based on output error or based on image source data plus accumulated error, and which directly provides error values for diffusion by adding to adjacent pixels, and which further may provide printer output data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to descreen a halftoned picture takes into account the actual distribution of black or colors on the print without the need for scanning printed images but, rather, using only the printing decision matrix and the printer characteristics. For the purpose of laser printing, or more generally for reproduction on any printing device with a limited number of printing levels, a color or grayscale image has to be transformed into an array of printing decisions at each pixel of the output image. Sometimes this array is the only available representation of the original image. One may desire to reconstitute a good approximation of the original grayscale image from this array, for instance to print the picture on a printer with different characteristics from the printer for which the array was originally prepared, or to display it on a high resolution monitor. The method and apparatus to solve this problem in a way which take precise account of printer characteristics is described.

Abstract: Halftone-dot image data in a position space is converted into data in a frequency space by fast Fourier transform unit, and data including low-frequency noise components whose frequency is lower than the fundamental frequency component of halftone dots is extracted from the data in the frequency space by a low-pass filter. The extracted data including the frequency noise components is inversely converted into image data in the position space by an inverse fast Fourier transform unit. Pixels of the halftone-dot image data in positions which correspond to pixels including the noise components in the inversely converted image data are corrected by a corrector such that the noise components will be reduced. The correcting process is in the position space, and can simply be carried out.

Abstract: A system which utilizes plural image forming apparatus, equalizes gradation characteristics of images commonly output from such plural image forming apparatus. When the system includes three color copying apparatus, at first a test pattern image based on data from a pattern generator is output from the color copying apparatus. The prepared image is read by the reader of the color copying apparatus, and, based on the read data, the correction data of a table (LUT) are calibrated for obtaining density data for a laser beam. The calibration of the correction data of the color copying apparatus are conducted in a similar manner using, however, the reader of the same copying apparatus for reading the test pattern. It is therefore, rendered possible to exclude the influence of the difference in the reader characteristics on the calibration, and to equalize the gradation characteristics when the copying apparatus are used as printers.

Abstract: A process for compensation for real time changes of magnification in an optics system for an image scanner. Targets having high-contrast edges, on both sides of an image to be scanned, are scanned along with the image. If magnification changes, the number of pixels between the targets may change. The pixels between the targets are filtered to generate a fixed number of pixels. Photosensor sensitivity compensation values may be separated into factory compensation values and scanner pre-scan compensation values. Factory compensation values are applied before filtering. Differences between factory compensation values and pre-scan compensation values are applied after filtering.

Abstract: An apparatus for dithering an input image to produce an output array for representation on an output device is described. The apparatus includes an input device to store input image pixels having a first plurality of chrominance or luminance levels; a dithering system including a dither template including an M by N matrix of integer threshold values, the uniform distribution of threshold values throughout the dither template possessing homogeneous attributes. The apparatus further includes a normalizer unit for normalizing the threshold values of the dither template for storage in a dither matrix according to the first plurality of chrominance or luminance levels of the input image pixels and a second plurality of chrominance or luminance levels of the output array and a summation unit to add the input image pixel chrominance or luminance values to the normalized threshold values of the dither matrix.

Abstract: In an image reader comprising a lower frame disposed below a document path, an upper frame pivotally fitted to the lower frame above the document path via a fulcrum shaft, an optical unit disposed above the document path; a motor for driving a document feeder, and/or the rotation transmission mechanism thereof being mounted on the upper frame, the optical unit has a unit frame as a separate member from the upper frame, and the unit frame and the upper frame are independently pivotally supported by a common fulcrum shaft supported by the lower frame in a non-contact state with each other, and independently engaged at their respective close positions via stopper provided on the lower frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for removing scratches from photographic elements. The composition includes a solvent, an abrasive particle, a petroleum distillate, hard wax and water.

Abstract: Device independent color signals in color coordinates of the calorimetric system are computed using the color signals Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki in first CMYK coordinates. A maximum quantity of black maxKi of the color signals Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki is computed by using the color signals Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki and the device independent color signals. A black ratio g of the color signals Ci, Mi, Yi, Ki is computed using the maximum black quantity maxKi and the color signal Ki. A maximum quantity of black that can be obtained without changing the device independent color signals is computed using the device independent color signals. The color signal Ko in second CMYK coordinates is determined by the maximum black quantity and the black ratio, and the color signals Co, Mo, Yo, Ko in the CMYK coordinates are determined by using the device independent color signals and the color signal Ko.

Abstract: An optical interface of a holographic memory system electrically selects one of several optical pathways to store or retrieve an image from a holographic memory by activating liquid crystal polarization rotators and novel liquid crystal gratings. In a preferred embodiment a spatial light modulator, a pixelized readout device (i.e., focal-plane array), a series of polarizing optical components, liquid-crystal polarization rotators, liquid-crystal beam-steering devices, and interconnecting and imaging optics are provided. The parallel interconnection accepts a laser-beam input, divides the beam among multiple paths, imparts a data-bearing spatial signature on a signal beam by means of a spatial light modulator, steers a reference beam by means of liquid-crystal beam-steering devices, and directs the appropriate beams into the recording medium.

Abstract: A planar optical crossbar switch comprising two thin planar substrates, on each of which are recorded or attached two holographic lenses between which light propagates by means of total internal reflection. The first lens is a negative cylindrical lens, used to input the incident light signal to the substrate, and the second lens is a positive cylindrical lens. The two substrates are disposed at right angles to each other in such a way that the positive lenses are positioned one on top of the other with a spatial light modulator sandwiched between them or beneath them. A linear array of detectors collects the output signal from the negative lens on the second substrate.

Abstract: A two-focal-point pickup device capable of suppressing the generation of glitch or bump in reproduced signal. The optical pickup device irradiates a light beam emitted from a light source onto an optical recording medium to form a light spot on a track of a recording surface of the optical recording medium to read the optical recording medium while controlling the position of the light spot relative to the track of the recording surface. The optical pickup device includes a converging lens section coaxially disposed in an optical axis of the light beam to converge the light beam onto the recording surface; and a hologram lens section coaxially disposed in the optical axis of the light beam to diffract the light beam.

Abstract: A laser scanning apparatus including an optical source installed on a main frame, a scan disk which is rotatably installed on the main frame and has diffraction patterns formed thereon for deflecting a beam emitted from the optical source in a predetermined direction to achieve a normal light path, and a means for shielding an abnormal beam that is emitted from the optical source and diffracted or reflected off the normal light path by the scan disk.

Abstract: A wavelength division multiplexed optical system utilizes a plurality of lasers each operating at a different wavelength. Each laser is directly modulated with independent data at an NRZ signal of a given bit rate frequency and their outputs are combined as a train of pulses in a single optical fiber in the WDM format. The train of pulses is passed through a Mach-Zehender modulator driven with a sine wave synchronized with the bit rate of the NRZ drive to the lasers.

Abstract: In an output port switching device in an N-WDM system, plural ports are switched by a change-over switch 18, and a backup light source path 19 linked to the change-over switch 18 has a wavelength-variable light source 23. A first multiplexer 14 wavelength-multiplexes plural optical signals output from the plural ports, and a trouble-occurring port monitoring mechanism portion 17 monitors occurrence of a trouble on the basis of an optical signal split from the output optical signal. The change-over switch 18 selects and switches an optical signal to which the trouble is detected, and the backup light source path 19 is controlled so that the wavelength thereof is substantially coincident with the wavelength of the optical signal to which the trouble is detected, and the optical signal thus controlled and the output optical signals of the first multiplexer are multiplexed by a second multiplexer 15.

Abstract: An optical bus for propagating signal light comprises a beam dividing portion consisting of a plurality of diffraction surfaces for diffracting signal light input from a signal light input portion and directing it toward a plurality of signal light output portions, which are arranged in a mosaic manner. A signal processor uses the above optical bus to carry out signal processing including the transmission and reception of a signal to improve optical energy use efficiency, thereby reducing power consumption and constructing a system having extendability.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source for illuminating an original, a plurality of mirrors for reflecting a light beam from the original illuminated with the light source, an imaging lens for forming an image of the light beam reflected by the plurality of mirrors, an image sensor arranged at an image forming position of the imaging lens, and an integrated scanning optical unit movable in a scanning direction. The integrated scanning optical unit integrally accommodate the light source, the plurality of mirrors, the imaging lens, and the image sensor to thereby obtain image information of the original. An optical axis L connecting, of the plurality of mirrors, a mirror B optically closest to an incident surface of the imaging lens, the imaging lens, and the image sensor is substantially parallel to the original surface. The mirror B, the imaging lens, and the image sensor are located at a lowest position of the integrated scanning optical system unit with respect to the original surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light scanning device for exciting and detecting secondary light, especially fluorescent light, on a sample, comprising a light-emitting device for emitting excitation light having a wavelength which is suitable for exciting secondary light on or in the sample, a scanning unit for scanning at least one subarea of the sample with said excitation light, and a detection unit for the secondary light emitted in response to excitation of the sample, said detection unit comprising a detection optics and a detector device. In the case of conventional scanning devices, the spatial resolution on the sample is determined by the scanning element alone. If spot detectors without spatial resolution are used, the detector must be read out and re-initialized after the illumination of each scanning spot on the sample; this results in a waiting time before the scanning beam can be moved to the next scanning spot and, consequently, in a reduction of the read-out velocity.

Abstract: An optical deflection device includes: a rotor having reflection surfaces on a cirumferential surface thereof; a bearing for rotatably supporting the rotor; a magnet fixed on the rotor; a supporting member for supporting the bearing, on which a radiating fin is integrally formed; and a coil fixed on the supporting member at a position where the coil faces the magnet for forming a magnetic field.

Abstract: A laser beam scanning optical apparatus which images each laser beam emitted from a laser diode array via a deflector and optical elements and scans the laser beam linearly on a scanning surface at a substantially constant speed. The laser diode array has a plurality of light emitting sources arranged two-dimensionally, and more specifically, arranged in a first direction at uniform intervals of P1 and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction at uniform intervals of P2 which is different from P1. In the laser beam scanning optical apparatus, the magnification ratio in the main scanning direction and the magnification ratio in the sub scanning direction are different from each other.

Abstract: A light scanning device deflects a plurality of light beams by a deflecting means performs divided scanning on a single scanning line on a photoconductor with the plurality of deflected light beams. When the scanning line is scanned, a detecting means detects a light beam passing through a predetermined position in front of a position where the light beam first strikes an image forming range on the photoconductor. An oscillating means oscillates a specified number of clocks in a time interval from when the light beam is detected by the detecting means until it is detected thereby again. An adjusting means makes adjustments so as to irradiate a plurality of light beams based on clocks oscillated by the oscillating means. In a time interval after the light beam is detected by the detecting means until it is detected thereby again, a plurality of light beams are irradiated based on the specified number of clocks.

Abstract: A light scanning type confocal optical device comprises a light source section, a light transmitting section, a light scanning section, and a processing section. The scanning section includes a movable mirror, a fixed mirror and a converging lens. The movable mirror has an opening at the center, and is supported to be swingable about at least one axis. The fixed mirror is fixedly supported by an optically transparent plate. Reflection surfaces of the movable and fixed mirrors are located opposed to each other. The transmitting section includes an optical fiber having a core, whose end face substantially functions as a confocal pinhole. The light from the end face of the core is, upon passing through the opening, reflected by the fixed mirror toward the movable mirror. The light from the fixed mirror is then reflected by the movable mirror, and is converged by the converging lens onto an object surface.

Abstract: A reflective modulator (10) includes a light splitter (12) which divides light into two portions, one of which is applied to a directional coupler (14) by a first path (20), and the other of which is applied to the directional coupler (14) by way of cascaded electrooptic (e-o) modulators (18a, 18b). One port of the directional coupler (14) is terminated in a reflector (22), and the other in an absorptive termination (24). Electrical signals A and B are applied to the modulators (18a, 18b), with the result of generation of sum and difference frequencies modulating the light. The light leaves the reflective modulator (10) and is coupled to a utilization apparatus (64) by a second directional coupler (28). A further e-o modulator (26) may be coupled in the first path, for controlling the long-term average phase shift. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the signal sources (30a, 30b) are elemental antennas of an array (30).