Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for using the same are disclosed. The Scanning probe microscope includes a probe mount for connecting a cantilever arm and a probe signal generator. The probe position signal generator generates a position signal indicative of a position of the probe relative to one end of the cantilever arm. The probe position signal generator includes a first light source that directs a light beam at a first reflector positioned on the cantilever arm and a detector that detects a position of the light beam after the light beam has been reflected from the first reflector. A second reflector reflects the light beam after the light beam is reflected from the first reflector and before the light beam enters the detector, the second reflector passing light from a second light source that illuminates the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for nanomachining operations. Excitation energy settings are provided to minimize machine induced scan cutting. Cut operations can be operated in a feedback mode to provide controlled cutting operations. Measurement and sweep techniques to facilitate nanomachining operations are disclosed.

Abstract: A laser transmitter has a transmitter housing and a laser source in the housing. A gimbal support arrangement supports the laser source in the housing and includes a gimbal motor arrangement for moving the gimbal support arrangement and said laser source in said housing. A gimbal motor drive circuit actuates the gimbal motor arrangement to cause the gimbal support arrangement to move in said housing. A plurality of optical proximity sensors sense the orientation of said gimbal support arrangement to the interior of said housing. By this arrangement, damage to the transmitter is prevented.

Abstract: In a method for removing moisture from an optical system at high altitude, the improvement comprises using the difference in flow resistance between the desiccant path and the optical cavity path to enable airflow through the desiccant unit and not through the optical path.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting light from a 2D area of a sample (36) comprises a collection lens (34) for collecting light from a collection region of the sample. A light detector (44) is positionally fixed with respect to the sample, and a reflector arrangement (61) directs collected light to the detector. The reflector arrangement comprises movable components and the collection lens (34) is movable relative to the sample. The collection lens and the movable components are configurable to define different collection regions, and the movement of the components effects a direction of the light from the collection region to a substantially unchanged area of the light detector (44). This arrangement avoids the need for a bulky detector in order to detect signals from a 2D sample area formed by scanning across the sample.

Abstract: An imaging system (30, 30?) and corresponding method has a two-dimensional imaging sensor array (32) and an associated optical system. The optical system includes at least one optical arrangement (34, 36a, 36b) defining a field of view (38a, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42a, 42b). The optical switching mechanism and the optical arrangement(s) are deployed such that the imaging sensor array generates images of at least two generally non-overlapping fields of view of equal angular dimensions and with diverging optical axes in fixed spatial relation. Rapid switching between the fields of view allows quasi-continuous monitoring of a larger field of view than would otherwise be possible while maintaining sensitivity to transient events. Also disclosed is an infrared search and tracking system based on such imaging systems.

Abstract: For a confocal scanning microscope (1) an optical zoom system (41) with linear scanning is provided, which not only makes a zoom function possible, in that a variable magnification of an image is possible, but rather which additionally produces a pupil image in the illuminating beam path (IB) [BS] and thereby makes a variable image length possible (distance between the original pupil (En.P) [EP] and the imaged/reproduced pupil (Ex.P) [AP]) so that axially varying objective pupil positions can thereby be compensated.

Abstract: A multiphoton-excitation laser scanning microscope capable of efficiently collecting fluorescence emitted from a specimen to acquire a brighter multiphoton-excitation fluorescence image is provided. This multiphoton-excitation laser scanning microscope includes a multiphoton-excitation laser light source for emitting ultrashort pulsed laser light, a light-scanning unit configured to scan a specimen with the ultrashort pulsed laser light emitted from the multiphoton-excitation laser light source in two dimensions, an objective lens configured to focus the ultrashort pulsed laser light scanned by the light-scanning unit on the specimen, a collector lens disposed opposite the objective lens, with the light-scanning unit disposed therebetween, to collect fluorescence emitted from the specimen, and a light detector configured to detect the fluorescence collected by the collector lens. The collector lens has a higher numerical aperture and a larger field number than the objective lens.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for confocal imaging of a non-flat specimen comprising a coherent light source for producing a light beam, imaging optics adapted to focus the light beam into at least one spot on a surface of a specimen, and a detector adapted to receive and detect light reflected from the specimen surface. The imaging optics comprise at least one optical component located so that the light reflected from the specimen surface passes therethrough on its way to the detector. The optical component is movable so as to move the at least one spot, within a range of movement, to a number of distinct locations in a plane perpendicular to the apparatus' optical axis, within the detector's integration time.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration actuator comprising a drive unit that generates a drive force; a vibrating component that vibrates according to the drive force from the drive unit; a rotating body that receives the vibration of the vibrating component to rotate; and a converting section that changes a contact force between the vibrating component and the rotating body according to size of a load acting on the rotating body.

Abstract: A microscopic apparatus and an observing method can obtain information of a super-resolved image of an object under observation with a high SN ratio. Therefore, the microscopic apparatus including an illuminating optical system that illuminates a specimen plane of a sample with line-shaped illuminating light, a modulating unit that spatially modulates the illuminating light in a lengthwise direction, an image-forming optical system that forms an image of light from the specimen plane illuminated with the spatially modulated illuminating light, and a detector that detects light from the specimen plane. Accordingly, a confocal effect is obtained with respect to an unstructuring direction of an illuminated area. The essential contrast of the structured illumination of the illuminated area is enhanced by the confocal effect, and thus the modulated image of the illuminated area is detected with a high SN ratio.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. A deflector deflects a light emitted from a light source. A first optical system leads the light emitted from the light source to the deflector. A second optical system includes at least one optical element, and leads the light deflected by the deflector onto a surface to be scanned. The first enclosure holds the light source, the deflector, and the first optical system, and the second enclosure holds the at least one optical element included in the second optical system.

Abstract: A light beam scanning apparatus capable of forming a high contrast electrostatic latent image. A polygon mirror scans a light flux emitted from a light source in a main scanning direction. An electrostatic latent image in an irradiation position irradiated by the scanned light flux is formed onto a photosensitive drum. An electro-optic crystal structure disposed in a light path between the light source and the polygon mirror deflects a course of the light flux emitted from the light source to the main scanning direction by applying a voltage. A controller maintains the irradiation position on the photosensitive drum irradiated by the light flux, by controlling a voltage to be applied to the electro-optic crystal structure according to the scanning information during the time period in which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to one dot is formed on the photosensitive drum.

Abstract: A scanning system for carrying out 3D scanning of dental models in a scanning direction V including a holding device for a whole jaw model which spans an occlusal plane E over a line-shaped mandibular arch, a base, a swivel bearing on a swivel axis normal to the scanning direction V and a stage mounted for rotation on the swivel bearing relatively to the base, on which the dental model to be scanned can be mounted. The stage can be rotated through an angular range ? of at least 150° about the swivel axis, and the whole jaw model can be mounted such that said occlusal plane E is aligned parallel to said scanning direction V. An evaluation unit receives data from a detector to generate a 3D data set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging a sample with a scanning microscope and an imaging system for a scanning microscope, comprising the steps of: initiating an exposure phase of a detector (34) by a pulsed laser source (12); generating an optical image of the sample on the detector with a lens system (32); and terminating the exposure phase. According to the invention, the step of generating the optical image comprises a step of displacing the optical image on the detector with an image displacement means (40) between two consecutive laser pulses. The image displacement means comprise a rotatable mirror (40) situated on an optical path from the sample (26) to the detector (34).

Abstract: An image sensor unit includes a frame storing a linear illuminator that linearly illuminates a document, a rod lens array is used to form an image of light reflected from the document irradiated by the linear illuminator, and a printed circuit board on which a light-receiving sensor that converts light whose image has been formed by the rod lens array into an electrical signal is mounted. In the frame, a lens storage compartment, a linear illuminator storage compartment, and the linear illuminator are adjacently arranged substantially in parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, with an inter-compartment portion formed in the frame interposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for con focal imaging of a non-flat specimen comprising a coherent light source for producing a light beam, imaging optics adapted to focus the light beam into at least one spot on a surface of a specimen, and a detector adapted to receive and detect light reflected from the specimen surface. The imaging optics comprise at last one optical component located so that the light reflected from the specimen surface passes therethrough on its way to the detector. The optical component is movable so as to move the at least one spot, within a range of movement, to a number of distinct locations in a plane perpendicular to the apparatus' optical axis, within the detector's integration time.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, an operational state of a MEMS device of a scanner system may be determined. In the event it is determined that the MEMS device is possibly operating in an unsafe mode, the laser may be turned off and/or the MEMS device may be shut down. An operational state of the MEMS device may be determined for example by obtaining a MEMS drive voltage sense signal and/or a MEMS drive current sense signal, and a potentially unsafe mode of operation may be identified if one or more of such signals are not at proper values with respect to predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope that can construct a fluorescence image with high resolution even with a photodetector having a small array size is provided.

Abstract: An attachment lens is arranged in a stage subsequent to a scanning lens. After a laser beam is converged by the scanning lens, the laser beam is converted into a parallel beam by the attachment lens. When the scanning lens is displaced in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the laser beam, a traveling direction of the laser beam is bent by a predetermined angle immediately after the laser beam passes through the scanning lens. Then, the traveling direction of the laser beam is further bent by a predetermined angle in the same direction by the passage of the laser beam through the attachment lens. Accordingly, a final swing angle of the laser beam outgoing from an outgoing window is increased by a swing angle imparted by the attachment lens compared with the case where the attachment lens is not arranged. One of lens surfaces of the attachment lens is formed in a toroidal surface, which allows the laser beam to have a long outline in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source, such as an LED ring illuminator to an outlet that directs the light appropriately as either bright field illumination, dark field illumination or both. The light pipe can include concentric cylinders, typically with a bright field illuminator nested within a dark field illuminator. The tip of the dark field illuminator may be angled so as to internally reflect light inwardly toward the central optical axis of a camera at a low angle. The tip can be located near the focal plane of the camera for the desired field of view. The field of view of the camera sensor can be modified to reject data outside of a illumination field of a particular shape. This illumination field can be created by shaping the light pipe in a predetermined form that projects the modified illumination field.

Abstract: An improved laser scanning microscope and method of use are disclosed that enable polarization anisotropy measurements to be made with greater sensitivity and accuracy. A controllable optical element is provided in a light path between a laser source and a sample, and is controlled so that the sample is alternately irradiated with light beams that are orthogonally polarized. This enables the signal strength to be higher than with previous laser scanning microscopes. Moreover, because the orthogonally polarized light beams that are alternately incident onto a sample may be switched at a high rate, a reduction may be achieved in the influence of molecular motion within a sample in which high speed biological reactions are observed.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus comprising a photosynthesis device having a first light source unit and a second light source unit with a plurality of light sources spaced at equal intervals side by side in one direction, respectively for emitting rays in parallel from the plurality of light sources, a photosynthesis device for synthesizing transmitted rays from the first light source unit and reflected rays from the second light source unit on a single light path, and a light receiving device for focusing first synthesized rays synthesized by the photosynthesis device through an imaging lens, and an optical deflecting device for deflecting and scanning second synthesized rays synthesized by the photosynthesis device, and the second synthesized rays passed through the optical deflecting device is being externally emitted, wherein the photosynthesis device and the light receiving device are displaced relative to the optic axis of the first synthesized rays so as to position focused spots of the first synthesized ra

Abstract: A scanning method for scanning samples of biological cells using optical tomography includes preparing, acquiring, reconstructing and viewing three-dimensional images of cell samples. Concentration and enrichment of the cell sample follows. The cell sample is stained. Cells are isolated from the cell sample and purified. A cell/solvent mixture is injected into a gel by centrifugation. A cell/gel mixture is injected into a capillary tube until a cell appears centered in a field of view using a stopped-flow method. An optical imaging system, such as a fixed or variable motion optical tomography system acquires a projection image. The sample is rotated about a tube axis to generate additional projections. Once image acquisition is completed, the acquired image projections are corrected for errors. A computer or other equivalent processor is used to compute filtered backprojection information for 3D reconstruction.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for aligning a scanning probe used to pattern a substrate, by comparing the position of the probe to a reference location or spot on the substrate. A first light beam is focused on a surface of the substrate as a spatial reference point. A second light beam then illuminates the scanning probe being used for patterning. An optical microscope images both the focused light beam, and a diffraction pattern, shadow, or light backscattered by the illuminated scanning probe tip of a scanning probe microscope (SPM), which is typically the tip of the scanning probe on an atomic force microscope (AFM). Alignment of the scanning probe tip relative to the mark is then determined by visual observation of the microscope image. This alignment process may be repeated to allow for modification or changing of the scanning probe microscope tip.

Abstract: An energy signal processing system (10) includes a first shaft assembly (14) rotatable about an azimuth axis (16), and a second shaft assembly (18) coaxially mounted for rotation about the azimuth axis (16). The first shaft assembly (14) defines a zenith plane (20) inclined with respect to the azimuth axis (16). The system (10) includes an energy signal processing element (22) rotatable about a processing element axis (24) that intersects and is generally perpendicular to the azimuth axis (16), as well as a means for rotating the element (22) about the element axis (24) such that: energy signals travelling substantially along a preselected path axis (12) and impinging the energy signal processing element (22) are processed or deflected substantially along the azimuth axis (16); or vice versa; or energy signals generated by the energy signal processing element (22) are directed substantially along the preselected path axis (12).

Abstract: Excitation light ?ex is two-dimensionally scanned onto the living body tissue in the form of condensed light using an x-axis scanning mirror, a y-axis scanning mirror, and a condenser lens, whereby the excitation light ?ex is cast onto the living body tissue. This allows fluorescence observation with a relatively low output intensity of a laser light source. Furthermore, a white light image is generated by scanning the white light in the same way, thereby enabling fluorescence observation in the same observation region and at the same timing as with normal observation. This enables fluorescence observation of a sufficient area which allows the user to distinguish living body tissues in an endoscope observation image while suppressing deterioration in the laser light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved microfluidic devices and related apparatus, systems, and methods. Methods are provided for reducing mixing times during use of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided with increased manufacturing yield rates. Improved apparatus and related systems are provided for supplying controlled pressure to microfluidic devices. Methods and related microfluidic devices are provided for reducing dehydration of microfluidic devices during use. Microfluidic devices and related methods are provided with improved sample to reagent mixture ratio control. Microfluidic devices and systems are provided with improved resistance to compression fixture pressure induced failures. Methods and systems for conducting temperature controlled reactions using microfluidic devices are provided that reduce condensation levels within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An imager apparatus and methods are described. An embodiment of an imager module includes a plurality of groups of optical lenses, a lens frame, and at least one associated lens barrel configured to position and hold the plurality of groups of optical lenses. At least one of the groups of optical lenses is movable with respect to at least one other group of optical lenses for achieving optical focus. The imager module includes an integrated circuit (IC) imager die in proximity to the plurality of lenses, the imager die containing at least one image capture microelectronic device. The imager module includes a modular frame assembly that contains a first portion that holds a plurality of lens barrels, each containing one or more focusing lenses, and a second portion that supports the first portion at a specific distance from the substrate being imaged. The lens barrels are each responsive to different wavelengths or bands of wavelengths.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of scanning devices and light receivers, enabling a plurality of images of a site to be displayed using output signals produced in response to light from the light receivers. To avoid crosstalk caused by light receivers receiving light emitted by a plurality of scanning devices, different wavebands of light can be applied to different scanning devices, the received light can be filtered, or the light can be supplied to one scanning device at a time to multiplex either frame-by-frame, or pixel-by-pixel, or the light supplied to each scanning device can be modulated and the received light demodulated so that an image is produced in response to light from a single scanning device. Expensive components such as laser light sources, optical detectors, a controller, and processor can be shared by multiple imaging devices to minimize the cost of the imaging system.

Abstract: A projection display projects color images on a screen. The projection display includes: an illuminating unit which emits a plurality of linear beams that are in parallel to each other; a scroll unit which scrolls the plurality of linear beams; a line type light modulator which modulates the plurality of linear beams according to image signals; and a scan unit which scans the plurality of linear beams in a direction perpendicular to the scrolling direction.

Abstract: To increase spatial resolution by observing a sample based on saturated fluorescence components. A fluorescence microscope according to the present invention includes: a laser light source 10 emitting laser light as excitation light; an objective lens 13 focusing the laser light and applying the focused laser light to a sample 14; a detector 22 detecting fluorescence generated in the sample 14 with the laser light; and a stage 15 scanning the sample 14 while moving the sample 14 relative to the laser light, wherein the laser light is applied to the sample with varying intensities such that saturation of fluorescence occurs at the maximum intensity of the laser light, and fluorescence is detected with the detector in accordance with intensity of the laser light, and the sample is observed based on the saturation components of fluorescence.

Abstract: A camera alignment system that can enable alignment in at least one of three planes and about an axis of at least one of the planes. An alignment mount can mate to a camera and lens. The alignment mount can comprise a mechanism to adjust the camera relative to the lens to that an image plane of the camera aligns with an image plane of the lens in a predetermined orientation. One predetermined orientation can be that the image plane of the camera being parallel to the image plane of the lens.

Abstract: The invention includes at least one swingable elastic locking bar mounted on the chassis of the scanner, and the end of the elastic locking bar is provided with a contact member having a low friction coefficient, and let the contact member on the elastic locking bar contact the top cover of the frame body of the scanner. Thus, the chassis may be rigidly rested on the top cover or on the glass mounted on the top cover to move, thereby providing a good scanning effect of an arbitrary angle. The swingable action of the elastic locking bar may efficiently absorb the tolerance produced during fabrication and assembly of the top cover and the bottom housing of the frame body of the scanner, thereby assuring stability of the optical travel path.

Abstract: An optical scanning device with a dustproof function includes a shell defining a first receiving room and a second receiving room communicating with the first receiving room through an open window defined on the shell for scanning light beams passing therethrough. An optical scanning module is mounted in the first receiving room. A glass platform is located on the second receiving room at a position facing the open window for insulating the first receiving room from the outside of the shell. A correcting plate is stuck on the bottom of the glass platform. Such structure of the optical scanning device enables the glass platform to be firstly assembled with the shell in a dustless chamber, which prevents the suspending dust from falling in the first receiving room and attaching to the optical scanning module during the subsequent assembly process and ensures the scanning quality of the optical scanning device.

Abstract: A light-collective member (142) for collecting a light outputted from a light source (140), which irradiates a light toward a document surface, toward a sub-scanning direction is provided in front of the light source (140). An illuminating portion which is so formed that each of opposite end surfaces (170, 172) in the main scanning direction of the light-collective member (142) has an obtuse angle with respect to a bottom surface (174) facing the light source (140).

Abstract: A number of apparatuses are provided, for sensing and/or emitting energy along one or more desired apparatus line of sights (LOS) with respect to the respective apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes an assembly that is rotatably mounted on a base with respect to a switching axis. The assembly has two or more sensing/emitting units, each having a respective sensing/emitting unit line of sight (ULOS). Each sensing/emitting unit has an operative state, wherein the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a LOS of the apparatus for sensing and/or emitting energy along the LOS, and a corresponding inoperative state, where the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a direction different from this LOS. A switching mechanism enables switching between the sensing/emitting units to selectively bring a desired sensing/emitting unit exclusively into its respective operative state while concurrently bringing a remainder of the sensing/emitting units each to a respective non-operative state.

Abstract: A detector and aperture determine radiation characteristics, including angular direction throughout a specified range, of external articles. Preferably an afocal aperture element enlarges/reduces the article and volume FOR. Mirror(s) along a path between detector and aperture, rotatable about plural axes, make the detector address varying regions. Preferably each mirror is MEMS, exceeding five to thirty microns. The detector “sees” articles throughout the range, at constant magnification. Other aspects rotate magnetically controlled dual-axis MEMS mirrors, each with electrical coils opposed across an axis, and anther magnet whose field interacts with coil-current fields, generating force components: one includes oppositely directed forces, torquing the mirrors; another thrusts mirrors outward from the array rest plane, causing variable “piston”. Alternatively, other forces pull mirror(s) outward—and the second component attracts them inward.

Abstract: A system and method for prealigning a substrate. One embodiment provides a rotor configured to rotate a carrier around a rotation axis in response to a rotation signal. The carrier includes a main surface substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. The substrate is disposable on the carrier. The substrate includes a main surface and a mark such that an orientation of the substrate with respect to the rotation axis is detectable. An electromagnetic radiation source is configured to illuminate the main surface of the substrate with electromagnetic radiation. An optical/electrical converter is responsive to the electromagnetic radiation reflected back from the main surface, detecting the mark of the substrate and providing a sensing signal. A controller is configured to receive the sensing signal and providing the rotation signal.

Abstract: An optical beam scanning apparatus of the present invention includes a body housing; a light source that emits one or more light fluxes; a pre-deflection optical system; an optical beam deflecting device; a sensor that detects a portion of the light flux deflected by the optical beam deflecting device; a holder base fixed to the body housing by a screw; a rotating holder attached to the holder base and provided with a shaft; a sensor substrate fixed to the rotating holder by a screw, the sensor being fixed to the sensor substrate; a rotation adjusting mechanism that rotationally adjusts the rotating holder around the shaft with respect to the holder base; and a fixing mechanism that fixes the rotating holder to the holder base. With this configuration, it is possible to properly adjust deviation of a recording position while making precise rotational adjustment of a horizontal synchronization sensor.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength band imaging system including a beam splitter is provided, allowing image capturing means adapted to specific wavelength bands to be used such as from visible to near infrared, intermediate infrared and far infrared. The system may have a field of view of substantially (360) degrees about an optical axis of the system and may fit into a golf ball sized housing. The imaging system includes a first convex mirror and a second concave mirror. Some embodiments for imaging single or close wavelength bands and not requiring a beam splitter are equally provided. Also provided is a self-righting housing for an imaging system, for example as described above, which self-rights under the action of gravity, thereby disposing the imaging system in an appropriate orientation.

Abstract: Provided are an imaging device unit and a photographing apparatus. The imaging device unit includes an imaging device having an imaging plane on which an optical image of a subject is formed, wherein the imaging unit is configured to convert the optical image into an electrical signal; an optical unit disposed nearer to the subject than the imaging device; a plate that is mounted on a boundary portion of the optical unit, wherein at least an outer portion of the plate extends over an outer edge of the optical unit; a piezoelectric element that is mounted on the plate and configured to vibrate the plate and the optical unit; and a supporting frame that supports the at least outer portion of the plate extending over the outer edge of the optical unit.

Abstract: Provided is a scanning probe microscope (SPM), a probe of which can be automatically replaced and the replacement probe can be attached onto an exact position. The SPM includes a first scanner that has a carrier holder, and changes a position of the carrier holder in a straight line; a second scanner changing a position of a sample on a plane; and a tray being able to store a spare carrier and a spare probe attached to the spare carrier. The carrier holder includes a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A configurable scanner (1), adapted for contactless measurement of the depth and perimeter of a wound on a target body part (9), has a scan head (4), and a processor (3) for controlling a scanning procedure and analyzing the results. The scan head is translated along a substantially semicircular path (7) having a configurable radial distance from an imaginary axis, such that the imaginary axis is approximately coincident with an axis of the target (9). The scan head (4) projects a contour line having a calibrated length onto the target surface, and the processor (3) stores an image of the projected contour line captured by an image capturing device (11). The processor (3) analyzes a series of captured images to determine the coordinates in three axes of the projected contour line, creates therefrom a 3D model of the region of interest, and determines a depth and perimeter of the wound from the 3D model.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device includes: a channel waveguide which is positioned at a predetermined height relative to a bottom surface of a substrate; and a slab waveguide having a cross-sectional shape wider than that of the channel waveguide, being positioned at a predetermined height relative to the channel waveguide. Initially, an input end face of the optical waveguide device is vertically scanned with a light beam to achieve optical coupling with the slab waveguide, followed by transversely scanning to achieve optical coupling with the channel waveguide, hence, alignment of an optical axis with a minute channel waveguide can be effected easily and quickly.

Abstract: A method and device for moving optical beams including a conduit and an attached, independently movable structure that moves the conduit with up to 6 degrees of freedom both controlled and restricted as required. This structure may include a conductor positioned by an electromagnetic field generator. A cam or flexible capacitor plate or combination of such could also form the independently moveable structures. A control provides a current through the conductor, thereby providing a force on the conductor to move the conduit. A position sensor detects the position of the conduit and provides feedback to the control to aid in accurate and rapid movement.

Abstract: A multi-beam LADAR apparatus and a method for use in a multi-beam LADAR system are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of mission specific optics; a gimbal in which the mission specific optics are mounted; an off-gimbal laser; and a multi-fiber relay optically linking the laser output to the mission specific optics. The method includes gimbaling a plurality of mission specific optics; generating a laser signal off the gimbal; and optically relaying the laser signal to the mission specific optics through a plurality of discreet channels.

Abstract: A system is provided for maximizing solar energy utilization by moving a solar panel to track movement of the sun from sunrise to sunset. Preferably, the solar panel is inclined from the horizontal plane by a fixed angle of about ten degrees. And, movements of the solar panel are accomplished, daily, in accordance with a programmed schedule of consecutive cycles. In this schedule, each cycle has a start time (i.e. sunrise) and a start point that is determined by the sun's direction from the solar panel.

Abstract: An ultra high speed miniature two dimensional electro-optic image acquisition system uses prisms of varying geometries to control the amount of horizontal deflection and a Bragg grating to control the amount of vertical deflection. A collimating lens array and a Gaussian profile Bragg grating help confine the beam diameter of the deflected light beam. A separate prism further bends light into the vertical direction. A spherical lens focuses light onto a photodetector array for display.

Abstract: A single step multi-section exposure scanning method for a scanner. The scanner includes a photo-sensor and a stepper motor. The photo-sensor has N rows of sensor cells that correspond to each primary color. The scanning device is driven forward an exposure distance for each revolution of the stepper motor. The single step multi-section exposure scanning method includes the following steps. First, the photo-sensor moves forward one exposure distance. One row of sensor cells is exposed after moving every 1/Nth of the exposure distance. Thereafter, analogue voltages obtained through the exposed row of sensor cells are transmitted to an analogue/digital converter. The above process is repeated until the entire document is scanned.