Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring light beams comprising a reflector for passing at least partially through the beam to reflect a sample of the beam and at least one sensor arranged to receive the reflected beam sample for determining a characteristic of the beam sample. The reflector may be arranged to oscillate and the sensors may he arranged at substantially forty-five or ninety degrees to the axis of the incident beam.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus includes a main mirror that rotates about two transverse axes to reflect light for an array of subimages through a lens to a correcting mirror that reflects the light to an image detector. The correcting mirror moves in translation and tilts to correct for loss of focus of the subimages. A method of generating high resolution images includes acquiring an array of subimages by moving the main mirror and correcting each subimage with the correcting mirror. A method of surveillance includes acquiring and storing an array of initial subimages, then acquiring new subimages, comparing the new subimages with the stored subimages, and storing changed subimages.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which has a scanner for scanning a predetermined area with a laser beam. The optical apparatus comprises: a laser source; a scanner having a scanning mirror for causing a laser beam generated by the laser source to scan; an angle sensor for sensing angles of the scanning mirror of the scanner; a fault detection block for determining whether the scanning mirror operates safely and normally based at least on angle information coming from the angle sensor; and a projection control block for controlling projection of the laser beam based on fault detection information coming from the fault detection block.

Abstract: A light source control method and apparatus of an image scanner is disclosed. The invention utilizes a determination means and an illumination control device to perform partial or full illumination and adjust brightness so that the light source can be operated more efficiently and more economically.

Abstract: A light scanner includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, a first imaging optical system for guiding a light beam from the laser to the deflection surface of the polygon mirror, a second imaging optical system of a single curved mirror for guiding the light beam from the polygon mirror to a photosensitive drum, and a photodiode for detecting the light beam scanned by the polygon mirror. The first imaging optical system, the polygon mirror, and the second imaging optical system are located at different positions in the sub-scanning direction so that the light beam from the first imaging optical system enters the deflection surface obliquely, and the light beam from the polygon mirror enters the curved mirror obliquely.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus operable for radiaton comprises a hollow polygonal primary drum rotatable about a central axis to present a plurality of internally presented sides or facets capable of reflecting the radiation concerned. A fixed Mangin mirror mounted within the primary drum directs such radiation onto the internally presented sides or facets of the primary drum to be reflected therefrom onto a rotating reflective faceted secondary drum. The secondary drum reflects the radiation onto a radiation receiver or sensor. The secondary drum is arranged to be rotated about an axis parallel with the rotary axis of the primary drum, in synchronism with the latter, in such a way that, over each line scanning period, radiation from substantially all of the respective facet of the primary drum can reach the receiver or sensor via the secondary drum.

Abstract: End-of-travel focus shift in an optical image scanner is provided. One embodiment comprises a method for optically scanning. Briefly described, one such method comprises translating an optical head to a first end-of-travel position and adjusting the distance between the optical head and a platen by engaging the optical head with a first stop member disposed at the first end-of-travel position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to controllably reduce power of a laser projection display (LPD) in response to detecting a variation in a viewing surface. During the operation of the LPD, a controller 142 monitors laser light being reflected from the viewing surface. Since the controller 142 “knows” the amount of power that the LPD is being instructed to deliver, it may compare the known power to the reflected laser light to determine if a foreign object may be in the path of the laser light, and therefore, affecting the magnitude of the laser light. The controller 142 responds to detecting such an event by reducing power to the lasers.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a controller communicatively coupled to a first laser, a second laser, a scanning device and a light sensor. The controller is configured to perform actions including controlling the first laser, the second laser and the scanning device to simultaneously scan the first light beam and the second light beam across an image region of the photoconductive substrate over a plurality of scans to form a latent image on the photoconductive substrate; activating only the first laser outside the image region between first successive scans of the plurality of scans to sense with the light sensor the first light beam; and activating only the second laser outside the image region between second successive scans of the plurality of scans to sense with the light sensor the second light beam.

Abstract: A CPU first detects a position of a stationary laser beam using a beam position detection sensor, and then determines a target position of a movable laser beam relative to the stationary laser beam. The CPU effects a control to approach the movable laser beam to the target position in predetermined steps. When the CPU moves the movable laser beam, it checks whether the movable laser beam has moved to the target position. If the movable laser beam has not moved to the target position, the CPU performs a control once again to perform the first detection of the position of the stationary laser beam.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for controlling a scanning laser are provided by the present invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a single feedback sensor is placed along the scan path of a scanning laser such that it senses the laser twice during each scan. The time intervals between the sensor sensing the laser are measured and examined to determine the position and direction of the scanning laser. These time intervals may also be used to ensure that the scanning device is operating at its resonant frequency. In systems that require detecting the laser as it enters and leaves the imaging window, a reflective device is used to create a beam path from the edge of the imaging window back to the single feedback sensor such that the sensor detects the laser four times during each scan.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus which can operate in a plurality of image processing modes, and includes a photoelectric converter for reading an object image and outputting an electrical signal, a reference white plate used to correct image read nonuniformity by the photoelectric converter, and a lamp for illuminating an object and the reference white plate with light, and its control, the currently set image processing mode is determined, a wait time is set in correspondence with the currently set image processing mode and the lamp is turned on, then the photoelectric converter begins to read the reference white plate after a lapse of the wait time.

Abstract: A laser illumination apparatus for illuminating a semiconductor film with a linear laser beam while scanning the semiconductor film with the linear laser beam. An optical system generates a linear laser beam having a beam width W by dividing a pulse laser beam that is emitted from a pulsed laser light source into a plurality of beams vertically and horizontally, and combines divisional beams after they have been processed into a linear shape individually. A mechanism is provided to move a substrate that is mounted with the semiconductor film. A condition W/20??(r)?x?W/5 or ?(r)?W/20?x?W/5 is satisfied, where r is a height difference of the surface of the semiconductor film, ?(r) is a variation amount of the beam width W as a function of the height difference r, and x is a movement distance of the substrate during an oscillation period of the pulsed laser light source.

Abstract: A device for reading flexible storage foils. The devices includes a foil support, a reading light source which provides a reading light beam which has a wave length suitable to excite metastable storage centers of the storage foil. Drive mechanisms are employed to provide relative movement between the reading light beam and the storage foil. A light detector is responsive to fluorescence light of the storage foil generated by the reading light beam.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object to provide a light source unit in which the relative portion of a detecting device and a condensing device is accurately determined, whereby the detecting device can reliably detect a laser beam, and a scanning optical apparatus using the same, and for this purpose, the present invention provides a scanning optical apparatus having a light source, a holding member for holding the light source, a deflecting device for deflecting light emitted from the light source, a detecting device for detecting the light deflected by the deflecting device, and a condensing lens for condensing the light incident on the detecting device, wherein the holding member positions the detecting device, and holds the condensing lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid includes a tube connected with a source of the fluid. The tube allows the fluid to be transported from the source to a discharge. An ultraviolet lamp is positioned adjacent the tube, and is adapted to transmit light waves through the fluid. The tube can be a coiled tube having one or more coils thereby forming a helical tube. Each coil of the helical tube has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameters of the coils define a space or opening. The ultraviolet lamp is positioned within the opening. A fluid passing through the coils of the tube are exposed to the ultraviolet light. The method of the invention includes moving water from a source to a discharge, through the tube while the lamp is activated. Water will become disinfected as it is exposed to the ultraviolet light of the lamp.

Abstract: A carrier device for a contact image sense optical scanner. The carrier device incorporates a pair of magnets with identical poles facing each other or a fluid filled sealed chamber for exerting an equal pressure on a scanning module within the scanner and maintaining close contact with a document platform throughout a scanning operation.

Abstract: A high definition light-scanning optical apparatus uses an oblique incidence optical system and has a simple configuration that does not exert any adverse effect on the quality of the image formed by it as the elements of the apparatus are appropriately arranged. The light-scanning optical apparatus comprises an incidence optical system adapted to cause the light beam emitted from an incident light emitting light source including a fold mirror to strike a deflection plane of an optical deflector with a predetermined angle in the sub-scanning section and a focussing optical system for focussing the light beam reflected by the deflection plane of the optical deflector on a surface to be scanned. The focussing optical system includes an f? lens system having a spherical lens and a first cylindrical lens showing power in the main-scanning direction and a second cylindrical lens showing power in the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: A MEM s scanning device has a variable resonant frequency. In one embodiment, the MEMs device includes a torsion arm that supports an oscillatory body. In one embodiment, an array of removable masses are placed on an exposed portion of the oscillatory body and selectively removed to establish the resonant frequency. The material can be removed by laser ablation, etching, or other processing approaches. In another approach, a migratory material is placed on the torsion arm and selectively stimulated to migrate into the torsion arm, thereby changing the mechanical properties of the torsion arm. The changed mechanical properties in turn changes the resonant frequency of the torsion arm. In another approach, symmetrically distributed masses are removed or added in response to a measured resonant frequency to tune the resonant frequency to a desired resonant frequency. A display apparatus includes the scanning device and the scanning device scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus including an optical system of refracting an illumination light illuminated from a light source device by a scanning lens into parallel optical beams and condensing the light by a condensing lens located at a focal position of the scanning lens on an observed surface, in which the light source device has a light emission portion attached to a stage which is adjustable for the position along an XY plane in perpendicular to the optical axis of the scanning lens, with an optical axis of irradiation light being in parallel with the optical axis of the scanning lens. The apparatus being small in the size and simple in the structure, capable of easily controlling the spot position, not requiring accurate optical axis alignment and manufactured at a reduced cost.

Abstract: A casing for an image-reading device includes a frame made of elongated frame members, such as four frame members that are rigidly connected together. A guide rod may be fixed between a pair of the frame members, and a carriage that supports the optical unit may be guided on the guide rod. A base plate, which is preferably made of glass, is connected to the bottom of the frame. The frame includes shock absorbers distributed evenly around outside side surfaces of the frame or on the bottom of the frame closely adjacent to the outside side surfaces of the frame members. The shock absorbers may be grooves filled with resilient material on the outer sides of the frame members or grooves that are empty or filled with resilient material on the bottoms of the frame members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optically scanning multiple object planes are provided. One embodiment is a method for providing multiple object planes in an optical image scanning environment comprising positioning a first optical sensor array to receive an optical signal corresponding to a first object plane located a first distance from the platen and positioning a second optical sensor array to receive an optical signal corresponding to a second object plane located a second distance from the platen.

Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed which has a scanner for scanning a predetermined area with a laser beam. The optical apparatus comprises: a laser source; a scanner having a scanning mirror for causing a laser beam generated by the laser source to scan; an angle sensor for sensing angles of the scanning mirror of the scanner; a fault detection block for determining whether the scanning mirror operates safely and normally based at least on angle information coming from the angle sensor; and a projection control block for controlling projection of the laser beam based on fault detection information coming from the fault detection block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for optimizing the time required for scanning a document with any conventional scanner. More specifically, the present invention will utilize calibration information from the initial power-up calibration or any other calibration, and the information from any previous scans to expedite or eliminate the need for future calibration requests. This process will save time for the user to obtain an optimal scan and increase the operable life span of the scanner by eliminating many repetitive scan cycles.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit and a timing adjusting circuit set a position of an exposure area by beam scanning as an additional value of a first setting value set in dot unit corresponding to the scanning of a pixel clock period and a second setting value set in tap unit corresponding to the scanning of a period smaller than the pixel clock period. A CPU controls the synchronizing circuit and the timing adjusting circuit so that the exposed position becomes an objective position. The CPU changes the second setting value to a first predetermined value by increasing the first setting value by one dot, in the case that the additional value is increased to reach a first threshold.

Abstract: While scanning two laser beams that are separated by a prescribed distance d in the scanning direction, one of the beams is first irradiated onto a BD sensor at a timing t11. However, the sensor signal Vs emitted from the BD sensor changes only slightly at this time, and the amplified sensor signal Vg, which is a reverse amplification of the sensor signal Vs, does not reach the threshold level Vth. Subsequently, at a timing t12 the other laser beam is irradiated onto the BD sensor so that both laser beams are simultaneously irradiated on the BD sensor. At this time, the amplified sensor signal Vg rises enough to exceed the threshold level Vth, and the BD signal is outputted (switched to low level). By outputting a BD signal upon simultaneously receiving two laser beams in this way, stability of the BD signal is improved.

Abstract: In a image processing system, a cassette loading unit, a reciprocating feed system, an auxiliary scanning feed mechanism, and an erasing unit are controlled by a first CPU, and an image reading process and error processes relative to the reading of image information are performed by a second CPU. The image processing system starts a shading correcting process at a time when a first time has elapsed from a time when a start-of-scan signal is supplied, and ends the shading correcting process and detects an error and an erasing level at a time when a third time has elapsed from a time when an effecting reading period is ended.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided, a portion of which is insertable into an expansion slot of a handheld PC or PDA device, which is configured like a camera familiar to the user. In one embodiment, the image capture device includes a lens unit that is rotatable over about 180 ° degrees. The image capture device additionally includes an optical viewfinder rotatable with the lens unit. The image capture device advantageously includes an indicator visible from either side of the image capture device regardless of the lens position.

Abstract: A scanning mirror unit for scanning a beam comprises: at least one cantilever which is formed by bonding an elastic material and a piezoelectric material together and supported by a base at its one end; and a movable mirror which is supported at least by a free end of the cantilever at its peripheral part. When voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material, the free end of the cantilever moves in a prescribed direction to press and move the peripheral part of the movable mirror while leaving a central part of the movable mirror at substantially the same position to cause a tilt to the movable mirror. With such composition of the scanning mirror unit, a reflecting member having a sufficient thickness (e.g. some hundreds of microns) can be employed for the movable mirror, by which a high power laser beam effective for treatment of affected parts, etc. can be reflected finely and durably.

Abstract: A confocal optical scanner of Nipkow disk type for measuring a sample, in which each component of two or more color pigments, has a high reflection mirror for separating an excited light to be radiated onto the sample and a fluorescence emitted from the sample, wherein a reflectance of the high reflection mirror is from 80% to 100% in a measured wavelength region including at least an excited light wavelength region and a fluorescence wavelength region. Thereby, the confocal optical scanner capable of measuring a polychromatic fluorescent image at the same time is realized with the enhanced light receiving efficiency of fluorescence, using one high reflection mirror without using a plurality of dichroic mirrors by exchange.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for compensating for static and dynamic inaccuracies in an optical scanner used in a typical surface inspection system, the scanner may have a scanning axis and a cross-scanning axis. A surface of an inspection article is scanned along a scanning axis and a scanning axis signal is output at predetermined distances along this axis. The scanning axis signal may be used to determine a speed of relative movement between the scanner and the inspection article. A jitter signal may be output whenever the scanner deviates from the scanning axis, and this signal may be used to calculate the amount of deviation. Information, such as the speed of relative movement, scan line resolution, and a scanning axis static position error may be used to generate a scan line. A generated scan line may be shifted to compensate for a cross-scanning axis error.

Abstract: Provided are a multi-beam scanning optical system capable of implementing high-quality printing in relatively simple structure and at high speed, and an image forming apparatus using it. The multi-beam scanning optical system has an incidence optical unit for guiding a plurality of beams emitted from a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from each other in a main scanning direction, to a deflector; a scanning optical unit for focusing the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, on a surface to be scanned; and a synchronism-detecting optical unit for converging part of the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, via a return mirror on a slit surface by a lens section, thereafter guiding the beams to a synchronism detector, and controlling timing of a scan start position on the surface to be scanned, by use of a signal from the synchronism detector.

Abstract: A scanning near-field optical microscope detects the evanescent field formed about an illuminated sample 14 via an interaction between the field and a local probe 20. The probe 20 is scanned across the sample surface in order to collect a complete image as a succession of scan lines. In the microscope of this invention, image collection is more rapidly performed by translating the probe 20 whilst it is oscillated at or near its resonance frequency. In this way a series of scan lines covering an area of the sample surface are rapidly collected, the length of each scan line being determined by oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed which has a small size as a whole and capable of suppressing loss in the light amount in a separating member even when a relatively large-sized scanning device and a reflective diffusing member are used. The optical system comprises a scanning optical system including a scanning device which scans a light flux from a light source at a scanning point and a display optical system which leads an image formed by the scanned light flux to an exit pupil of the optical system. An optical path of the scanning optical system and an optical path of the display optical system have a mutually overlapping part, and the optical paths are separated by a separating member. The scanning optical system forms a conjugate point conjugate with the scanning point at substantially a position of the separating member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image scanning device having an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper hosing includes at least a scanning module for outputting digitalized image signals. Thus, a user can place a document facing up on a document plate and therefore be able to examine the wrinkles, alignment and inclination.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a scanning assembly that scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern. A plurality of light sources emit light from spaced apart locations toward the scanning assembly such that the scanning assembly simultaneously scans more than one of the beams. The scanning assembly is a resonant scanning assembly with a variable resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the scanning assembly can be actively controlled by controlling partial pressure of fluids in a package containing the scanning assembly. In one embodiment, the increased partial pressure increases the mass of a scanning mirror, thereby changing the resonant frequency. In another embodiment, a gas absorbing material is coupled to a support arm that carries a scanning mirror. As the gas absorbing material absorbs gas, its physical properties change, thereby shifting the resonant frequency of the scanning assembly.

Abstract: A two-dimensional image is displayed by causing a light beam scanning in a horizontal direction x to also scan in a vertical direction y. First photo-detector P is arranged in a region where the scan speed of the light beam in the first direction x is highest and the scan speed of the light beam in the second direction y is lowest, whereas second photo-detector Q is arranged in a region where the scan speed of the light beam in the second direction y is highest and the scan speed of the light beam in the first direction x is lowest so that both of the photo-detectors can accurately detect the scan timing of the light beam. Any possible error of synchronism of the horizontal scan of the light beam and the vertical scan of the light beam can be prevented by using the signals from the photo-detectors P, Q.

Abstract: Photothermal Imaging Scanning Microscopy produces a rapid, thermal-based, non-destructive characterization apparatus. Also, a photothermal characterization method of surface and subsurface features includes micron and nanoscale spatial resolution of meter-sized optical materials.

Abstract: Provided are a multi-beam scanning optical system capable of implementing high-quality printing in relatively simple structure and at high speed, and an image forming apparatus using it. The multi-beam scanning optical system has an incidence optical unit for guiding a plurality of beams emitted from a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from each other in a main scanning direction, to a deflector; a scanning optical unit for focusing the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, on a surface to be scanned; and a synchronism-detecting optical unit for converging part of the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, via a return mirror on a slit surface by a lens section, thereafter guiding the beams to a synchronism detector, and controlling timing of a scan start position on the surface to be scanned, by use of a signal from the synchronism detector.

Abstract: Provided are a multi-beam scanning optical system capable of implementing high-quality printing in relatively simple structure and at high speed, and an image forming apparatus using it. The multi-beam scanning optical system has an incidence optical unit for guiding a plurality of beams emitted from a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting regions spaced apart from each other in a main scanning direction, to a deflector; a scanning optical unit for focusing the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, on a surface to be scanned; and a synchronism-detecting optical unit for converging part of the plurality of beams deflected by the deflector, via a return mirror on a slit surface by a lens section, thereafter guiding the beams to a synchronism detector, and controlling timing of a scan start position on the surface to be scanned, by use of a signal from the synchronism detector.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit and a timing adjusting circuit set a position of an exposure area by beam scanning as an additional value of a first setting value set in dot unit corresponding to the scanning of a pixel clock period and a second setting value set in tap unit corresponding to the scanning of a period smaller than the pixel clock period. A CPU controls the synchronizing circuit and the timing adjusting circuit so that the exposed position becomes an objective position. The CPU changes the second setting value to a first predetermined value by increasing the first setting value by one dot, in the case that the additional value is increased to reach a first threshold.

Abstract: A laser illumination apparatus for illuminating a semiconductor film with a linear laser beam while scanning the semiconductor film with the linear laser beam. An optical system generates a linear laser beam having a beam width W by dividing a pulse laser beam that is emitted from a pulsed laser light source into a plurality of beams vertically and horizontally, and combines divisional beams after they have been processed into a linear shape individually. A mechanism is provided to move a substrate that is mounted with the semiconductor film. A condition W/20≦&Dgr;(r)≦x≦W/5 or &Dgr;(r)≦W/20≦x≦W/5 is satisfied, where r is a height difference of the surface of the semiconductor film, &Dgr;(r) is a variation amount of the beam width W as a function of the height difference r, and x is a movement distance of the substrate during an oscillation period of the pulsed laser light source.

Abstract: In an optical scanning device and image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a light source emits a light beam, and a scanning optical unit deflects the light beam from the light source and focuses the deflected light beam to form a light spot on a scanned surface, the scanned surface being scanned by the light beam from the scanning optical unit. A temperature detection unit detects a temperature of the scanning optical unit and its neighboring locations. A temperature compensation unit adjusts a focal-point position of the light beam on the scanned surface in accordance with a change in the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, the temperature compensation unit adjusting the focal-point position of the light beam by directly varying a focusing effect of a corrector lens on the light beam from the light source by a controlled amount of movement of the corrector lens along its optical axis that corresponds to the temperature change.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide an image input system, image input apparatus, and image input method which can greatly reduce the time before actual image reading is started, and which is easy to use in accordance with a power-saving standard. To achieve this object, an image input system having an image input apparatus whose image reading is controllable from an external apparatus includes a light source light amount controller for controlling a light source for illuminating an original, and a switch for designating the start of original image reading. When designation of the start of original image reading is detected, the light source light amount controller turns on the light source and starts light amount adjustment, and the start of the image input apparatus from the external apparatus is designated.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning a beam across a surface including a scanner scanning a pulsed laser beam across a surface and a position indicator receiving an input from the pulsed laser beam at a plurality of locations across the surface, and outputting position indications indicating a position of said pulsed laser beam along said surface. The position indications are used to modulate data in apparatus for exposing patterns on surfaces, for example electrical circuit patterns on photosensitized surfaces. One use of such apparatus is the manufacture of electrical circuits.

Abstract: A film scanner includes a cold cathode lamp for producing visible light to scan a film containing a plurality of photographic images, an infrared source for producing infrared light to scan the film, and a detector or light sensor for sensing the visible light. The infrared light transmits the film to produce corresponding image signals. The cold cathode lamp is disposed between the infrared source and the film and the cold cathode lamp is in contact with the infrared source. In this way, before arriving at the film the infrared light is substantially uniformized by passing through the cold cathode lamp.

Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus includes a scanning unit that emits at least one scanning laser beam, which scans on a surface to be scanned in a main scanning direction to form a scanning section. A plurality of position marks formed on the surface are detected to determine the distortion of the surface to be scanned. A calculating system is provided to calculate an inclination of each scanning section with respect the main scanning direction, and a scaling factor of each scanning section with respect to a predetermined length in the main scanning direction based on the shape of the surface to be scanned. Then, when image is formed, the rotational position of the surface to be scanned is changed in accordance with the inclination, and a start position of each scanning section on the surface to be scanned is changed in accordance with the scaling factor.

Abstract: An optical arrangement having a light source, preferably a laser, for generating a light beam (1); at least one acoustooptical deflection device (3) for the light beam (1); and a correction device for correcting beam aberrations produced by the deflection device (3) is configured, in the interest of flexible and reliable correction of aberrations occurring because of the deflection, in such a way that the correction device comprises an adaptive optical system (2). Also described is a method for the deflection of light beams (1) with a light source, preferably a laser, for generating a light beam (1); at least one acoustooptical deflection device (3) for the light beam (1); and a correction device for correcting beam aberrations produced by the deflection device (3), in which an adaptive optical system (2) is used as the correction device.

Abstract: The invention provides a three dimensional digital scanner which includes a multiple view detector which is responsive to a broad spectrum of visible light. The multiple view detector is operative to develop a plurality of images of a three dimensional object which is being scanned. The plurality of images are taken from a plurality of relative angles with respect to the object, and the plurality of images depict a plurality of surface portions of the object. A digital processor including a computational unit is coupled to the detector and is responsive to the plurality of images so that it develops 3-D coordinate positions and related image information for the plurality of surface portions of the object. A three dimensional image of the object to be scanned is thus developed by the digital processor. The data developed includes both shape and surface image color information.

Abstract: This invention provides an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope comprising a fiber-coupled, angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head and a vertical scanning unit. The angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head is configured such that an illumination beam and an observation beam intersect optimally at an angle &thgr; within an object and the scanning is achieved by pivoting the illumination and observation beams using a single scanning element, thereby producing an arc-line scan. The vertical scanning unit causes the angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head to move towards or away from the object.