Abstract: There is provided a method for non-scanning multi-pixel ranging of a scene, comprising the steps of providing a single detector/receiver associated with a time-delay arrangement, producing a time-arrival distribution of pulse echoes of at least part of a remote scene in a defined ranging plane, receiving said distribution as produced on the ranging plane and conveying it, echo pulse by echo pulse through a plurality of echo pulse conveying means to the single detector/receiver, while introducing a time delay, whereby the echo pulses arrive at the single detector/receiver in a sequential order, and using an electronic logic to reconstruct the time-arrival distribution from the time-delayed echo pulses received by the detector/receiver. Systems for ranging of a scene are also provided.

Abstract: A first substrate on which an optical-waveguide groove is formed and a second substrate. The second substrate is bonded to the plane of the first substrate on which the optical-waveguide groove is formed by a material having a refractive index higher than those of the first substrate and second substrate. The optical-waveguide groove is filled with the material, and the refractive index of the first substrate is different from the refractive index of the second substrate.

Abstract: A position measuring system that includes a scale and a scanning device that scans the scale. A light source, which emits a light pulse upon receipt of a request signal and an optical fiber that transmits the light pulse from the light source to the scanning device and for illuminating the scale. At least one photo detector that detects the light pulse affected by the scale as a function of its position.

Abstract: An improved metrology apparatus, such as a scanning probe microscope (SPM), has an actuator that controls motion in three orthogonal directions when it is selectively and electrically stimulated. The X-Y section of the actuator, preferably a piezoelectric actuator, controls motion in the X and Y-directions and the Z-section of the actuator controls motion in the Z-direction. A flexure is attached to the actuator and is mounted on a reference structure to prevent unwanted X and Y-motion by the Z-section of the actuator from moving a probe attached to the flexure. Preferably, two mirrors are mounted on the flexure. In operation of the SPM, a light beam is directed towards these mirrors. When the flexure moves in the Z-direction, one of the mirrors is deflected and causes the reflected light to move across a detector, generating a signal representative of a change in the Z-position of the flexure and the probe.

Abstract: A light diverting channel for use in a scanner. The channel is incorporated into the cover of a flat bed scanner and transmits light from the lamps positioned longitudinally along the scanner, up through the side of the channel, and through a central region or sheet of the channel, and then down through objects to be scanned. The light diverting channel thereby more efficiently uses the light generated by the lamps and more evenly disburses the light over and through the object to be scanned.

Abstract: A light scanning optical device comprises a light source for entirely illuminating a subject, a converging optical system for converging light returning from a specific minute region of the subject, a light detector for detecting the light converged by the converging optical system, and a scanning mirror for scanning the minute region, the scanning mirror being produced by a semiconductor manufacturing process.

Abstract: A circular optical reflection apparatus to be used in an optical image capturing device for receiving light ray from a light source and reflecting the light ray at least twice inside the apparatus then projecting the light ray to a lens set for forming an image on an image forming device. The apparatus includes a cylindrical optical member which has its outside surface coating with a reflective material and has an axial cutaway section to serve as a light inlet and a light outlet. Light ray enters through the light inlet into the cylindrical optical member and reflects inside at least twice then emits out through the light outlet. It may obtain an optical path needed for image forming with less number of reflection mirrors. It is smaller size and may be produced and assembled with less time and cost. It can also eliminate accumulated reflection angle tolerance that might otherwise happen to the conventional ones that use reflection mirrors.

Abstract: Switchable two-fiber systems to provide a backup fiber link to a signal detector where the backup signal is switched to the signal detector when the primary signal fails.

Abstract: In light detection systems for illuminating specimens having a plurality of detection channels, particularly channels employing laser scanning microscopes, an improved method comprises assigning an upper and/or lower limiting value which is adjustable for at least one channel and changing the channel to be detected with respect to its mode of operation when the limiting value is reached.

Abstract: A light diverting channel for use in a scanner. The channel is incorporated into the cover of a flat bed scanner and transmits light from the lamps positioned longitudinally along the scanner, up through the side of the channel, and through a central region or sheet of the channel, and then down through objects to be scanned. The light diverting channel thereby more efficiently uses the light generated by the lamps and more evenly disburses the light over and through the object to be scanned.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an optical scanner includes a base unit with a hole for receiving a post of a rotor unit that includes a laser light source that emits light towards a bar code symbol or other object that reflects the light to a collector also mounted on the rotor unit. Flexures connect the base unit to the rotor so that the post and hole arrangement limits translational movement of the rotor unit due to a shock force applied to the optical scanner. The flexures may be use to transmit power signals to the rotor unit and to provide monitoring signals from the rotor unit.