Abstract: The present invention is an improved transparency scanning module, which is applied on a cover of scanning device. The transparency scanning module and the cover can be taken apart for different consuming groups. The features of the invention are that transparency scanning module is embedded in cover, and a slot of cover for holding transparency scanning module is set plural fillisters, and there are plural connectors set on the relative positions of transparency scanning module for connecting each other. When the fillisters connecting with the connectors, transparency scanning module is able to offer light and also transparency scanning module and cover are combined and fixed each other closely; on the other hand, rim of transparency scanning module is thinner, and most central part is protruding in z direction, thus transparency scanning module can be inserted and held in the slot of cover. This is another design for closely combination.

Abstract: A deflection device includes a tabular object for transmitting or reflecting an electromagnetic wave, a drive unit for driving the tabular object so as to rotate or perform a translation motion, and an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit for irradiating the tabular object with an electromagnetic wave so that an irradiation area extending in a direction intersecting a direction of the rotation or translation motion of the tabular object is formed.

Abstract: A disclosed chemical detection system for detecting a target material, such as an explosive material, can include a cantilevered probe, a probe heater coupled to the cantilevered probe, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the cantilevered probe. The piezoelectric element can be configured as a detector and/or an actuator. Detection can include, for example, detecting a movement of the cantilevered probe or a property of the cantilevered probe. The movement or a change in the property of the cantilevered probe can occur, for example, by adsorption of the target material, desorption of the target material, reaction of the target material and/or phase change of the target material. Examples of detectable movements and properties include temperature shifts, impedance shifts, and resonant frequency shifts of the cantilevered probe. The overall chemical detection system can be incorporated, for example, into a handheld explosive material detection system.

Abstract: A combination confocal and scanning probe microscope system permits accurate location of a sample within the field of view as the sample translates from one type of microscope to the other. Alternate embodiments permit both microscopes to view the same sample location at the same time. Further alternate embodiments include a confocal and a probe microscope integrated into a common optical path.

Abstract: A fast translation stage for a scanning probe microscope is provided. The stage includes at least one axis of translation driven at the natural resonant frequency of the translation stage such that distortion associated with rapid changes in scan direction is avoided. In one embodiment, the stage includes a sample plate or support that is driven, preferably by one or more piezoelectric actuator elements, so that the plate translates along the fast scan frequency at its resonant frequency.

Abstract: A microscope with sub-wavelength resolution with a light source for monochromatic light with a predetermined wavelength, an object carrier for an object to be examined, and an image sensor with an optical structure with a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the optical structure having a negative refractive index, and a pixel array extending along the second side of the optical structure at a predetermined distance, wherein the first side of the optical structure of the image sensor is arranged at a near-field distance smaller than the wavelength of the monochromatic light to the object carrier.

Abstract: A highly precision, super stable, structure compact and fully lockable ball joint mechanism optical mounts are presented. Both stationary plate and movable plate have a partial-spherical hole or conical hole. Facing spacing aligns the bases of the partial-spherical holes or conical holes; a space adjustable cavity is formed. An external-spherical circumference shape optical element carrier plate fits and mates in the space adjustable combined cavity forms a ball joint mechanism, or an external-column circumference and edges chamfered optical element carrier plate fits and mates in the space adjustable combined internal-spherical shaped cavity forms an angle tilt-able and around axis swivel-able joint pair mechanism. A removable tooling for exporting a tilting and rotating movement to the optical element carrier plate are presented. Locking ring pushes the movable plate to adjust the combined cavity and locking the optical element carrier plate and to lock optical element that is carried thereby.

Abstract: Method for correcting control of an optical scanner in a laser scanning microscope for imaging of a sample by scanning, the microscope guiding at least one beam path section of an illumination beam path of the microscope over the sample from an illumination device to the sample and/or an imaging beam path of the microscope from the sample to an acquisition device of the microscope in order to obtain an image of the sample, generating control signals corresponding to a predefined target movement using parameters and/or a transfer function of the scanner that are used for control and/or regulation and moving the at least one beam path section in response to the control signals, whereby an image of a reference sample having predefined structures imageable by the microscope is obtained by generating control signals corresponding to a predefined target test movement and moving the at least one beam path section in response to the control signals, thereby obtaining the image.

Abstract: A light scanning unit includes: a light source; a beam deflector to form forward direction and reverse direction scanning lines on an image section and first and second non-image sections respectively disposed at opposite sides of the image section; a reflecting member to reflect the light beam input from the beam deflector; a light detector to receive a first light beam directly input from the beam deflector and a second light beam input via the reflecting member; a control unit to determine whether the scanning line is a forward direction scanning line or a reverse direction scanning line based on signals respectively corresponding to the first and second light beams detected in the light detector, and to control the light source so that a light beam including image information corresponding to a scanning direction of the scanning line can be emitted; and a synchronization adjusting unit to correct an alignment error between the forward direction scanning line and the reverse direction scanning line due to

Abstract: A control mechanism pins an optical fiber assembly on and off gimbal and between gimbals to route the assembly from an off-gimbal optical source across the gimbal axis/axes to an on-gimbal optical element so that the fiber assembly moves with the rotation of the gimbals. To accommodate a relatively large range of motion, the control mechanism is suitably configured to route the fiber assembly in a “U-shaped” loop with one end pinned off-gimbal in a stationary guide track and the other end pinned on-gimbal point in a rotating guide track so that the loose fiber assembly is constrained in the concentric tracks on and off gimbal. As the gimbal rotates, the loop seats onto one guiding track and peels off of the other guiding track while always maintaining its U shape.

Abstract: A probe for a data storage apparatus. The probe includes a coating layer formed on a tip of the probe, wherein a peak of the tip is exposed and the coating layer and the peak form a predetermined contact area with respect to a recording medium. In addition, the probe may also include an insulating layer formed between the coating layer and the tip of the probe. The coating layer, the insulating layer, and the peak of the tip have a predetermined contact area with respect to the recording medium. Consequently, the probe can obtain high resolving ability by using a sharp-type tip and simultaneously can reduce the degree of abrasion of the peak of the tip, thereby resulting in an excellent durability.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a light source with a first luminescent portion that outputs light with a first wavelength range and a second luminescent portion that outputs light with a second wavelength range, the wavelength ranges being different from each other; a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected from an original irradiated by the light source; a scanning portion that shifts a reading position of the original in a vertical scanning direction by changing a relative position between the original and the light-receiving portion; a switching portion that alternately turns on the first and second luminescent portions when the scanning portion shifts the reading position, wherein a vertical scanning resolution for a first data obtained when the first luminescent portion is turned on is independently set from a vertical scanning resolution for a second data obtained when the second luminescent portion is turned on.

Abstract: A system for imaging an object comprising a surface for receiving the object to be imaged and an imaging device. The imaging device comprises a housing and a fixed focusing optical device mounted to the housing, whereby the fixed focusing optics comprises a lens for focusing light reflected from the object. A plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are positioned in the housing at different distances from the fixed focusing lens so that a face of each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors is aligned parallel to the surface. A processor is coupled to the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors for receiving an output signal from each of the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors representative of the reflected light. The lens defines a plane parallel to the surface, and the plurality of independent linear imaging sensors are adapted to receive reflected light from the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for detecting the displacement, such as the deflection, of a plurality of elements (1), such as microcantilevers, forming part of an array (2), by emitting a light beam (4) towards the array (2) and by receiving a reflected light beam on an optical position detector, whereby the position of incidence of the light beam is determined by the displacement of the corresponding element. The system further comprises: scanning means (7) for the displacing the light beam (4) along the array (2) so that the light beam is sequentially reflected, by the individual elements (1) along said array (2); and reflection detecting means (11) for detecting when the light beam is reflected by an element. The system is arranged so that when the reflection detecting means (11) detect that the light beam is reflected by an element, the corresponding position of incidence of the light on the detector is taken as an indication of the displacement of the element.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Abstract: A microscope, particularly a laser scanning microscope, with an adaptive optical device in the microscope beam path, comprising two reflective adaptive elements, at least one of which is constructed as an adaptive optical element, both of which are oriented with their reflector surface vertical to the optical axes of the microscope beam path, and a polarizing beam splitter whose splitter layer is located in the vertex of two orthogonal arms of the microscope beam path or two orthogonal portions of a folded microscope beam path, wherein a first adaptive element is associated with one arm and the other adaptive element is associated with the second arm, and a quarter-wave plate is located in each arm between the beam splitter and reflective adaptive element, and a detection device to which the detection light is directed and which is linked to the adaptive elements by evaluating and adjusting devices.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light beam intensity non-uniformity correction device that includes an optical element having a light entrance face with an antireflective property. According to the invention the antireflective property is locally amended in order to enhance light beam intensity uniformity.

Abstract: A wafer level image module includes a photo sensor for outputting an electrical signal upon receiving light, a lens set for focusing incident light onto the photo sensor, and an adjustment member disposed between the photo sensor and the lens set for controlling the distance between the photo sensor and the lens set to compensate the focus offset of the photo sensor for enabling the lens set to accurately focus the incident light onto the photo sensor in an in-focus manner so as to provide a high image quality.

Abstract: A mechanical oscillator has components with dimensions in a sub-micron range to produce resonance mode oscillations in a gigahertz range. A major element is coupled to a minor, sub-micron element to produce large amplitude gigahertz frequency oscillation that is detected with readily available techniques. The mechanical structure can be formed according to a number of geometries including beams and rings and is excited with electrostatic, magnetic and thermal related forces, as well as other excitation techniques. The mechanical structure can be arranged in arrays for applications such as amplification and mixing and is less sensitive to shock and radiative environments than electrical or optical counterparts.

Abstract: A magazine for printing and converting heads for printing machines, comprising at least one containment body which is adapted to be arranged in close proximity to a printing machine and is adapted to accommodate a plurality of printing and converting heads, a carriage being provided for conveying the printing and converting heads from the at least one containment body to the printing machine and from the printing machine to the at least one containment body.

Abstract: Nanoscale optical probes for use with nanoscale optical microscopy are disclosed herein. A nanoscale optical probe for use with a near-field scanning optical microscope includes an inner conductor having a top end, a bottom end, and a body; a dielectric material engaging the inner conductor; and an outer conductor engaging the dielectric material, wherein the inner conductor is longer at a tip surface of the probe than the dielectric material and the outer conductor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus, configured to form an image on an image pickup element, includes, in an order from an object side toward an image side, a first optical unit having a negative refractive power, a second optical unit having a positive refractive power, and a third optical unit including the image pickup element. The first optical unit does not move during zooming. The second optical unit moves toward the object side and the third optical unit moves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a near-field antenna comprising a dielectric shaped body having a tip. The shaped body is characterized in that at least the surface of the tip is metallized, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of devices comprising the near-field antenna, for example, spectroscopes, microscopes or read-write heads.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanner is used for multiphoton excitation imaging, optical coherence tomography, or for confocal imaging in which transverse scans are carried out at a plurality of successively different depths within tissue. The optical fiber scanner is implemented as a scanning endoscope using a cantilevered optical fiber that is driven into resonance or near resonance by an actuator. The actuator is energized with drive signals that cause the optical fiber to scan in a desired pattern at successively different depths as the depth of the focal point is changed. Various techniques can be employed for depth focus tracking at a rate that is much slower than the transverse scanning carried out by the vibrating optical fiber. The optical fiber scanner can be used for confocal imaging, multiphoton fluorescence imaging, nonlinear harmonic generation imaging, or in an OCT system that includes a phase or frequency modulator and delay line.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope assembly that has an atomic force measurement (AFM) mode, a scanning tunneling measurement (STM) mode, a near-field spectrophotometry mode, a near-field optical mode, and a hardness testing mode for examining an object.

Abstract: The invention relates to scanning magnetic microscope which has a photoluminescent nanoprobe implanted in the tip apex of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) or a near-field scanning optical microscope (NSOM) and exhibits optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in the vicinity of impaired electron spins or nuclear magnetic moments in the sample material. The described spin microscope has demonstrated nanoscale lateral resolution and single spin sensitivity for the AFM and STM embodiments.

Abstract: An optical scanning probe is provided and includes an optical scanning element which scans a subject with light, and a signal switching section for switching a drive signal for making the optical scanning element perform optical scanning. The optical scanning element includes a movable portion having a micro mirror which is displaced in a first rotating direction and a second rotating direction, and first and second drivers which apply physical acting forces to the movable portion. The signal switching section has a function for switching a driving preparation signal for attracting the movable portion in either the first rotating direction or the second rotating direction into a scanning drive signal for attracting the movable portion in the first rotating direction and the second rotating direction alternately. The maximum voltage of the driving preparation signal is set value to be higher than the maximum voltage of the scanning drive signal.

Abstract: A targeting and tracking apparatus and method for optical transceivers is disclosed. The tracking function is performed internally by way of translating an internal optical fiber in the focal plane of the transceiver telescope using miniature motorized translation systems and/or micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The optical design of the transceiver provides a wide field of view and a pointing and tracking field of regard that is directly proportional to the translation of the optical fiber in the focal plane of the telescope. The apparatus and method can eliminate the need for external gimballing systems and scanning mirrors, and replace the gimballed optical beam steering function with motorized translation systems and/or MEMS that consumes very little power.

Abstract: A beam steering apparatus and method for free space optical transceivers is disclosed. The beam steering function is performed internally by way of translating an internal optical fiber in the focal plane of the transceiver telescope using miniature micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The optical design of the transceiver provides a wide field of view and a pointing and tracking field of regard that is directly proportional to the translation of the optical fiber in the focal plane of the telescope. The apparatus and method can eliminate the need for external gimballing systems, and replace the gimballed free space optical beam steering function with MEMS that consumes very little power.

Abstract: An optical scanner device, comprising a scanning unit, which casts irradiation light emitted from a light source in an arbitrary direction to scan an observation object, an objective lens system, which converges the irradiation light on the observation object, and a photo-detector unit, which is disposed on an optical axis of the objective lens system to have the irradiation light transmit therethrough, is provided. A position of the irradiation light converged on the observation object is detected based on a position of a light spot of the irradiation light transmitting through the photo-detector unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for automated optical inspection (AOI) utilizing image scanning modules with multiple objectives for each camera are provided. A scanning mechanism includes optical components to sequentially steer optical signals from each of the multiple objectives to the corresponding camera.

Abstract: Measurement of a scanning optical system is to be carried out simply and easily. According to the invention, a scanning optical system measuring device for making adjustment of a scanning optical system which performs scanning with a light beam, includes: plural one-dimensional position detection devices provided at a distance from each other in a scanning direction of a light beam caused to perform scanning, and arranged to intersect the scanning direction of the light beam, and configured to output light receiving position of the light beam caused to perform scanning, as an analog signal; and a detection signal processing unit configured to detect scanning state of the light beam on the basis of a detection signal of the one-dimensional position detection devices.

Abstract: For a confocal scanning electron 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 imaging 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 shock lockup apparatus is mounted on the chassis of an image scanning device includes a stopping block and a lockup module, with part of the transmission belt driving the chassis of the image scanning device being placed in between. In such a manner, when the image scanning device is being moved and the chassis receives shock or momentum, then the locking unit of the lockup module will move toward the stopping block to clip the transmission belt and fix the chassis synchronously.

Abstract: The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing non-contact material characterization includes a wafer carrier adapted to hold a plurality of substrates and a material characterization device, such as a device for performing photoluminescence spectroscopy. The apparatus is adapted to perform non-contact material characterization on at least a portion of the wafer carrier, including the substrates disposed thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device comprising means for generating two images which are filtered differently by a mask (304) and for combining same.

Abstract: The broad range measurement exploiting the usual propagated light and the high resolution measurement mode exploiting near-field light are to be accomplished with a sole as-assembled optical probe. To this end, light radiated through an optical probe 13 having a light shielding coating layer 33 formed for defining a light radiating aperture D or light radiated at a core 31 of the optical probe 13 is propagated, as the optical probe 13 is moved in a direction towards and away from a surface for measurement 2a. The core of the optical probe is coated with a light shielding coating layer 33. In this manner, a spot of propagated light propagated through the core 31 or a spot of near-field light seeping from the light radiating aperture D is formed on the surface for measurement 2a, and light derived from the spot of light is detected.

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 scanning method for optical scanning of a body includes illuminating the body by a lighting unit and a light receiver unit receives light transmitted from the lighting unit to the body and reflected by the body so that a scanning zone of a scanning unit is defined by the lighting unit and the light receiver unit. Two scanning units each having a scanning region are used, which overlap at least in part in an overlap zone, and at least when the surface of the body is in an overlap zone, the scanning sensitivity of at least one of the scanning units is reduced at least for the overlap zone. At least one scanning unit is used which is configured and/or arranged such that it can scan a part of the body which is as large as possible. A scanning apparatus is also provided for carrying out the scanning method.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a printer. The positioning apparatus includes at least one encoder, an OPC belt, and a code strip consisting of a reference bar code region, a blank region and a normal bar code region. The OPC belt is moved relative to the encoder and has a joint region. The code strip is mounted on the OPC belt and has multiple of bar codes. The encoder is used for detecting the bar codes and generating a displacement signal representing a displacement of the OPC belt moved relative to the encoder. The blank region may adjoin the joint region. Therefore, a home position can be located precisely by the displacement signal due to the existence of the reference bar code region and blank region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating microscanners. The fabrication processes employed pursuant to some embodiments are compatible with well known CMOS fabrication techniques, allowing devices for control, monitoring and/or sensing to be integrated onto a single chip. Both one- and two-dimensional microscanners are described. Applications including optical laser surgery, maskless photolithography, portable displays and large scale displays are described.

Abstract: An image reading device which reads a document as an image includes a light source unit, a light receiving unit, a transporting mechanism which relatively transports either one of the light receiving unit or the document, a light reception control unit, and an irradiation control unit which irradiates the light receiving unit with the light from the document during a first light receiving period starting from a beginning point of the charging period and a second light receiving period ending at an ending point of the charging period and which does not irradiate the light receiving unit with the light from the document between the first light receiving period and the second light receiving period.

Abstract: A scanning microscope with a light source which emits illumination light for illuminating a specimen, with at least a first detector for detecting the detection light proceeding from the specimen, and with an objective through which the specimen can be illuminated and detected, wherein the objective is arranged in an illumination beam path and in a detection beam path, and with a second detector for non-descanned detection of the detection light proceeding from the specimen, wherein a compact assembly is provided which comprises a housing which is attached to a microscope stand and which has at least one receptacle for a microscope objective for the illumination beam path and/or detection beam path of the scanning microscope, wherein at least the second detector is arranged in the housing and can be acted upon by specimen light.

Abstract: A device for driving a plant such as a beam scanner includes a memory, drive-signal generator, and a calibrator. The memory stores data corresponding to the drive signal, and the generator generates the drive signal from the data and couples the drive signal to the plant. The calibrator measures a response of the plant to the drive signal, calculates a difference between the measured response and a corresponding target response, and reduces the difference by altering the drive signal. Such a device can force the output response of the driven plant to equal a target output response, or to be sufficiently close to the target response for a particular application, while the device is operating in an open-loop configuration. Furthermore, while operating in an open-loop configuration, such a device often has a greater stability margin and greater noise immunity than a comparable device that operates in a closed-loop configuration.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes light sources, an image sensor, a data generating unit, and a carrier unit. The light sources are sequentially turned on for an identical period once in a single line period. The image sensor reads information from a print medium irradiated by the light sources. The data generating unit generates pixel data corresponding to the information. The carrier unit carries the print medium such that the image print medium is scanned by the image sensor in a sub-scanning direction. The single line period is equal to or more than twice a period from when first one of the light sources is turned on until last one of the light sources is turned off.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating an area scanner having a motorless scanning mechanism provide for enhanced operation of the area scanner. In an embodiment, an area scanner includes a micro-optical-electromechanical device to direct the scan of light from an optical source over a desired area.

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, 36?, 36b) defining a field of view (38?, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42?, 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: 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: A light scanning apparatus includes a deflector having an oscillation mirror that oscillates about an axis that is orthogonal to a main scanning direction. A detector detects a scanning light beam deflected by the oscillation mirror and moving in a scanning region. A controller adjusts the amplitude of the oscillation mirror based on a detection signal outputted from the detector, and stops driving the oscillation mirror when the detection signal is not outputted from the detector.