Abstract: Disclosed is an optical scanning device, including a mirror, a first drive beam configured to swing the mirror around a first axis, and a second drive beam configured to swing the mirror around a second axis, wherein the second drive beam is provided in such a manner that a plurality of beams extending in a direction intersecting with a direction of the second axis are joined with adjacent beams at edge portions thereof, and thereby has a zigzag shape, and each of the plurality of beams includes a rib extending in a direction of a width of the beam.

Abstract: Provided is an optical scanning apparatus including: a deflector capable of deflecting an entering beam while switching an advancing direction thereof among a plurality of direction at a predetermined switching timing; a mirror array including a plurality of angle setting mirrors that are placed at angles different from one another on respective optical paths of the beams deflected by the deflector, each of the angle setting mirrors reflecting the beam while giving thereto a relative angle on the same plane for each optical path, and gathering the beam on the same point; and a first scanner that is provided so as to be swingable about an axial line perpendicular to the plane in synchronization with the switching timing, the first scanner reflecting each beam that is caused by the mirror array to enter the same point from a different direction and applying for scanning the beam along the same trajectory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light field display device (300) comprising an array of light field display elements (310) populating a display surface, each display element (310) comprising: a beam generator (522) for generating an output beam of light; a radiance modulator (524) for modulating the radiance of the beam over time; a focus modulator (530) for modulating the focus of the beam over time; and a scanner (504, 506) for scanning the beam across a two-dimensional angular field.

Abstract: A handheld imaging probe for performing optical coherence tomography is disclosed. The handheld imaging probe includes a lens tube and a housing. The lens tube contains an objective lens and a polycarbonate sheet. The polycarbonate sheet provides a bio-safe contact with a tissue sample to be examined. The housing, which is connected to the lens tube, contains a micromirror for directing a laser beam to irradiate the tissue sample via the objective lens and the polycarbonate sheet.

Abstract: A light source driver includes a controller which outputs an undershoot current in synchronization with lighting complete timing in lighting information, wherein the controller is configured to output the undershoot current such that a voltage in a light source when the output of the undershoot current is complete is equal to a voltage in the light source before being turned on.

Abstract: A display system includes a substrate guided relay and a scanning projector. The scanning projector exhibits a brightness variation on a resonant scanning axis, and the substrate guided relay exhibits a brightness variation along a length of an output coupler. The scanning projector includes a brightness compensation circuit to compensate for both the brightness variation caused by the resonant scanning and the brightness variation along the length of the output coupler.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to micromirror devices and methods of fabricating a micromirror/micromirror array. According to an embodiment, micromirrors can be fabricated from a semiconductor substrate where after forming actuators and bonding pads on a front side of the semiconductor substrate, the device is flipped over to have a portion of the back side of the substrate removed and formed to become the mirror plate surface. The subject micromirrors can allow further miniaturization of endoscopes and other optical applications without sacrificing the optical aperture through their surface mounting capabilities.

Abstract: A light microscope having a specimen plane, in which a specimen to be examined is positioned, having a light source to emit illuminating light, having optical imaging means to convey the illuminating light into the specimen plane, having a first scanning means, with which an optical path of the illuminating light and the specimen can be moved relative to each other to produce an illumination scanning movement of the illuminating light relative to the specimen, having a detector means to detect specimen light coming from the specimen and having electronic means to produce an image of the specimen based on the specimen light detected by the detector means at different specimen regions. A second scanning means is present, with which it can be adjusted which specimen region can be imaged on a determined detector element.

Abstract: In imaging system (100), a spatial light modulator (101) is configured to produce images (102) by scanning a plurality light beams (104,105,106). A first optical element (107) is configured to cause the plurality of light beams to converge along an optical path (114) defined between the first optical element and the spatial light modulator. A second optical element (115) is disposed between the spatial light modulator and an output of the imaging system. The first optical element and the spatial light modulator are arranged such that an image plane (117) is created between the spatial light modulator and the second optical element. The second optical element is configured to collect the diverging light (118) from the image plane and collimate it. The second optical element then delivers the collimated light to a pupil (120) on the other side of the second optical element relative to the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Methods of operating an optical circuit switch and optical circuit switches are disclosed. An optical circuit switch may receive a first make command to make a first optical connection between a first port and a second port, the first port uniquely associated with a rotatable mirror element, determine a first baseline voltage to be applied to an electrode coupled to the mirror element to cause the mirror element to rotate about an axis to make the first optical connection, and apply the first baseline voltage to the electrode. The optical circuit switch may periodically adjust the voltage applied to the electrode to minimize an insertion loss of the first optical connection, and periodically store accumulated angular drift data in a memory, the accumulated angular drift data derived from a difference between the adjusted voltage applied to the first electrode and the first baseline voltage.

Abstract: An actuator includes: a movable plate; a first axial member adapted to swingably support the movable plate around a first axis; a reflecting section fixed to the movable plate, and having a reflecting surface adapted to reflect light; and a coil disposed on an opposite surface of the reflecting section to the reflecting surface.

Abstract: A control device includes a shape information storage storing shape information to be plotted, a stroke generation unit generating first and second stroke data having transmission start and end coordinates of first and second strokes, a scanning start time computation unit determining scanning start time of the second stroke by adjusting, when selecting first and second points having a shortest distance, a waiting time to scan the second stroke, a traveling rate from the transmission end coordinates of the first stroke to the transmission start coordinates of the second stroke, and scanning rates of scanning the first and second strokes to have a desired time interval between the selected points, a plotting instruction generation unit generating plotting instructions including the scanning start time of the second stroke and the transmission start and end coordinates of the first and second strokes, a plotting instruction storage storing the plotting instructions, and a plotting instruction execution unit exe

Abstract: A micro-mirror includes stiffer end sections for limiting curvature, and thin middle sections forming ground electrodes and a hinge. Spacers arc provided beneath the thin middle sections of the micro-mirror for supporting hot electrodes, which attract the ground electrodes for rotating the micro-mirror about a tilt axis. The spacers enable the gap between the hot electrode and the micro-mirror to be designed separately from the thickness of the micro-mirror, and the gap between the ends of the micro-mirror and the substrate.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes a mirror, a mirror supporting part to support the mirror on an upper surface, and a pair of torsion beams to support the mirror supporting part from both sides in an axis direction and to drive the mirror supporting part so as to swing the mirror supporting part around the axis by being twisted. The torsion beams include slits approximately parallel to the axis direction.

Abstract: An optical device compensates for decreased transmission of light caused by gaps between mirrors of a MEMS array. The optical device employs MEMS mirrors having non-reflecting regions on them disposed such that reflecting regions of the MEMS mirrors have substantially the same optical throughput, or an additional optical element having increased transmission at those spatial positions where light impinging on the gaps passes through. Alternatively, the optical device may employ a filter having spectral transmission characteristic with increased transmission at those wavelengths of dispersed light that impinge on the gaps.

Abstract: An optical scanning device includes: a light projector configured to radiate light while causing the light to make angular movement at a constant speed; and a light reflector configured to reflect the light radiated from the light projector to guide the light to an intended irradiated point on a predetermined scanning line. The light reflector includes a plurality of reflecting portions and reflects, at least twice, the light radiated from the light projector to guide the light to the intended irradiated point. The reflecting portions each include a plurality of reflecting surfaces. A length of an optical path from the light projector to the irradiated point is substantially constant for all of irradiated points on the scanning line, and a scanning speed, on the scanning line, of the light radiated from the light projector is substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light field display device (300) comprising an array of light field display elements (310) populating a display surface, each display element (310) comprising: a beam generator (522) for generating an output beam of light; a radiance modulator (524) for modulating the radiance of the beam over time; a focus modulator (530) for modulating the focus of the beam over time; and a scanner (504, 506) for scanning the beam across a two-dimensional angular field.

Abstract: An interference modulator (IMod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on continuous web fed process.

Abstract: Optical systems with aspherical optical elements are described. The aspherical optical elements have surfaces in which the in-plane radius of curvature spatially varies and the in-plane cross section surface profile is characterized in that the multiplication of the cosine of the incidence angle raised to a non-zero exponent by the in-plane radius of curvature varies less than twenty percent between any two points on the in-plane cross section surface profile.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus is configured to include a light source that emits a beam of light, and a scanning device that scans the beam of light in two axial directions that are mutually substantially perpendicular at a first frequency fH and a second frequency fL. The scanning device calculates the first frequency fH and the second frequency fL by using predetermined mathematical formulas, and scans the beam of light at the calculated first frequency fH and second frequency fL.

Abstract: An image display apparatus including a plurality of light source sections, a light combining section that combines light fluxes, an optical element that inclines an optical axis, and an optical scan section that deflects light for scanning, wherein an optical axis of the light flux from each of the plurality of light source sections to the optical scan section is present in a first plane, the optical scan section has a light reflection surface that is perpendicular to the first plane and swings around a first axis present in the first plane and a second axis parallel to the direction of a normal to the first plane, and an angle of radiation of the light flux in the direction of the normal to the first plane is greater than that of the light flux in an in-plane direction in the first plane.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a plurality of light source sections, a light combining section that combines light fluxes, an optical scan section that swings around a first axis and a second axis to deflect a combined light from the light combining section for scanning, and a controller that controls an amplitude of the optical scan section around the first axis to be greater than that of the optical scan section around the second axis, wherein an optical axis of each of the light fluxes from the plurality of light source sections to the optical scan section and the first axis are present in a first plane, the optical scan section has a light reflection surface configured to be perpendicular to the first plane, and the light reflection surface is irradiated with the combined light and traveling in a direction inclined to a normal to the light reflection surface.

Abstract: An image display apparatus that displays an image by scanning of coherent light includes: a light source portion that emits the coherent light; a scanning portion that scans the coherent light; a concave reflection portion having a concave surface from which the coherent light is reflected; and an incident position changing unit that changes an incident position of the coherent light onto the concave surface in a curvature direction of the concave surface.

Abstract: In imaging system (100), a spatial light modulator (101) is configured to produce images (102) by scanning a plurality light beams (104,105,106). A first optical element (107) is configured to cause the plurality of light beams to converge along an optical path (114) defined between the first optical element and the spatial light modulator. A second optical element (115) is disposed between the spatial light modulator and an output of the imaging system. The first optical element and the spatial light modulator are arranged such that an image plane (117) is created between the spatial light modulator and the second optical element. The second optical element is configured to collect the diverging light (118) from the image plane and collimate it. The second optical element then delivers the collimated light to a pupil (120) on the other side of the second optical element relative to the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A scanned projector and illumination system includes an energy-emitting source that is disposed in a projector and that emits energy beams out of the projector through an aperture. A scanning mirror is disposed in the projector and redirects energy beams therein. The scanning mirror moves such that the redirected energy beams form a scanning pattern with a scanning rate. A safety feature is disposed in the projector. The safety feature includes a fuse material. The energy beams move along the fuse material at the scanning rate. The safety feature modulates emission of the energy beams out of the projector through the aperture such that the energy beams are only emitted out of the projector through the aperture when the scanning rate of the energy beams is high enough to prevent the fuse material from reaching a threshold energy level at any location along the fuse material.

Abstract: An optical head includes: a point source producing an excitation beam, optical elements adapted to converge the optical beam into an excitation point located in a subsurface plane relative to the surface of a sample, the plane being perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical head; and elements for scanning the excitation point so as to define an observation field in the subsurface plane along two perpendicular scanning directions, a rapid online scanning and a slow columnar scanning. The invention includes micro-electrical mechanical systems designed to move in translation along a selected displacement at least one of the optical elements, which is mobile along a direction perpendicular to the optical axis so as to obtain at least one of the scanning directions. The invention provides the advantages of maintaining an axial illumination of the sample and of using a miniature head.

Abstract: This invention discloses a MEMS device supported on a substrate formed with electric circuit thereon. The MEMS device includes at least an electrode connected to the circuit and at least a movable element that is controlled by the electrode. The MEMS device further includes a conformal protective layer over the electrode and the circuit wherein the protective layer is semiconductor-based material. In a preferred embodiment, the MEMS device is a micromirror and the semiconductor material is one of a group of materials consisting of Si, SiC, Ge, SiGe, SiNi and SiW.

Abstract: A pair of support members each having a spring section in a part thereof support a mirror element, and a pair of drive mechanisms arranged respectively corresponding to a pair of the support members transform the spring sections of the corresponding support members, thereby changing a distance between each of support points at which the support members support the mirror element and a base. Accordingly, the mirror element can be translated by driving all of the drive mechanisms, or the mirror element can be inclined with respect to the base by driving some of the drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus includes: a light source configured to emit a light beam; a deflector configured to deflect and scan the light beam from the light source in a main scanning direction; a control substrate that is configured to control driving of the light source and includes a first connection part to which the light source is connected and a second connection part for connecting an external terminal; and a housing that supports the control substrate. The first connection part is arranged within the housing and the second connection part is exposed and arranged at the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A surface emitting laser array element is disclosed that includes a lower distributed bragg reflector (DBR) that is formed on a substrate, an active layer that is formed on the lower DBR, and an upper DBR that is formed on the active layer. A mesa and a dummy mesa that is arranged at a periphery of the mesa are created by removing a portion of the upper DBR. The mesa forms a surface emitting laser, and a wiring is connected to an electrode that is formed on an upper face of the mesa. The wiring includes a portion that is arranged over an upper face of the dummy mesa, a side face of the dummy mesa, and a bottom face at a peripheral region of the dummy mesa extending along a longitudinal direction of the wiring.

Abstract: A light beam is scanned, for use in laser radar and other uses, by an optical system of which an example includes a beam-shaping optical system that includes a first movable optical element and a second movable optical element. The first optical element forms and directs an optical beam along a nominal propagation axis from the beam-shaping optical system to a target, and the second optical element includes a respective actuator by which the second optical element is movable relative to the first optical element. A controller is coupled at least to the actuator of the second optical element and is configured to induce motion, by the actuator, of the second optical element to move the optical beam, as incident on the target, relative to the nominal propagation axis.

Abstract: Optical systems suitable for use as or in laser radar systems and other uses include a beam-forming unit, a beam-scan unit, and a controller. The beam-forming unit includes a first optical element, and the beam-scan unit includes a second optical element. The first optical element is movable to shape and direct a substantially collimated optical beam along a nominal propagation axis to a target, and the second optical element includes at least one movable beam deflector that moves the optical beam in a scanning manner relative to the nominal propagation axis. The controller is coupled to the beam-forming unit and beam-scan unit, and is configured to induce movement of the first optical element required for shaping and directing the optical beam along the nominal propagation axis and to induce independent motion of the beam deflector of the second optical element as required to scan the optical beam relative to the nominal propagation axis. The beam deflector can be refractive or reflective.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method of projecting an image, the method comprising the steps of, providing light signal which is configured such that it can be projected onto a display surface to display an image; oscillating a first reflective surface, to scan the light signal over the display surface, using an actuator which is in operable co-operation with the first reflective surface, by applying a first actuation signal to the first reflective surface, wherein a rise time or fall time of the first actuation signal is inversely proportional to a resonant frequency of oscillation of the first reflective surface.

Abstract: A laser light source module includes a housing and a heat sink that is thermally connected to the housing. The housing includes a laser element that emits laser light, a laser holder that is made of metal to hold the laser element, a laser light receiving element that receives laser beam from the laser element, a mirror element that reflects the laser light to scan a screen, an optical element that is disposed on the optical axis of the laser light. The laser holder is thermally connected to the housing with a thermally conductive member. A protrusion is formed on the thermally conductive member. The protrusion and the springiness of the thermally conductive member are used to press the laser holder against the housing in the same direction as the direction of laser light emission.

Abstract: An optical writing unit includes in a housing a light source projecting a light beam, a deflector to deflect the light beam projected from the light source, a focusing lens, and a lens adjusting device. The focusing lens is long in a main scanning direction and focuses the light beam onto a scan target. The lens adjusting device rotates the focusing lens about a substantially center portion thereof as a rotation fulcrum on a plane perpendicular to an optical path of the light beam so as to adjust the position of the light beam illuminating the scan target. The focusing lens has an asymmetric cross-section relative to a center line of the focusing lens in a direction of the optical path in a sub-scanning plane perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the center of gravity of the focusing lens is offset from the center line toward the rotation fulcrum.

Abstract: A method for processing workpieces includes performing a laser processing operation in which a laser beam is directed at a first mirror face and at a second mirror face of a redirecting mirror. The second mirror face is at least partially surrounded by the first mirror face. During the laser processing operation, the second mirror face performs a pendulum movement relative to the first mirror face.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus configured to irradiate a surface to be scanned with a light beam, including: a light source configured to emit the light beam; a deflector configured to deflect the light beam to scan the surface; an optical element configured to lead the light beam to the surface; a housing configured to hold the light source, the deflector, and the optical element, and including fibers; and a rib formed integrally with a bottom portion of the housing on which the deflector and the optical element are disposed, the rib standing on the bottom portion between the deflector and the optical element to suppress a deformation of the housing in a scanning direction, wherein the fibers of the rib are oriented along the scanning direction, and the fibers of the bottom portion are oriented along the bottom portion and in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.

Abstract: A projection apparatus memorizes settings as a function of location, orientation, elevation, or any combination. The projection apparatus recalls the settings when the location, orientation, elevation, or combination of the projection apparatus matches memorized values. Memorized settings may include projector settings, image source settings, audio output settings, audio source settings, and the like.

Abstract: A compact optical assembly for a laser radar system is provided, that is configured to move as a unit with a laser radar system as the laser radar system is pointed at a target and eliminates the need for a large scanning (pointing) mirror that is moveable relative to other parts of the laser radar. The optical assembly comprises a light source, a lens, a scanning reflector and a fixed reflector that are oriented relative to each other such that: (i) a beam from the light source is reflected by the scanning reflector to the fixed reflector; (ii) reflected light from the fixed reflector is reflected again by the scanning reflector and directed along a line of sight through the lens; and (iii) the scanning reflector is moveable relative to the source, the lens and the fixed reflector, to adjust the focus of the beam along the line of sight.

Abstract: Operating methods of an array of electromechanical pixels resulting in efficient and reliable operation of light modulating elements. The invention simplifies the design of electromechanical light modulators and permits the construction of large size displays with greater mechanical tolerances on glass substrates.

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: A projector for projecting an image includes: a light source for generating a light bundle; a pivotable deflection unit for deflecting the light bundle generated by the light source onto a projection surface; and an imaging device for imaging an aperture of the deflection unit onto the projection surface. The imaging device includes a mirror objective having at least two mirror elements. A method for projecting an image is also provided.

Abstract: A micro movable element array includes a first frame; a second frame; a first movable part row including plural first movable parts and a second movable part row including plural second movable parts. The first movable parts include first movable main parts. The second movable parts include second movable main parts. The first and second frames are stacked such that the first and second movable part rows are opposed to each other. In the first movable part row, the first movable parts are located such that the first movable main parts are arranged in a first direction and the first movable main parts and gaps are disposed alternately. In the second movable part row, the second movable parts are located such that the second movable main parts are arranged in the first direction and the second movable main parts are opposed to the corresponding gaps.

Abstract: A system for varying a delay of an optical beam has a rotatable wheel and a set of one or more prisms mounted about a circumference of the rotatable wheel. The set of one or more prisms are positioned to retroreflect the optical beam that passes approximately tangent to the rotatable wheel to cause a delay or phase shift to the beam as the rotatable wheel rotates.

Abstract: An electromechanical tilting device including a first and a second electrode structures, shaped, positioned and oriented to define at least partially interdigitated electrodes, and a suspension defining a tilt-containing motion path for the second structure with respect to the first structure. The motion path is selected to cause changes in overlapping regions and overlapping regions' gaps of the interdigitated electrodes. The device is configured such that an increase in one or more voltage bias applied to interdigitated driving electrodes makes a decrease in a total area of overlapping regions of the driving electrodes electrically energetically favorable.

Abstract: A light scanning unit and an image forming apparatus employing the same. The light scanning unit deflects light in a main scanning direction, irradiates the light on a photoconductive drum, and includes a beam detecting sensor to detect a horizontal synchronization signal by receiving a part of the light beam reflected and scanned by a beam deflector, and leads of terminals of the beam detecting sensor are not exposed to the light beam to be scanned.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes a housing defining an aperture, a first lens module arranged inside the housing, a second lens module arranged inside the housing, and a light reflection assembly aligned with the aperture. The first lens module and the second lens module are positioned at opposite sides of the aperture. The light reflection assembly includes a reflecting mirror. The light reflection assembly is rotatable between a first position where the reflecting mirror reflects light from the aperture towards the first lens module and a second position where the reflecting mirror reflects light from the aperture towards the second lens module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser scanning system (1) for scanning a laser beam (3) of a hair cutting device, the laser scanning system (1) comprising a laser scanning device (7) for generating a scanning movement of the laser beam and a movable optical device (5) for adjusting and/or focussing the laser beam. According to the invention the laser scanning device (7) comprises an arrangement with at least one movable optical element (11) which is mechanically coupled to the movable optical device (5), and an optical system (13) fixed to the laser scanning device (7), wherein the movable optical element (11) is arranged to inter-relate a position of the movable optical device (5) to a mobile access-position (23) where the laser beam enters the optical system (13), and wherein the optical system (13) is arranged to inter-relate said mobile access-position (23) to at least one corresponding position where the laser beam is incident on the movable optical device (5).

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an image source, a scanning mirror, an actuator, and a scanning controller. The image source outputs an image by simultaneously projecting a two-dimensional array of image pixels representing a whole portion of the image. The scanning mirror is positioned in an optical path of the image to reflect the image. The actuator is coupled to the scanning mirror to selectively adjust the scanning mirror about at least one axis. The scanning controller is coupled to the actuator to control a position of the scanning mirror about the at least one axis. The scanning controller includes logic to continuously and repetitiously adjust the position of the scanning mirror to cause the image to be scanned over an eyebox area that is larger than the whole portion of the image.

Abstract: A light scanning apparatus to be used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the light scanning apparatus including: a housing having an outer wall provided with an opening; a light source configured to emit a light beam; a deflecting device provided in the housing and configured to deflect the light beam emitted from the light source such that the light beam emitted from the light source scans a photosensitive member; an optical element arranged on an optical path of the light beam in the housing; and an elastic member provided on the housing to block up the opening, wherein the elastic member is formed of a material which is deformable to increase and decrease a volumetric capacity of an internal space formed by the housing and the elastic member in accordance with a temperature fluctuation inside the housing.