Abstract: The present invention refers to a system and a device (10) for alignment of at least one alignable plane with reference to at least one reference plane. The device includes a main part (11), a light source (18) and a number of contact points (21a, 21b, 21c), and the light source (18) is provided to emit a light beam (25) with a scattering angle in one plane.

Abstract: An apparatus to align a propeller shaft comprises two main, parts being a first part which is attached to a skeg and which contains a laser emitter, and a second part which is attached to the power outlet of the engine and which contains a prism to deflect the laser beam to a target board, the arrangement allowing alignment between the skeg and the power outlet such that when the propeller shaft is attached the propeller shaft is in perfect alignment.

Abstract: An optical device includes a fixed reference. A first optical module has a first optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the first optical module is subsequently mounted to a first predetermined location on the fixed reference. A second optical module has second optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the second optical module mounted to a second predetermined location on the fixed reference.

Abstract: A transparent plate with fiducials for aligning and placing of dies on a panel with a high degree of accuracy is disclosed. The locations of the fiducials correspond to desired die locations. The transparent plate is arranged beneath the panel, with the fiducials aligned with cavities formed in the panel. The cavities have transparent bottoms. A die alignment mark on a die residing over the panel is used to establish the position of the die. Imaging a fiducial associated with a cavity is used to center the die with respect to the cavity. Accurate placement of the fiducials is accomplished by electron-beam lithography.

Abstract: An alignment system that uses a single optical sensor to enable the end of an optical fiber to be aligned with the input of an optical waveguide of an optical device. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that the output of a single optical sensor can be processed and converted into digital signals, which are then further processed in accordance with an alignment algorithm to generate feedback signals that enable precise alignment to be achieved. The alignment system includes the single optical sensor, a lens and processing logic.

Abstract: Techniques and systems for controlling an optical switch array based on local and global optical monitoring and feedback controls. Each optical switch element includes a local optical monitoring mechanism to form a local feedback control to lock the switch element at a desired orientation. The global optical monitoring is used to adjust at least one switch element in the path of the signal beam to maintain an overall alignment.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed to align an optical fiber with a light source or a photo-detector using a low-force contact.

Abstract: An accuracy analyzing apparatus 1 comprises: a light projector 2 attached to a main spindle 26 for emitting a light beam having a light axis coaxial with the axis of the main spindle 26; a semitransparent mirror 3 which transmits part of the emitted light beam and reflects other part; a first imaging device 4a for receiving the transmitted light beam; a second imaging device 4b for receiving the reflected light beam; and an analyzer 10 which calculates light receiving positions in the first and second imaging devices 4a and 4b, which estimates the light receiving position where the reflected light beam is to be received by the second imaging device 4b in the case where it is assumed that the axis of the main spindle 26 coincides with the first axis, and which compares the estimated light receiving position with the calculated light receiving position to analyze the perpendicularity of the axis of the main spindle 26.

Abstract: The alignment of two pieces of machinery is achieved so that centerlines of rotating shafts of each piece are in-line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aligning a lens with respect to an axis of beam propagation are disclosed. A position of the lens is adjusted with respect to the axis along one or more directions that lie substantially parallel to a surface of a bulkhead connector. The surface of the bulkhead connector is substantially not parallel to the axis of beam propagation. A position of the lens is adjusted along a direction substantially parallel to the axis of beam propagation. After adjustment, the position of the lens is fixed with respect to the surface. An example of a lens aligning apparatus includes a lens mount configured to receive the lens, a bulkhead connector having a surface, wherein the axis of beam propagation intersects a plane of the surface, means for fixing a position of the lens mount with respect to the surface; and means for fixing a position of the lens with respect to the lens mount.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an adjustment apparatus 5 and an optical unit 1 including a plurality of optical elements. The adjustment apparatus sequentially provides control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of a stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements to become parameters that cause the functions of the optical apparatus to satisfy stipulated specifications. A method of adjusting the optical apparatus includes sequentially providing control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of the stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements, and searching for optical values at which the functions of the optical apparatus the stipulated specification.

Abstract: In measuring and assembling a transceiver optical sub-assembly that includes a one-piece or two-piece housing having two opposite apertures separately for an optical fiber and a functional element to assemble thereto, and a lens located between the fiber and the functional element, an image sensor is aligned with the fiber aperture to set a focus on a fiber coupling plane in the housing, and a light spot presented on the fiber coupling plane by a laser beam emitted from the functional element through the lens, or an image of a light-emitting area or a receiving area of the functional element presented on the fiber coupling plane via the lens, is measured to adjust size and/or position thereof, so as to precisely align and fix the functional element to the housing.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for aligning a diffractive WDM device that includes i) a multi-channel, light handling device having a selected channel spacing and ii) a multi-channel signal input unit. The method includes adjusting a direction of incidence of an optical signal from the input unit on at least a first diffracting element of the WDM device so as to set an actual optical channel spacing at an output region of the WDM device to be approximately equal to the selected channel spacing of the multi-channel, light handling device. In the apparatus, the orientation of the light input unit is adjustable in a direction parallel to a diffraction plane of the diffractive WDM device so as to select an actual channel spacing at the multi-channel, light handling device that is approximately equal to the selected channel spacing.

Abstract: A fixture and method is provided for aligning optical elements in a microscope. The fixture attaches to an objective lens plane of the microscope and supports an alignment optical element. During optical component alignment, an alignment beam is directed along the illumination and imaging paths of the microscope through the objective lens port and into the fixture for reflection by the alignment optical element. The fixture allows an alignment optical element positioned in a single location to be used for aligning the microscope components and for adjusting the microscope objective lens.

Abstract: For detection of the inclination of the normal of a measurement-subject article, an auto-collimator applies a laser beam from a light source onto the measurement-subject article. Then, the return light reflected back from the measurement-subject article is concentrated by a convex lens. Further the return light is converted to parallel light by a concave lens and then projected onto a first screen. The auto-collimator is provided with a beam splitter provided between the convex lens and the concave lens for splitting off a portion of the return light traveling back from the measurement-subject article, and a coarse-adjustment verification screen for showing the split-off light split off from the return light by the beam splitter.

Abstract: A process for tunable filter train alignment comprises detecting a spectral response of the filter train and aligning an optical fiber that transmits an input optical signal to the filter train during operation. Further, the tunable filter is moved relative to the filter train in response to a spectral response of the filter train. As a result, the alignment and spectral response of the tunable filter train are optimized. In the preferred embodiment, the alignment and SMSR optimization occur simultaneously with respect to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning an optical measuring system to a desired direction comprises two housings (42,48) attachable to two relatively movable parts of a machine. The housings (42,48) have engagement means (53) such that when they are engaged together the optics inside (44,50) are aligned. The first housing (42) may be provided with attachment means, such as a ball (46), which may be located in a mount (54) on the machine table (56). The position of this ball (46) is determined and the machine spindle (60) is moved to a position a distance from the ball (46) of the first housing (42) to enable attachment means (52) of the second housing (48) to be attached to the spindle (60) when the two housings (42,48) are joined and such that the apparatus is aligned with the desired direction. The engagement means (53) between the two housings (42,48) may be compliant along an axis of the apparatus.

Abstract: A computerized system and methods of ballistic analysis involves comparing land impressions on a plurality of control bullets and computing correlation coefficients corresponding to the land-to-land comparisons in all possible relative orientations. A set of matching coefficients is identified for each bullet pair, and the set of matching coefficients is statistically compared to a set of non-matching coefficients. The gun is concluded to be identifiable where the sets of matching coefficients and non-matching coefficients are not statistically undistinguishable. To evaluate whether an evidence bullet was fired by a suspect gun, land impressions on an evidence bullet are compared with land impressions on a plurality of control bullets in all possible relative orientations, and correlation coefficients are computed for each land-to-land comparison to identify a set of questioned coefficients.

Abstract: A device for aligning two machine shafts which are coupled to one another has: at least one laser light source for emitting laser light; at least one reflector for reflecting the laser light; at least one receiving device for receiving the laser light; a first arithmetic computing device for determining parallel and angular offset of the machine shafts; and an evaluation and arithmetic computing device for determining the distance of the machine mounting elements relative to the plane of symmetry which lies between the machine shafts. The plane of symmetry intersects the axes of the machine shafts essentially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the shafts, i.e. with an angular error of less than 6°.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an adjustment apparatus 5 and an optical unit 1 including a plurality of optical elements. The adjustment apparatus sequentially provides control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of a stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements to become parameters that cause the functions of the optical apparatus to satisfy stipulated specifications. A method of adjusting the optical apparatus includes sequentially providing control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of the stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements, and searching for optical values at which the functions of the optical apparatus the stipulated specification.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing an image relayed by a central beam of collimated light centered on the optical axis of a lens with an aperture area of A and focused on the focal plane of the lens. The apparatus having an aperture at least n times as big as A centered on the optical axis of the lens to admit a collimated relay beam including the central beam and a diverter means for separating the relay beam into n collimated facet beams equal to the central beam, but exclusive thereof, and redirecting them through the lens aperture to produce n additional images on the same focal plane. The apparatus also including a processor with a separate opto-electronic device for each image that converts it between electronic and photonic states, the electronic images being stored in the processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous-zoom imaging device of an interferometer. Reflected lights of a reference plane and a test plane interfere with each other to generate an interference pattern. A collimation device converts a parallel light of the interference pattern into a convergent light. An optical path adjustment means guides the light to a polarizing beam splitter. A continuous-zoom device adjusts the magnification ratio of the interference pattern on the imaging passageway and to output an object image, which is then imaged on a charge-coupled device. The present invention can improve the quality of the interference pattern without using any rotating diffuser, and thus has the characteristics of reduced number of components, lowered cost, and shrunk volume. Besides, the present invention can utilize a joint device to connect the continuous-zoom device and an attenuator so as to achieve automatic light adjustment and convenient operation.

Abstract: A arrangement for determining the alignment of marked axes (22, 28, 36, 38, 48, 50) of a first (20, 30, 40) and a second body (26, 32, 42) relative to one another, which is provided with a first and a second measurement device (10, 12) which can be attached to the first body or to the second body in a fixed spatial relation to the respective marked axis, the first measurement device (10) having a first source (L2) for delivering a light beam and a second (D1) and a third optoelectronic sensor (D3), and the second measurement device (12) having a second (L1) and a third source (L3) for a light beam and a first optoelectronic sensor (D2), the optoelectronic sensors being made such that they can determine the impact point of a light beam on the sensor, and the first light source being assigned to the first sensor and the second and the third light source being assigned to the second and third sensor.

Abstract: An efficient multi-emitter boresight reference source (12). The efficient reference source (12) includes a first mechanism (182) for transmitting a first portion of electromagnetic energy (184) within a first waveband. A second mechanism (186) transmits a second portion of electromagnetic energy (188) within a second waveband different than the first waveband. A third mechanism (148) for combining the first portion of electromagnetic energy and the second portion of electromagnetic energy to yield a uniform reference beam (28).

Abstract: A system and method for optical alignment of a color imaging system includes illuminating a target plate with a laser beam. Photo-luminescent energy from the target plate is emitted in response to the laser beam. A color imaging system is aligned based on the photo-luminescent energy emitted at the target plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a tilted disc, and an apparatus and method for reproducing data from the tilted disc are provided.

Abstract: A method for introducing errors into a digital fiber optic communication link so that small analog changes in optical transmission efficiency can be determined by changes in the audible error rate. The method comprises providing a transmitter with a test channel that provides a pseudorandom encoded optical transmission through coupled fiber optic cables. The signal is sent through the cables and received by a receiver which introduces and measures errors. The received signal is split and processed by a clock recovery circuit and a lowpass filter. The clock recovery circuit obtains the optimal sampling point. The lowpass filter filters the data and provides a timing adjustment relative to the recovered clock signal. The clock retimes the filtered data with a sampling comparator. The variable timing introduces errors allowing optical transmission efficiency measurements. A bit error rate tester produces audible sounds whose frequency content is related to the bit error rate.

Abstract: A light path deviation detecting apparatus has a diverging element for diverging a detection target light path into two light paths, and detects light receiving position on light receiving surfaces disposed spaced light path lengths different from each other in the diverged light paths. A tilt of the detection target light path is detected from the light receiving positions detected respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the alignment of a converging light beam with a fiber having a core and cladding, using light leaked from the cladding is provided. Light from an incoming light beam is leaked from the cladding and passes through a ferrule surrounding the cladding, to light sensors located adjacent the ferrule. When any sensor senses light, that sensor signals the converging light beam to move away from that sensor (and towards the core of the fiber) until no light shines on that sensor. Each sensor performs this same function until no light shines on any sensor, indicating a proper alignment of the light on the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A bonding apparatus that includes a bonding tool through which a wire passes and which performs bonding on a workpiece, a position detection camera which takes images of the workpiece, a reference member which is disposed in a specified position, and an optical assembly which conducts the image of the tool and reference member to the position detection camera. A lens used in the position detection camera and a lens installed in the optical assembly are arranged so that such lenses construct an afocal optical system.

Abstract: Light emitted from a light source module and introduced to an optical fiber is detected with a photodetector. An amplification unit amplifies an output from the photodetector. Using a piezoactuator, the light source module is subjected to reciprocal scanning by repeating one-dimensionally in the X axis direction. In this way, one-dimensional optical intensity distribution in the X-axis direction is obtained based on an output of an amplification unit obtained in accordance with the reciprocal scanning. Based on the one-dimensional optical intensity distribution in the X-axis direction, relative positions between the light source module and the optical fiber are adjusted.

Abstract: A reconfigurable optical method and system for rapidly measuring relative angular alignment of flat surfaces are provided. The method and system can be used to rapidly and simultaneously measure the relative angular alignment of machined flat surfaces of a manufactured part. The system can measure parallelism, perpendicularity or angular alignment of multiple flat surfaces. The system can also be used to set up a range of reference angles to which machined surfaces can be compared.

Abstract: To detect the relative position of bodies, surfaces or the like, especially those on machines, there is an optoelectronic sensor. The latter reacts to incident light, for example, monochromatic laser light. The available receiving surface is however comparatively small for low-cost or pixel-oriented sensors. By making available a diffuser and a projecting objective lens in front of an optoelectronic sensor the usable receiving surface for incident light can be greatly increased. The diffuser or also the projecting objective lens can additionally be designed as a color filter and can be used to reduce the effects of outside light. A process is provided with which an especially accurate determination of the median point of the laser light spot incident on the target (optoelectronic sensor) can be achieved.

Abstract: There are provided a method for determining core positions of an optical fiber array capable of simply determining core positions of optical elements on the substrate with high accuracy, and an apparatus therefor. The apparatus includes a stage for moving an optical fiber array in which one or more optical fibers are aligned and secured in a predetermined direction, a light source for causing white light to be incident on one end face of the optical fiber, imaging means for imaging light emitted from other end face of the optical fiber, and a control section for controlling position of the stage and imaging means, and determining a core position of each optical fiber from the image imaged by the imaging means; the control section calculating an image distance to make the diameter of the emitted light displayed on the other end face of the optical fiber in the image minimum.

Abstract: A laser alignment device is described in which a first pipe cap includes an open pipe receiving end formed about a central axis. A laser mount is provided on the first pipe cap, and a second pipe cap is releasably mounted to the first pipe cap. A mounting access is provided on the second pipe cap that is substantially coaxial with the central axis.

Abstract: A process for tunable filter train alignment comprises detecting a spectral response of the filter train and aligning an optical fiber that transmits an input optical signal to the filter train during operation. Further, the tunable filter is moved relative to the filter train in response to a spectral response of the filter train. As a result, the alignment and spectral response of the tunable filter train are optimized. In the preferred embodiment, the alignment and SMSR optimization occur simultaneously with respect to each other.

Abstract: Microsystems or micro-biotechnical components (1) are aligned, assembled, and dispensed onto a substrate (2). An image of a microsystem receiving region of the substrate is focused along hollow cones onto an image plane (23). The microsystem (1) is positioned within the hollow cones such that the image passes around it unaffected. A semi-transparent plate (24) permits the substrate image to pass therethrough and reflects an image of a surface of the microsystem which is facing the substrate to be reflected and pass along the same hollow conical paths to the image plane. In this manner, the images of the substrate and the micro component are superimposed. A mechanical device (11) adjusts the position of the microsystem until the images of the facing surfaces of the microsystem and the substrate are brought into preselected alignment.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed to align an optical fiber with a light source or a photo-detector using a low-force contact.

Abstract: An optical alignment system is provided for aligning an optical module of the type which is suitable for use in an optical device. The system includes a reference base having a registration feature that aligns with a registration feature of the optical module. An optical sensor senses an optical characteristic of the optical element and optical element manipulator moves the optical element relative to the registration features of the optical module. A controller operates the optical element manipulator.

Abstract: Non-contact apparatus for positioning a surface working, testing or inspection device (1) relative to a surface to be worked, tested or inspected (2) at a desired position and orientation relative thereto (3b) including a baseplate (4) locatable at a distance away from the surface (2), means (5) for mounting the surface working, testing or inspection device on the baseplate (4), three or more range finder units (6a, 6b, 6c) removably mounted in spaced array (6d) on the baseplate (4), each of-which three or more range finder units (6a, 6b, 6c) includes a source (7) for impinging a beam (8) of ultra violet, visible light or infra red radiation on the surface (12), a detector (9) for imaging the impinging radiation (12) and for calculating a distance measurement (10a) from a datum location on the respective source (11a) the apparatus also including.

Abstract: Controllable optical switches in response to feedback signals from optical position sensors that measure switch orientations. The optical position sensors may include local sensors that monitor and measure orientations of individual switches and global sensors that monitor and measure overall alignment of signal beams. Such switches may be used to form non-blocking switching arrays.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing mis-alignment between an aircraft inertial reference frame and a reference frame of an attached sensor is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first laser mounted on the sensor and in the center of and normal to a first measuring surface; and, a second laser also mounted on the sensor perpendicular to the first laser and in the center of and normal to a second measuring surface. A first reflector is mounted to and aligned with the inertial reference frame of the aircraft and is disposed for reflecting a beam of light from the first laser, whereby misalignment in roll and yaw between the sensor and the aircraft is reflected on the first measuring surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring rectilinear motion and rotation angle errors of a rectilinearly moving body having a horizontal, parallel two-surface mirror positioned in a horizontal plane and including two reflection mirrors whose reflection surfaces face each other and are spaced by a distance (2)d and a vertical, parallel two-surface mirror positioned in a vertical plane and including two reflection mirrors whose reflection surfaces face each other and are spaced by a distance (2)d, and also has a light source for generating a laser beam, semi-transparent mirrors for splitting the laser beam into two laser beams, optical path changing reflection mirrors for changing a direction of each laser beam, and position sensors for detecting positions of the laser beam reflected from the horizontal, parallel two-surface mirror and the vertical, parallel two-surface mirror, respectively fixed to positions outside of the rectilinearly moving body.

Abstract: A subterranean course-defining laser instrument and a system for initial calibration or setup of this instrument to provide accurate definition of a sub surface course for a pipeline or the like. Instrument setup is made in response to an above-ground course definition marker such as a surveyor's stake or surveyor's rod. A double mirror pseudo periscope arrangement is used to enable optical signal communication from the subterranean location of the laser instrument to the above ground marker with each of the mirrors being of a curved and error-minimizing nature. Details regarding two major components of the apparatus and quantitative consideration of achieved error budget are included.

Abstract: The subject invention uses a dither technique and a Discrete Fourier Transform to simultaneously align optical components along two axes orthogonal to the optic axis. The dither technique and the magnitude of the transmitted light are used to detect the misalignment in both directions simultaneously, and the Discrete Fourier Transform is used to detect the size and direction of the misalignment.

Abstract: A surveying machine that automatically adjusts an optical axis includes a sighting optical system for sighting an object, a light-transmitting optical system that transmits a beam for surveying, radiated from a light source, to the object, a deviation detector, and an optical axis adjuster. The deviation detector detects a deviation between a first optical axis corresponding to the sighting optical system and a second optical axis corresponding to the light-transmitting optical system. The optical axis adjuster automatically adjusts at least one of the first optical axis and the second optical axis so as to correct the deviation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for aligning a diffractive WDM device that includes i) a multi-channel, light handling device having a selected channel spacing and ii) a multi-channel signal input unit. The method includes adjusting a direction of incidence of an optical signal from the input unit on at least a first diffracting element of the WDM device so as to set an actual optical channel spacing at an output region of the WDM device to be approximately equal to the selected channel spacing of the multi-channel, light handling device. In the apparatus, the orientation of the light input unit is adjustable in a direction parallel to a diffraction plane of the diffractive WDM device so as to select an actual channel spacing at the multi-channel, light handling device that is approximately equal to the selected channel spacing.

Abstract: A device for precision measurement of shafts, spindles, or the like calls for two surfaces which are combined with one another, of which one is partially reflecting and the other is roughly fully reflecting. These surfaces reflect an incident light beam independently of one another onto a single optoelectronic target. The target can be read out two-dimensionally and is pixel-oriented. From only a single measurement position, the azimuth and elevation, and the parallel offset between the incident light beam and a center of the reflecting surfaces can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a mechanism for positioning video cameras for use in measuring vehicle wheel alignment includes optical targets for mounting to the wheels of a vehicle, at least one video camera for viewing said optical targets and producing at least one image thereof, a computer system for measuring said at least one image and for using said measurements to compute vehicle wheel alignment information, a positioning system for positioning said at least one video camera such that said optical targets are visible to said at least one video camera and such that said at least one video camera can produce said at least one image of said targets, and a controller for controlling said positioning system such that a user of said apparatus can cause said at least one video camera to be positioned in at least one desired position and such that said user can further cause said controller to remember said at least one desired position so that any user can, at a later time, cause said controller to