Abstract: The invention relates to a beam combining device comprising a plurality of separate input beam paths (9) and at least one output beam path (10) for combining a plurality of input beams to at least one output beam. Devices of this type are required in order, for example, to combine the beams from a plurality of lasers each having a different radiation spectrum to form a single beam. It is an object of the invention to provide a compact and cost-effective beam combining device. In order to achieve this object, the invention proposes that one or a plurality of Risley prism pairs (1) are assigned to each input beam path (9) of the beam combining device, the prism pairs deflecting the input beam in an adjustable direction.

Abstract: An actuator device for optical deflector includes a base for mounting an optical deflector deflecting a light beam from a light source, at least one piezoelectric actuator translating and vibrating said base; and a supporting body supporting said piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: An actuation system for at least two mobile elements with dynamically compensated and opposite relative motions, without disturbance of the elements fixed in the same rigid structure as it, and resistant to exterior loadings, in the case of a translational motion of the mobile elements, includes, in a rigid structure, at least one linear actuator linked to a motion transmission device with four rigid arms, articulated at their ends and forming a lozenge, of which each of two first opposite vertices is linked to a corresponding mobile element, and whose other two opposite vertices have a single translational degree of freedom.

Abstract: An actuator includes a mass section; a support section; a coupling section for coupling the mass section rotatably to the support section so as to support the mass section with cantilever structure; and a pair of driving sources including a piezoelectric element for rotating the mass section, wherein the pair of driving sources are provided separately from each other with respect to a central axis of rotation of the mass section, each of the driving sources is provided slidably with respect to the coupling section or the support section, and the actuator is structured such that it causes the pair of piezoelectric elements to expand and contract in phases opposite to each other, so as to rotate at least a part of the coupling section while torsionally deforming the mass section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate and a mirror. The mirror is attached to the substrate via a spring. An electro-mechanical driver is operable to cause the mirror to rotationally oscillate about first and second non-collinear axes at different first and second frequencies.

Abstract: This vibrating mirror element includes a pair of first beam portions supporting a mirror portion in a vibratile manner, a pair of second beam portions connected with the pair of first beam portions respectively, and a pair of driving portions connected with the pair of second beam portions respectively. The mirror portion is arranged in a region surrounded by the pair of second beam portions and the pair of driving portions. The width of the pair of first beam portions and the width of the pair of second beam portions are rendered smaller than the width of the pair of driving portions.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a mirror part including a mirror reflecting surface to reflect incident light, a pair of torsion bars configured to support the mirror part from both sides and configured to forma first axis around which to swing the mirror part by a torsional motion thereof so as to deflect the reflected light, and at least one stress alleviation area configured to alleviate a stress generated by the torsional motion of the torsion bars. The alleviation area is provided between an intersection of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the center of the mirror reflecting surface and an edge of the mirror reflecting surface, and at least one of the torsion bars.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a mirror driving apparatus, including: a mirror section having a reflecting surface which reflects light; a pair of piezoelectric actuator sections arranged on either side of the mirror section; coupling sections which respectively connect one end of each of the piezoelectric actuator sections to an end portion of the mirror section which is distant from an axis of rotation of the mirror section in a direction along the reflecting surface and perpendicular to the axis of rotation; a fixing section which supports another end of each of the piezoelectric actuator sections; and a perpendicular movement suppressing structure which suppresses translational motion of the axis of rotation of the mirror section in a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface, one end of the perpendicular movement suppressing structure being connected to the fixing section and another end thereof being connected to the mirror section.

Abstract: A disclosed scanner apparatus includes a member having spaced apart proximal and distal portions. An electromagnetic radiation device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation therefrom and is moveably coupled to the distal portion of the member. The electromagnetic radiation device is configured to move in a first plane of movement to a first position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a first path and configured to move in the plane of movement to a second position to direct the electromagnetic radiation along a second path. A MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator is coupled to the electromagnetic radiation device, wherein the MEMS actuator is configured to move in a first direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the first position and configured to move in a second direction to move the electromagnetic radiation device to the second position. Other scanning and robotic structure devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The deflecting mirror includes a fixed base member; a mirror having a reflection surface; a support member swingablly supporting the mirror; a pair of driving beam members, each having a first end connected with the fixed base member and a second end connected with the support member to support the support member from both sides; and a piezoelectric member fixed to each driving beam member and extending from the first or second end of each driving beam member while having length not longer than about half the length of the driving beam member. The piezoelectric member and the driving beam members constitute piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph structure. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric member, the driving beam members are driven at the same time in the same direction, thereby vibrating the support member in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface of the mirror, resulting in swinging of the mirror.

Abstract: In an optical deflector including a mirror, a support body, and a piezoelectric actuator connected to the support body for rocking the mirror with respect to an axis of the mirror, at least one piezoelectric sensor is provided on the support body to sense a rocking vibration of the mirror caused by the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric mirror device (11) comprises a frame portion (12) having a centrally located opening (13), a mirror portion (14) positioned at the opening (13), a pair of mirror support portions (15) adapted to support the mirror portion (14) rotatably relative the frame portion (12) and a pair of drive portions (16) that is a multilayer structure of lower electrodes (17), piezoelectric element (18) and an upper electrode (19). The mirror support portions (15) are formed of a material having a Young's modulus of up to 160 GPa, and the frame portion (12) includes a cutout (13a) at a part of a site wherein there are the drive portions (16) positioned. The cutout (13a) is in contact with the opening (13).

Abstract: An optical reflecting element includes a mirror, and a pair of high-frequency vibrators and a pair of low-frequency vibrators for vibrating the mirror. The high-frequency vibrators include a substrate, a bottom electrode layer formed on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer, and a drive electrode and a first monitor electrode as the top electrode layer. One end of the low-frequency vibrator has the substrate shared with the high-frequency vibrator, a bottom electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, a drive electrode, and a second monitor electrode as the top electrode layer. The other end of the low-frequency vibrator has the substrate shared with the high-frequency vibrator, a bottom electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, a drive electrode, a first monitor electrode, and an insulator layer as a dead zone for preventing a piezoelectric effect due to the piezoelectric layer from reaching the first monitor electrode.

Abstract: A scanning mirror includes a substrate that is patterned to include a mirror area, a frame around the mirror area, and a base around the frame. A set of actuators operate to rotate the mirror area about a first axis relative to the frame, and a second set of actuators rotate the frame about a second axis relative to the base. The scanning mirror can be fabricated using semiconductor processing techniques or processing methods that do not require clean room process. Drivers for the scanning mirror may employ feedback loops that operate the mirror for triangular motions. Some embodiments of the scanning mirror can be used in a LADAR system for a Natural User Interface of a computing system.

Abstract: An oscillating device includes an oscillator, an elastic supporting member for movably supporting the oscillator, a first supporting frame for supporting the elastic supporting member, and a second supporting frame extending along the elastic supporting member with a spacing maintained therebetween, the second supporting member extending from the first supporting frame, wherein the second supporting frame is provided in a cantilever shape relative to the first supporting frame.

Abstract: A scanning projector includes a mirror that scans in two dimensions. The scanning mirror oscillates at a resonant frequency on a fast-scan axis, and is phase locked to an incoming frame rate on a slow-scan axis. An interpolation component interpolates pixel intensity data from adjacent pixels based on the position of the mirror when a pixel clock arrives. Incoming video data is stored in a buffer. Less than a complete frame of video data may be stored in the buffer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an optical signal processor. In one embodiment, the optical signal processor includes a first sub-wavelength grating having a first grating period and a second sub-wavelength grating having a second grating period that is different than the first grating period of the first sub-wavelength grating.

Abstract: A laser transmitter projects a beam of laser light outward while raising and lowering the beam. The beam may define a conical surface of varying inclination. The transmitter includes a laser source that directs a beam generally vertically, and a beam diverting element. The beam diverting element is positioned in the path of the beam, intercepting the beam and redirecting it. The beam emerges from the transmitter as a non-vertical beam that is raised and lowered. The diverting element may include a pair of mirrors configured as a pentaprism, with one of the mirrors pivotable. Alternatively, the diverting element may include a plurality of micro mirrors. Also, the diverting element may include a conical reflector and an annular lens which is cyclically raised and lowered. The beam may be raised and lowered cyclically according to a predetermined schedule, or it may be raised and lowered non-cyclically.

Abstract: A scanning lens apparatus with a bimorph actuator is provided. The scanning lens apparatus includes: a housing having a hollow cylindrical shape; a first suspension and a second suspension which are parallel to each other, and a first end of each of the first suspension and the second suspension is fixed on an inner surface of the housing; first bimorphs disposed on first surfaces of the first and second suspensions and second bimorphs disposed on second surfaces facing the first surfaces of the first and second suspensions; a first lens which is fixed between a second end of the first suspension and a second end of the second suspension; a second lens fixed parallel to the first lens between the first and second suspensions; and an object lens disposed on an end of the housing to face the second lens with respect to the first lens.

Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS-based optical image scanners and methods for imaging using the same. According to one embodiment, a 3-D scanner for endoscopic imaging is provided, which includes a MEMS mirror for 1-D or 2-D lateral scanning and a MEMS lens for scanning along the optical axis to control the focal depth. The MEMS lens can be a microlens bonded to a MEMS holder. Both the MEMS holder and the MEMS mirror can be electrothermally actuated. A single-mode fiber can be used for both delivering the light to and receiving the returning light from an object being examined.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: An optical reflecting element includes a mirror, and a pair of high-frequency vibrators and a pair of low-frequency vibrators for vibrating the mirror. The high-frequency vibrators include a substrate, a bottom electrode layer formed on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer, and a drive electrode and a first monitor electrode as the top electrode layer. One end of the low-frequency vibrator has the substrate shared with the high-frequency vibrator, a bottom electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, a drive electrode, and a second monitor electrode as the top electrode layer. The other end of the low-frequency vibrator has the substrate shared with the high-frequency vibrator, a bottom electrode layer, a piezoelectric layer, a drive electrode, a first monitor electrode, and an insulator layer as a dead zone for preventing a piezoelectric effect due to the piezoelectric layer from reaching the first monitor electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a scanning optical system having reduced dimensions. The scanning optical system (10) is provided with a laser light source section (1), lens optical systems (11, 17, 19) which make laser beams parallel to each other, and a scanning section (2) which performs laser beam scanning by changing the tilt of a scanning mirror (3). The laser beams made parallel to each other travel toward the scanning mirror (3) by being reflected by means of a plurality of optical members, and a plane including at least two optical paths intersects the normal line direction of the reflecting surface (3a) of the scanning mirror (3) in the non-driven state.

Abstract: A laser beam irradiation apparatus comprises: a laser oscillator; an optical fiber for transmitting a laser beam oscillated by the laser oscillator; an optical tube for accommodating an end of the optical fiber, and for performing a rectilinear motion on a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the laser beam is irradiated; and a pair of piezoelectric transducers disposed between the optical tube and the end of the optical fiber, and having first ends supporting the optical fiber. Each piezoelectric transducer performs a rectilinear reciprocating motion in a direction perpendicular to the other piezoelectric transducer on a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the laser beam is irradiated.

Abstract: An optical multi-ring scanner is disclosed, which comprises: a substrate; an outer ring driving element, disposed inside the substrate and configured symmetrically at two sides thereof with a pair of first arms that are connected respectively to the substrate; at least one inner ring driving element, each configured with a first inner ring driver in a manner that the first inner ring driver has a pair of second arms symmetrically disposed at a top side and a bottom side thereof while being connected to the outer ring driving element; and a mirror element, disposed inside the first inner ring driver and having a pair of third arms symmetrically disposed at a top side of a bottom side thereof; wherein, the third arm is disposed coaxial with the second arm while enabling the first arm to be disposed perpendicular to the second arm and the third arm.

Abstract: An optical multi-ring scanner is disclosed, which comprises: a substrate; an outer ring driving element, disposed inside the substrate and configured symmetrically at two sides thereof with a pair of first arms that are connected respectively to the substrate; at least one inner ring driving element, each configured with a first inner ring driver in a manner that the first inner ring driver has a pair of second arms symmetrically disposed at a top side and a bottom side thereof while being connected to the outer ring driving element; and a mirror element, disposed inside the first inner ring driver and having a pair of third arms symmetrically disposed at a top side of a bottom side thereof; wherein, the third arm is disposed coaxial with the second arm while enabling the first arm to be disposed perpendicular to the second arm and the third arm.

Abstract: A scanning assembly (400) for use in a scanning display includes a reflective scanning surface, such as a scanning mirror (412). The reflected scanning surface can be mounted on a scan plate (409). The scanning assembly (400) is configured to pivot about a first axis (403) and a second axis (404) to form an image. To correct parallelogram distortion, the first axis (403) and second axis (404) are non-orthogonal relative to each other. Torsion arms (407,408) facilitating rotation of the scanning mirror (412) along one axis (403) can be oriented non-orthogonally relative to other torsion arms (413,414) by an amount sufficient to correct parallelogram distortion.

Abstract: A laser beam is periodically deflected before being directed into a sample volume. The beam is deflected at a frequency such that the beam makes one or more passes through the sample volume while data are collected from the sample volume. The amplitude of motion of the beam, the dwell time of the beam at any given point, and the Gaussian intensity profile of the beam cooperate to produce an effective flat topped illumination profile for the light that is incident on specimens in the sample volume. The total photon exposure at any given point in the sample volume is a function of both the beam intensity and the dwell time at that location. Therefore, a longer dwell time and lower intensity at the edge of the profile are in balance with a shorter dwell time and higher intensity at the center of the profile.

Abstract: An optical deflector, including a fixed base; a mirror having a light reflection surface; a pair of elastic support members oscillatably supporting the mirror; and a pair of drive beams formed of a beam-shaped member on which a piezoelectric is fixed, wherein the elastic support members and the drive beams in longitudinal directions are almost orthogonally located and connected with each other, other ends of the drive beams are fixed on the fixed base, the mirror and the pair of elastic support members are cantilevered by the pair of drive beams relative to the fixed base, and bending oscillation of the drive beams causes torsional deformation of the elastic members to rotationally oscillate the mirror.

Abstract: An optical reflection device includes a flexible substrate, an elastic member provided, an elastic portion connected with an end of the flexible substrate, an optical reflector coupled with the flexible substrate via the first elastic portion, a first electrode layer provided on the flexible substrate, and a piezoelectric layer provided on the first electrode layer. The optical reflection device may have a small size.

Abstract: The deflecting mirror includes a fixed base member; a mirror having a reflection surface; a support member swingably supporting the mirror; a pair of driving beam members, each having a first end connected with the fixed base member and a second end connected with the support member to support the support member from both sides; and a piezoelectric member fixed to each driving beam member and extending from the first or second end of each driving beam member while having length not longer than about half the length of the driving beam member. The piezoelectric member and the driving beam members constitute piezoelectric unimorph or bimorph structure. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric member, the driving beam members are driven at the same time in the same direction, thereby vibrating the support member in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface of the mirror, resulting in swinging of the mirror.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical element driving apparatus which includes a first actuator configured to drive an optical element in accordance with a deformation target value, a sensor arranged to measure a position and an orientation of the optical element, a second actuator configured to drive the optical element in accordance with position and orientation target values and an output of the sensor, and a correcting unit configured to correct a measurement error of the sensor caused by deformation of the optical element.

Abstract: An amplified bimorph scanning mirror for use in various optical systems, an optical coherence tomography scanner incorporating the amplified bimorph scanning mirror, and a method for manufacturing the foregoing are described. A method for optically scanning a target site using the amplified bimorph scanning mirror is further provided. The scan range which can be obtained by exemplary implementations of the present invention can be larger than the scan range made available by conventional scanners.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, an optical beam steering component configured to steer the light beam from the first path to a second path at an angle to the first path, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path, wherein the angle determines an external cavity length. Included is an apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, a beam steering component configured to redirect the light beam to a second path at an angle to the first path, wherein the optical beam steering component is configured to change the angle at a rate of at least about one Kilohertz, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path.

Abstract: An optical deflector includes a mirror having a reflective plane; a torsion bar extending outwardly from a side of said mirror; a support surrounding said mirror; a piezoelectric cantilever including a supporting body and a piezoelectric body formed on the supporting body, one end of said piezoelectric cantilever being connected to said torsion bar, the other end of the piezoelectric cantilever being connected to said support, said piezoelectric cantilever, upon application of a driving voltage to the piezoelectric body, exhibiting a bending deformation due to piezoelectricity so as to rotate said torsion bar, thereby rotarily driving said mirror through said torsion bar; and an impact attenuator connected to said support, the impact attenuator being disposed in a gap between said mirror and said support.

Abstract: An optical deflector includes a mirror having a reflective plane; a torsion bar extending outwardly from an end of said mirror; a support surrounding said mirror; a first piezoelectric element, one end of said first piezoelectric element being connected to said torsion bar, the other end of the first piezoelectric element being connected to and supported by said support, said first piezoelectric element having at least one piezoelectric cantilever, the cantilever including a supporting body and a piezoelectric body formed on the supporting body to exhibit bending deformation due to piezoelectricity when a driving voltage is applied to the piezoelectric body, said piezoelectric element rotarily driving said mirror through said torsion bar when said driving voltage is applied; and a second piezoelectric element, one end of said second piezoelectric element being connected to said torsion bar, the other end of the second piezoelectric element being connected to and supported by said mirror.