Abstract: An optical detector measuring a movement of an object in a space on a measurement axis comprises a light source, a reflective portion, a detection unit and a converting unit. The light source comprises a resonance chamber, the light source emitting a laser beam toward the object, the laser beam contacting the object and generating a first scattering beam and a reflection beam, wherein a part of the first scattering beam enters the resonance chamber. The reflective portion reflects the reflection beam toward the object, the reflection beam re-contacting the object and generating a second scattering beam and a sub-reflection beam, wherein a part of the second scattering beam and the sub-reflection beam enter the resonance chamber. The detection unit measures an optical-electrical variation in the resonance chamber to generate an electric signal. The converting unit converts the electric signal to a movement on the measurement axis in the space.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and a reference position of a beam column are provided. For some embodiments, independent discrete interferometers may be utilized for distance measurements in each axis, rather than a cumbersome monolithic multi-axis interferometer utilized in conventional systems.

Abstract: An optical nulling apparatus for testing an optical surface includes an aspheric mirror having a reflecting surface for imaging light near or onto the optical surface under test, where the aspheric mirror is configured to reduce spherical aberration of the optical surface under test. The apparatus includes a light source for emitting light toward the aspheric mirror, the light source longitudinally aligned with the aspheric mirror and the optical surface under test. The aspheric mirror is disposed between the light source and the optical surface under test, and the emitted light is reflected off the reflecting surface of the aspheric mirror and imaged near or onto the optical surface under test. An optical measuring device is disposed between the light source and the aspheric mirror, where light reflected from the optical surface under test enters the optical measuring device.

Abstract: A device and a method for wavefront measurement of an optical system (7), in particular by an interferometric measurement technique. A dynamic range correction element (12, 12a) is arranged in the beam path upstream of the detector arrangement (11) and is designed such that the variation in the spatially dependent characteristic of a phase of the wavefront forming the interference pattern is kept below a prescribed limit value throughout a detection area. In addition or as an alternative, a set of several diffraction structures of different period length can be used with a shearing interferometry technique and/or a set of several pairs of a reference pinhole and a signal passage opening with different hole spacings can be used with a point diffraction interferometry technique for different sub-areas of the detection area. A remaining distortion error can be taken into account by determining a corresponding distortion transformation and applying the inverse distortion transformation.

Abstract: A fly-eye-like imaging system for seeing objects embedded in scattering media. Objects are recovered from many speckled images observed by a digital camera through a microlens array. Each microlens in the array generates a speckle image of the object buried between two layers of chick breast tissue. In the computer, each image is Fourier transformed jointly with an image of the speckled pointlike source captured under the same conditions. A set of the squared magnitudes of the Fourier-transformed pictures is accumulated to form a single average picture. This final picture is again Fourier transformed, resulting in the reconstruction of the hidden object.

Abstract: In order to provide a surface shape measuring apparatus and a surface shape measuring method capable of detecting a distortion on the curved surface of a work precisely, a laser displacement meter 17 disposed to the outside surface of a door panel 51 of a curved shape at a confronting position, a Z-axis servo motor 24 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along the top-and-bottom direction with respect to the outside surface of the door panel 51, an X-axis servo motor 22 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along the left-and-right direction, and a Y-axis servo motor 26 to move the laser displacement meter 17 along an confronting direction in which the laser displacement meter 17 and the outside surface of the door panel 51 oppose each other, are provided, and a CPU 21 controls the Y-axis servo motor 26 in such a manner that a constant distance is maintained in the confronting direction between the laser displacement meter 17 and the outside surface of the door panel 51.

Abstract: A method for generating a mask for use with a light measurement system that includes a light source for projecting light onto a surface of an object, and an imaging system for receiving light reflected from the surface of the object. The method includes determining a profile of the object to be inspected, and generating a mask based on the determined profile, wherein the mask includes an opening extending therethrough that has a profile that substantially matches a profile of the object as viewed from the light source.

Abstract: Systems for acquiring an approximation of the surface geometry of a 3-dimensional object include a self-powered wireless, non-contact optical scanner, the location and orientation of which may be tracked with respect to an object coordinate system, and a processor configured for projecting a pattern of structured light on the object, moving the pattern with respect to the object, acquiring images of the intersection of the light on the object over time, determining local coordinates of points on the intersection with respect to the pattern, tracking the position of the pattern, transforming the local coordinates to object coordinates, and accumulating the points as a model of the surface of the object. The systems may wirelessly and possibly compactly transmit geometrical data which characterizes an intersection for a given position of the scanner with respect to the object.

Abstract: A method for measuring pyramid size of pyramids outwardly extending on a textured surface of an object, which method involves emitting from a light source a light beam along a first direction onto a region of the textured surface, measuring an intensity of light received from that region along a second direction, and processing the measured intensity to obtain an average size of pyramids; and a device suitable for measuring pyramid size according to the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dimensions of pairs of human feet and a method for carrying out the measurements using the apparatus is described. The device is based on two light emitter/detector pairs. The emitter/detector pairs are caused to move in mutually orthogonal directions in order to measure the length of the longest foot and the width of each foot in the pair of feet being measured.

Abstract: In an image processor for a character image included in an image data to be processed, character codes are recognized, and character sizes of the characters in the character image are recognized. A font data is selected in a plurality of font data of different sizes stored in a storage device, so as to match with the recognized character codes, the recognized font sizes and a magnification of the image data. The selected font data are outputted. Thus, the character image is reproduced by using the recognized character codes. Alternatively, in a saving mode where image data of N pages are outputted in M sheets of recording medium, wherein N is not equal to M, character codes are recognized in a character image included in N pages of image data to be processed. Then, a font data is selected in a plurality of font data, so as to match with the recognized character codes.

Abstract: At the time of ordering a print of image data via a network, agency information is input without carrying out a troublesome operation. Image data obtained by reading a film at a DPE store are written in a CD-R together with agency information representing the DPE store. By using a user terminal, a user orders the print of the image data written in the CD-R from a printing-order reception center. Upon ordering the print, the agency information written in the CD-R is transferred to an order reception server. After the print is generated, the printing-order reception center delivers the print to the agency represented by the agency information.

Abstract: A raster generation system for a printing machine with an image-setting unit in which the system has at least one raster processor for generating raster data from raw image data, and a memory for storing the raster data. In order to have a raster generation system with a high operating speed in spite of the simple components that are used, the memory for storing the raster data is formed by a raster memory with random access, and the raster processor stores the raster data column by column in the raster memory.

Abstract: A user who needs prints of digital images shot by the digital camera generates a print request information, and sends the generated print request information to a print order management server via a print order receiving terminal and a network. The print request information includes digital image information to be printed, receiver identification information to identify print receivers associated with each piece of digital image information, and information indicating print conditions for each digital image and each print receiver. The print order management server, receiving print request information, determines the printing location for each receiver based on the concurrently received receiver information or pre-registered receiver information. The print order management server then sends the print order information for each receiver to a print server corresponding to the determined printing location.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a connection unit which is connected to a network to perform communication, a receiving unit which receives printing information including at least page kind data indicating the kinds of data for each page and image data, through the connection unit, an image processing unit which performs image processing for the image data to properly decrease the quantity of printing material used for printing for each predetermined unit, based on the received page kind data, and a printer which prints on a medium based on the image data for which the image processing has been performed.

Abstract: A printing system includes a network, a first computer connected to the network, a second computer connected to the network, and a printer connected to the network. The first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer includes a printer controller and a printer engine. The printer controller includes an individual printer management part for managing the printer, and an individual printer information DB part. The second computer includes a total printer management service processing part for managing a plurality of printers including the printer connected to the network, and a total printer management information DB part. The second computer communicates with the printer controller and/or the first computer over the network to manage the printer to cope with trouble in the printer, order consumable items and replacement parts for the printer, and update programs and data for using the printer.

Abstract: A printer acquires a relative distance between the printer and another printer and holds the relative distance in an alternative printer list table. When selecting a printer to which a request for alternative printing is made, the printer searches relative distances in the alternative printer list table and selects a printer with the shortest relative distance as an alternative printer. Consequently, the printer to which the request for alternative printing is made or the like can be efficiently selected.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information processor for transmitting image data to an image processor together with device information, and plural image processors for performing, according to the device information, processes to the transmitted image data. The information processor comprises a setter to set the device information and command information, and a transmitter to transmit data including the device and command information to the image processor. The image processor comprises a device information memory, a device information setter to set the device information to the memory, and a selector to, according to the transmitted device information, set the device information according to the command information to the memory, change the command information, and select whether to transmit the data including the changed command information to the next image processor or transmit the transmitted data to the next image processor as it is.

Abstract: The image processor comprises a switch that divides image data into m×n pixels, having n lines with m pixels per one line; a group of line memories that store the divided image; a compression device which batch compresses the image data of m×n pixels. Further, a command control unit provides control so as to send the (n?1) lines of image data among m×n pixels of image data to the group of line memories, and the remaining one line of image data directly to the compression device 902, and to send the m×(n?1) pixels of image data stored in the line memories to the compression device.

Abstract: A color printer 20 allocates all of the image processing memory resources for image processing on image data GD lined up in the main scanning direction of a print head IH, secures an amount of memory resources for each of the lined up image data GD, and releases the memory resources as the image processing completes. A CPU 51 secures image processing memory resources for an image datum 1 in the storage area of a RAM 53, and releases the secured memory resources when the image processing on the image datum 1 is complete. The CPU 51 repeatedly implements this processing on each image datum contained in one print job.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held and hand-operated printing device having a print (2) head assembly comprised in a housing (1) for a hand-held and hand-operated printing controlled by a processor (4), and a method therefore. The position of the printing device on a print medium is sensed in relation to pixels to be printed. An image is stored in a memory together with its mutual image pixel coordinate data. Image pixels are printed onto the print medium through nozzles (12) in a print-head array (60) in accordance with the pixel coordinate data during a printing sequence. The image is built-up through sectional printing whereby each section has at least one print area interfacing at least one other print area, said interfacing print areas being correlated to fill-out transition print areas during printing of said sections through at least one transition printing pattern by omitting printing of some pixels in said transition print area.

Abstract: A method of generating an interactive document is provided having the steps of allocating and recording a document identity in a computer system, associating the document identity with a page description for the document in the computer system, and communicating at least part of the page description and the document identity with a printer networked with the computer system. The page description includes a description of graphical information and coded data of the document. The coded data includes data on the document identity and a plurality of locations of the document. By communicating the page description and document identity to the printer, the printer is able to generate the coded data and print the document.

Abstract: Input pixels are input to a thinning processing circuit. When thinning is performed at the thinning processing circuit, minimum values are selected in order to reduce the pixel data, whereby loss of thin lines is prevented. The thinned image data are input to a binarization processing circuit. Although the image having been thinned through selection of minimum values becomes dark as a whole, collapse of characters can be suppressed, because the binarization processing circuit dynamically changes a binarization threshold by employing, as the binarization threshold, the average of maximum and minimum values in each local region. In a density flat portion, the local maximum value and the local minimum value assume the same value. Therefore, when the difference between the local maximum value and the local minimum value is not greater than a predetermined range, binarization is performed by use of a fixed threshold value.

Abstract: In a multi-exposure drawing method for drawing a pattern on a drawing surface, using an exposure unit including a plurality of optical modulation elements arranged in a matrix manner, the unit is continuously and relatively moved at a constant velocity with respect to the drawing surface in an array-direction defined by a matrix-arrangement of the modulation elements. Optical modulation elements, spaced at a regular interval in an alignment of optical modulation elements along the array-direction, are successively and selectively driven based on a same bit datum, to thereby modulate a light beam made incident thereon, whenever the exposure unit is moved by a distance corresponding to the regular interval, resulting in the production of a pixel dot on the drawing surface in a multi-exposure manner by the modulated light beams.

Abstract: The technique of the present invention allocates a coordinate point of target image data on a color space to multiple lattice points in a color conversion table and reads data stored at the multiple lattice points. This arrangement ensures high-speed color conversion of the target image data. The procedure selects multiple lattice points and allocates a coordinate point of one target image data to the selected multiple lattice points. The procedure then specifies color-converted image data corresponding to the target image data, based on data read from the multiple lattice points. A first application allocates the target image data to the coordinate points of the multiple lattice points arbitrarily selected in the vicinity of the target image data. A second application allocates N-dimensional target image data to the coordinate points of multiple but not greater than N lattice points.

Abstract: A color image reading apparatus includes a light source, first and second photoelectric conversion devices, first and second document size detection units and a control unit. The first photoelectric conversion device obtains first electric signal information at a first speed and the second photoelectric conversion device obtains second electric signal information at a second speed higher than the first speed. The first document size detection unit detects a document size based on the first electric signal information and the second document size detection unit detects a document size based on the second electric signal information. The control unit controls, at the time of forward scanning by the light source, so as to detect the document size by the second document detection unit.

Abstract: A method for discriminating the kind of a recording medium comprises generating image information composed by plural pixels corresponding to a specific area on the surface of a recording medium as image information indicating the surface condition of the recording medium, obtaining a first parameter regarding the surface roughness of the recording medium, from the image information, obtaining a second parameter regarding the surface configuration of the recording medium, and discriminating the kind of the recording medium in accordance with the first parameter and the second parameter. With the structure thus affanged, the method obtains the characteristics of the surface of the recording medium from an image on the surface of the recording medium, and discriminates the kind of recording medium reliably in high precision.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of image data conversion, capable of setting conversion characteristics with more ease even for data having mixed image attributes, and of reducing the amount of data and the size of memory required. The conversion system includes processing elements in a processor array, each including at least an input data register, character registers, an attribute register, and a global processor, so that a calculator in each of the processing elements operates to select, and store in the character registers, the data set, xi, yi, and ai, corresponding to attribute data stored in the attribute register, to be conversion processed subsequently according to an expression stored in the global processor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus extracts a contour pixel of a binary input image signal in a contour pixel extraction portion, and calculates a line thinning amount from the extracted contour pixel based on a preset parameter in a line thinning amount calculation portion. The apparatus judges whether black pixel areas of the binary input image signal are connected in a finite area including a target pixel in a finite area connectivity judgment portion. The apparatus adds a line thinning amount to the binary input image signal of the target pixel in accordance with the judgment by the finite area connectivity judgment portion and outputs obtained results in a selective correction output portion.

Abstract: A method for image processing data representing a page to be printed includes the step of respectively receiving, in a data processing apparatus, external to a printer, data representing a bi-level black layer and a contone layer of a page to be printed. In the data processing apparatus, a halftoning process is applied to data representing the contone layer to form a bi-level cyan, yellow, magenta, and black (CYMK) layer. In the data processing apparatus, a compositing process is applied to data representing the bi-level black layer to composite the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CYMK layer to form a bi-level CYMK image of the page to be printed. The data representing the halftoned and composited layers is compressed to generate compressed image data. The compressed image data is written to the printer. An expansion process is applied to the compressed image data in the printer to generate data representing the page to be printed. The page is printed with the printer.

Abstract: An error diffusion method applied to halftone processing for image data. The image data comprise a plurality of pixels. The method comprising the steps of dividing the image data into a plurality of image blocks; selecting one of the pixels belonging to each of the image blocks as a target pixel, wherein the target pixel is located on the boundary of the corresponding image block; assigning a predicted error to the target pixel; and executing the error diffusion method on the rest of the pixels of the image blocks according to the predicted error of the target pixels of the image blocks. When the error diffusion is performed, target pixels are found in the image block and then predicted errors are assigned to the target pixels in order to calculate their output values. The target pixels are located at boundaries of the image blocks, and the predicted errors may be 0 or the transversal or longitudinal errors outputted from the pixels above the target pixels.

Abstract: A device for scanning a document includes a photoelectric conversion unit which scans a document, and supplies image data of the scanned document, a background detecting unit which detects a background level of the image data, an image processing unit which applies one or more types of image processing to the image data, and applies image processing identical to the one or more types of image processing to the detected background level, and a background removal unit which removes background noise from the image data having undergone the image processing according to a threshold that is derived from the background level having undergone the image processing.

Abstract: An input image is transformed to produce an output image. Pixels occurring at edges that represent detail within the input image are detected to produce an intermediate image. Background fill representing textures of the input image is generated. The background fill and the intermediate image are combined to produce the output image.

Abstract: Methods and systems used to automatically identify the marking process used for an image on a substrate based on spatial characteristics and/or color of the image. Image types which are classified and identified include continuous tone images and halftone images. Among halftone images separately identified are inkjet images, xerographic images and lithographic images. Locally adaptive image threshold techniques may be used to determine the spatial characteristics of the image.

Abstract: Since a power supply circuit for a controller (31) and a power supply circuit for a buffer storage unit (32) are independently provided, the power voltage for the buffer storage unit (32) need only be reduced to obtain a corresponding reduction in the amplitude of the signal waveform of digital image data transmitted along an FFC (40), without the operation of the controller (31) being adversely affected. In addition, so long as a coil (47) is located at one position in the internal power supply circuit of a control chip (24), or the external circuit thereof near its power supply circuit, the signal waveform for the digital image data transmitted along the FFC (40) can be attenuated.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently shape a light flux emitted from a light source into a linear shape and so as to provide an optical element having high versatility that can be widely used irrespective of the original sizes and to provide an illumination apparatus having such an illumination apparatus. The optical element has a reflection surface in the form of an inner side of a curved surface that is formed by rotating a parabola about a rotation axis including the focus of the parabola or a point near the focus of the parabola.

Abstract: A scanner (30) comprises a transport mechanism (6) for moving a document (12) and a sensor (2) for detecting a leading edge (31) and trailing edge (32) of the document. A camera (16, 17) scans the document (12), detecting the leading edge (31) and a trailing edge (32) of the document. A controller (10) receives a signal from the camera (16, 17) when the camera detects the document in a field of the camera and receives a signal from the sensor (2) when the sensor detects the document (12) in a field of the sensor. The controller starts image capture when a leading edge (31) of the document is detected by either the sensor (2) or the camera (16, 17), and stops image capture when a trailing edge (32) of the document is detected by either the sensor or the camera (16, 17). The drive mechanism (5) is turned off when a leading edge (31) of the document is detected by either the sensor or the camera, and starts when a trailing edge (32) of the document is detected by both the sensor (2) or the camera (16, 17).

Abstract: A thermal fixing device for fixing toner images onto recording sheets includes a heat member, a pressing member, a temperature sensor, a clock, and a control unit. The control unit performs a toner fixing control and a high-temperature heat-up control. During the toner fixing control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a fixing temperature required to melt toner on a recording sheet disposed between the heat member and the pressing member. During the high-temperature heat-up control, the control unit controls the heat member to heat up to a high-temperature fixing temperature that is higher than the fixing temperature. The control unit sets length of the high-temperature heat-up control in accordance with length of the start-up time measured by the clock.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a scanning optical device includes an incidence optical system that causes the principal rays of all of a plurality of light fluxes emitted from a light source element comprising a plurality of light-emitting parts on the same substrate to impinge upon the same deflecting surface of a light deflector at different angles in a plane orthogonal to a main scanning plane, and be deflected to form a latent image on a plurality of different photosensitive scanning surfaces, thereby achieving a scanning optical device and an image forming apparatus that are small in size and inexpensive.

Abstract: A scanner apparatus which has super-hemispherical coverage includes a receiver, a pair of counter-rotating prisms, and a rotating mirror aligned with the pair of counter-rotating prisms. The rotating mirror and the pair of counter-rotating prisms guide an observed optical signal in a field of regard greater than that which is achievable through the use of only the pair of counter-rotating prisms. The apparatus may also include a laser that generates an optical signal guided by the prisms and the mirror toward an object of interest in the field of regard.

Abstract: In a reflecting-mirror supporting mechanism, elastic rotation about the lateral X axis is made possible by providing first spring elements 2 and second spring elements 3 in a bipod 1. In addition, elastic rotation about the lateral Y axis is made possible by a spring member 6, and elastically translational displacement along the axial Z axis is made possible by a parallel-spring member 9. The two legs of the bipod 1 are arranged with their upper ends getting close to each other with a predetermined distance at a tilt with respect to the axial Z axis. Variations in moment load generated in the reflecting mirror can be suppressed by making the intersecting point of the center axes of the two legs of the bipod 1 agree with the position of the center of gravity of the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spatial flexure comprising: a base section; an end section; and an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and end sections, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the end section pivots downwardly or upwardly. The present invention further provides a spatial flexure scanner comprising: a base section; a scanning beam reflective section; an intermediate laterally contracting and expanding section connecting the base and reflective sections; an actuator associated with the base section; a scanning beam reflective mirror connected to the reflective section; means connecting the actuator and the reflective member for causing lateral contraction or expansion of the intermediate section in response to the actuator, whereby when the intermediate section laterally expands or contracts, the reflective section pivots downwardly or upwardly.

Abstract: A display of an electrochromic type, including an active matrix substrate on which a plurality of pixel electrodes corresponding to pixels are arranged in a matrix form; a counter substrate which is provided with a transparent electrode that is common with respect to a plurality of the pixel electrodes; and an electrochromic material which is sandwiched between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, and is colored in a boundary either between itself and the pixel electrode or between itself and the transparent electrode; wherein the pixel electrode other than an electrode-exposed part which contacts with the electrochromic material is covered with a transparent protective film; and the electrode-exposed part has a different area from the area of the part onto which a current generated between the transparent electrode and the pixel electrode concentrates, out of the transparent electrode.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed that can be fabricated easily and is able to prevent degradation of a contrast ratio by suppressing a fringe effect. The spatial light modulator includes a light transmission substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a pixel array, and a phase difference generation unit provided between the light transmission substrate and the liquid crystal layer. A lens array is formed on the light transmission substrate, and the lens array has the same pitch as that of the pixel array.

Abstract: A PZT unimorph actuated, continuous transferred membrane comprises a controllably deformable mirror. The actuators with a 12 ?m stroke at 20V are fabricated as an array, which is designed to meet the unique needs of adaptive optics systems for vision science. What is provided is a deformable mirror with capabilities such a robust construction, low power, compact size and low weight. The actuation principle for deforming a mirror element is based on the piezoelectric unimorph. A voltage applied to the piezoelectric layer induces stress in the longitudinal direction causing the piezoelectric unimorph to deform and push on the portion of the mirror connected to it. The advantage of this approach lies in the fact that generally small strains obtainable from the piezoelectric material at modest voltages are thus translated into large displacements.

Abstract: A nonlinear fiber having a third-order nonlinear coefficient of at least 30 W?1km?1, and its cladding containing Er or Tm at a portion within 3 ?m from the interface with its core. A wavelength conversion method of making a signal light having a wavelength ?S and an intensity IS and a pump light having a wavelength ?P which is shorter than 2?S and an intensity higher than IS enter a nonlinear fiber 1, and generating a converted light having a wavelength ?C of ?S?P/(2?S??P) and an intensity IC by four wave mixing, wherein Er or Tm is present in the cladding at a portion with a diameter in the nonlinear fiber 1 of at most the mode field diameter, and the converted light is generated by four wave mixing while Er or Tm is excited by an excitation light.

Abstract: An optical modulation apparatus is provided which implements a stable amplifying function by reducing the effect of reflected light rays form end faces of a bidirectional optical amplifier by imposing a numerical limitation on the relationship between the gain of the bidirectional optical amplifier and the loss of the optical modulator, or by inserting a polarization rotation section in a reflection type optical modulator including the bidirectional optical amplifier or in a multi-wavelength collective optical modulation system combining the multiple optical modulators. An optical modulation apparatus is provided which implements a stable amplifying function and cost reduction by reducing the effect of reflected light rays by interposing optical isolators at every alternate SOAs in a transmission-type optical modulation apparatus including a plurality of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) connected in a multistage fashion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practical optical amplification module and the like realizing a wide-band gain spectrum with a small relative gain non-uniformity in L band. Pumping light from a pumping light source is supplied to a Bi type EDF by way of an optical coupler. Multiplexed signal light of L band inputted by way of an input end reaches the Bi type EDF by way of an optical coupler, an optical isolator, and an optical coupler, and is collectively amplified in the Bi type EDF. The multiplexed signal light amplified in the Bi type EDF is outputted from an output end by way of an optical coupler, an optical isolator, and an optical coupler.

Abstract: A multi-layer mirror includes on top of the multi-layer mirror a spectral purity enhancement layer, for example for application in an EUV lithographic apparatus. This spectral purity enhancement layer includes a first spectral purity enhancement layer, but between the multi-layer mirror and first spectral purity enhancement layer there may optionally be an intermediate layer or a second spectral purity enhancement layer and intermediate layer. Hence, multi-layer mirrors with the following configurations are possible: multi-layer mirror/first spectral purity enhancement layer; multi-layer mirror/intermediate layer/first spectral purity enhancement layer; and multi-layer mirror/second spectral purity enhancement layer/intermediate layer/first spectral purity enhancement layer. The spectral purity of normal incidence radiation may be enhanced, such that DUV radiation is diminished relatively stronger than EUV radiation.

Abstract: A displacement prevention sheet that, in order to inhibit a sample from deviating at the time of measurement with a microscope, is disposed between a sample holder in which the sample is set and a sample holder mounting stage on which the sample holder is mounted, wherein at least part of both surfaces of the displacement prevention sheet is provided with displacement prevention means.