Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device comprising at least two coaxial bimetal disks and at least one axial strut arranged between the disks, the bimetal disks being mounted opposite each other and being deformable in opposite directions according to the thermal variations. The invention can be especially applied to the thermal compensation of an optical system.

Abstract: Embodiments allow for uniform die cooling or heating with a solid immersion lens equipped microscope over a larger temperature range than is currently attainable using liquid coolant. The SIL tip is insulated from the rest of the objective body to realize a controllable temperature. This thermal control may be done by convection or Joule heating. If the tip is to be cooled, cold gas may be injected through channels around the tip and fins. If the tip is to be heated, hot gas may be injected around the tip and fins 208 or an electrical heater may be thermal anchored to the tip and a current passed through it to deliver power.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for improving optical properties of an optical system. The optical system has a plurality of optical elements for imaging a pattern onto a substrate that is arranged in an image plane of the optical system. The method includes detecting at least one time-dependent, at least partially reversible aberration of the optical system that is caused by heating of at least one of the optical elements. The method also includes at least partially correcting the aberration by replacing at least one optical element from the plurality of optical elements with at least one optical compensation element. The disclosure also relates to such an optical system with improved imaging properties.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an imaging device, a manufacturing method of an imaging device, and an information code reading device that can be configured not only to simplify their optical system and to reduce their costs, but also to suppress fluctuations of resin lenses and deterioration of lens performances due to its expansion. An optical system (210) has a second lens (212) made of resin and the other lenses made of glass. The power of the resin lens is small in comparison with that of the glass lens, wherein each power is set to be small in comparison with that of the optical system (210). In the lens frame structures (300), the lens holding part (310) and the imaging element holding part (320) are separately constituted, the lens holding part (310) and imaging element holding part (320) are fastened through the intermediate member (330), expansion coefficients of the lens holding unit (310) and the imaging element holding unit (320) are different so as to control the coefficients.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a barrel, a lens received in the barrel, and a generally C-shaped fastening member rotatably received in the barrel. The barrel includes an inner surface and a protrusion formed on the inner surface thereof. The fastening member is sandwiched between the lens and the protrusion. The fastening member has a gap defined between two distal ends thereof. The protrusion is passable through the gap. The fastening member is rotatable in the barrel relative to the protrusion such that the gap is misaligned with the protrusion.

Abstract: An optical system, in particular for use in the automobile sector, includes at least one compensation element for compensating at least one temperature-related dimension change in the optical system. The at least one compensation element includes a housing which is variable in length in at least one dimension, as well as a fluid expansion medium accommodated in the at least one housing. For example, the optical system may include at least one camera system, for example a video system, the at least one camera system including at least one camera base and at least one imaging system which is connected to the at least one camera base and having at least one optical axis as well as at least one imaging sensor.

Abstract: An optical-waveguide device mounted on a fixing member having a pair of opposing upright walls and a sub-mount unit including a metallic sub-mount of a rectangular solid shape inserted between the opposing upright walls and a nonmetallic sub-mount of a rectangular solid shape mounted on the metallic sub-mount, and fixed onto a base table. The fixing member and the sub-mount unit as well as the fixing member and the base table are spot-welded together using YAG welding.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical element configure to at least partial spatially resolve correction of a wavefront aberration of an optical system (e.g., a projection exposure apparatus for microlithography) to which optical radiation can be applied, as well as related systems and methods.

Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: A holding apparatus that holds an optical element above a base includes three holding units provided at different positions along an outer periphery of the optical element. Each holding unit includes a first member provided on the optical element, a second member provided on the base, a columnar third member extending in a direction perpendicular to both a tangential direction and a radial direction of the optical element, and a plate-shaped fourth member having a thickness in the radial direction of the optical element. The first member and the second member are connected to each other with the third member and the fourth member disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens assembly, a lens barrel, an image sensor, a hollow holder receiving the lens barrel and the image sensor, and a thermally deformable member. The lens assembly defines a first focal length with a first focus point at a first temperature and a second focal length with a second focus point at a second temperature on an optical axis associated therewith. The thermally deformable member has one end attached to the lens barrel and an opposite end attached to the holder. The thermally deformable member comprises a first sheet and a second sheet. Wherein at the second temperature, the second sheet bends toward the first sheet thereby moving the second focus point toward the first focus point and the image plane of the lens assembly with the second focal length toward the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a lens optical system having a lens and a plastic block having two parallel planes, the plastic block being provided between the lens and a focal position of the lens to suppress a variation of a focal length due to a temperature change, and a photoelectric encoder including the lens optical system.

Abstract: There is provided an optical pickup actuator for actuating a lens holder having an object lens according to an interaction between coils and magnets. The optical pickup actuator includes a lens-seating portion formed on the lens holder to support the object lens and a lens guide portion protruding from the lens-seating portion to securely support the object lens. The lens guide portion has an adhesive confining groove in which adhesive can be injected to securely fix the object lens.

Abstract: The invention discloses a spherical aberration control method for controlling spherical aberration of an optical device. The method includes: detecting a current ambient temperature of the optical device; and controlling the spherical aberration of the optical device according to the current ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means for covering and to a device for performing processes and/or reactions involving at least one sample, which are conducted in a temperature-controlled environment and which require optical access to at least one sample.

Abstract: A flame scanner collimator, which monitors flames produced by a fossil fuel fired combustion chamber, includes: a substantially cylindrical collimator body defining a hollow portion; a first chamber connected to a second chamber, the first and second chambers defining the hollow portion, the second chamber having a larger diameter than the first chamber; and a plurality of slots each extending in substantially a same direction as a longitudinal axis defining the body. Each slot extends through the body to the first and second chambers to allow cooling/purge air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A lens position calculator is provided that determines a phase of a driving signal as a reference position of an imaging lens when an output value of a position detection sensor reaches a threshold value. The lens position calculator determines a position obtained by performing addition or subtraction on the reference position read out from a reference position storage as a judgment position, detects an output value of the position detection sensor at a timing in synchronization with the driving signal that drives a driver and at the judgment position, and judges whether the output value of the position detection sensor at the judgment position reaches the threshold value or not, so as to determine the reference position again.

Abstract: A lens module assembly and an imaging system are disclosed. The imaging system includes the lens module assembly and an image sensor received in the assembly. The lens module assembly includes a lens module, and a temperature regulator disposed on the lens module. The temperature regulator is configured for keeping temperature of the lens module within a predetermined range so as to ensure image quality of the lens module.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus of the present invention varies optical properties by moving a part of lenses of an objective lens, and includes a solid-state image pickup device unit that is disposed at a rear-end section and that subjects a subject image to photoelectric conversion, a fixed lens frame that retains the objective lens that is disposed in front of the solid-state image pickup device unit, a movable lens frame that retains the part of lenses that moves along a photographing optical axis O inside the lens frame, and an actuator having one end connected to the movable lens frame and that moves the movable lens frame forward and backward. The actuator includes a rigid member provided so as to extend to the vicinity of the rear end at which the solid-state image pickup device unit is disposed and a shape memory alloy that is coupled to the rigid member.

Abstract: A digital camera 100 including a lens unit 1a, and a first actuator 71 and a second actuator 72, which deform by being supplied with electric power, thereby moving the lens unit. The digital camera 100 includes a ROM 12 which stores stop position data in which the operation amount of the actuators for moving the lens unit to a predetermined stop position is defined based on operating properties of the actuators, which corresponds to use environmental conditions of the digital camera. The digital camera 100 includes an operation amount obtaining section (for example, a CPU 13 or the like) for obtaining the operation amount of the actuators from the stop position data stored in the ROM based on the operating properties of the actuators, which correspond to the specified use environmental conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for connecting an optical element of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus to a mount, and also relates to an assembly. A process includes the following steps: forming a substance mixture at a processing temperature from at least a first component, which is solid at the processing temperature, and a second component, which is liquid at the processing temperature, the first component being dispersed in the second component, introducing the substance mixture in the unset state between the optical element and the mount, and setting the substance mixture so as to form a diffusion alloy from the first and second components.

Abstract: There is provided an optical element unit comprising an optical element, a connector element, and an optical element holder. The optical element has a plane of main extension as well as an outer circumference and defines a radial direction. The connector element connects the optical element and the optical element holder, the connector element having a first connector part connected to the optical element at the outer circumference and a second connector part connected to the optical element holder. The first connector part and the second connector part are connected via at least one coupling part, the coupling part being compliant in the radial direction and substantially preventing rotation between the first connector part and the second connector part in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of main extension.

Abstract: An optical unit is provided that can reduce changes in optical performance caused by thermal expansion and maintain desired optical performance, in addition reducing a number of components. Gaps dR1 and dR2 in a radial direction that prevent an optical component 2 from being affected by external stress during thermal expansion is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the optical component 2 and an inner circumferential surface of a holder 7. Gaps dOA1 and dOA , that prevent the optical component 2 adjacent to a pressing component 14 from being affected by external stress during thermal expansion is formed between predetermined surfaces or the pressing component 14 and the optical component 2 adjacent to the pressing component 14 opposing each other in an optical axis 5 direction.

Abstract: An optical component comprises at least one optically effective optical element which heats up when irradiated with light, and at least one holding element for the at least one optical element for holding the at least one optical element in a carrier structure, wherein the at least one optical element is connected to the at least one holding element in heat conducting fashion, and wherein the at least one holding element is at least partially provided with an active cooling system for carrying off heat from the at least one optical element. Additionally or alternatively, a temperature control device is provided which controls the temperature of at least a part of the mount of the optical element.

Abstract: Embodiments allow for uniform die cooling or heating with a solid immersion lens equipped microscope over a larger temperature range than is currently attainable using liquid coolant. The SIL tip is insulated from the rest of the objective body to realize a controllable temperature. This thermal control may be done by convection or Joule heating. If the tip is to be cooled, cold gas may be injected through channels around the tip and fins. If the tip is to be heated, hot gas may be injected around the tip and fins 208 or an electrical heater may be thermal anchored to the tip and a current passed through it to deliver power.

Abstract: A lens support structure includes a third lens 53, a fourth lens 54, a first frame 50, and an adhesive agent 58. The first frame 50 has a first portion 55 to which the third lens 53 is fitted and a second portion 56 where the second lens element is disposed inside the inner periphery thereof. The adhesive agent 58 fixes the fourth lens 54 to the first frame 50. The material of the fourth lens 54 has lower stiffness than the material of the third lens 53, or has a larger coefficient of linear expansion. A gap S is formed in the radial direction between the fourth lens 54 and the second portion 56. The inside diameter of the first portion 55 is different from the inside diameter of the second portion 56.

Abstract: Because a focal distance of a condenser lens is changed due to a change in temperature, when irradiation of a laser beam is restarted after the irradiation has stopped, it takes a long time to restore a temperature of the cooled lens to a given temperature, and the operating efficiency is deteriorated. A first mirror 5 that can be located at a reflection position I at which an optical path is blocked and a laser beam a is reflected, and a second mirror 6 that reflects the laser beam a which is reflected by the first mirror 5 are disposed between the condenser lens 2 and the object to be irradiated 4.

Abstract: The invention discloses a spherical aberration control method for controlling spherical aberration of an optical device. The method includes: detecting a current ambient temperature of the optical device; and controlling the spherical aberration of the optical device according to the current ambient temperature.

Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: An optical element holding apparatus includes an aluminum buffer member accommodated in a stainless steel frame body and having a linear expansion coefficient differing from that of the frame body. The buffer member contacts a first member of a rotation link block. The frame body includes slits defining the rotation link block, a second connection block, a first connection block, and a displacement block. Drive force generated by expansion of the buffer member when the temperature changes is amplified by the rotation link block, the second connection block, the first connection block, and the displacement block and transmitted to the support member to move the support member toward the lens.

Abstract: A camera module includes a lens assembly, a lens barrel, an image sensor, a hollow holder receiving the lens barrel and the image sensor, and a thermally deformable member. The lens assembly defines a first focal length with a first focus point at a first temperature and a second focal length with a second focus point at a second temperature on an optical axis associated therewith. The thermally deformable member has one end attached to the lens barrel and an opposite end attached to the holder. The thermally deformable member comprises a first sheet and a second sheet. Wherein at the second temperature, the second sheet bends toward the first sheet thereby moving the second focus point toward the first focus point and the image plane of the lens assembly with the second focal length toward the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical subassembly with an optical element, for example a mirror element (7), has an optical surface (9) and bearing points (12) arranged on the circumference. The optical element (7) is connected to a mount (13) at the bearing points (12) via connecting elements (14, 15, 16, 17, 18). Stress-decoupling cutouts, for example curved slots (11), are provided between the optical surface (9) and the bearing points (12).

Abstract: A lens element has an annular flange portion which has a tapered lateral surface so as to form at least an annular clearance tapering from a rear edge thereof when it is received in a lens holder. An adhesive which is partly filled in the clearance curs in wedge-shape to secure the lens element to the lens holder, and besides forming wedges by which the lens element is forced and held in an axial direction so as thereby to prevent the lens element from falling out of the lens holder even if the adhesive exfoliates from either one or both of the lens element and the lens holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device comprising at least two coaxial bimetal disks and at least one axial strut arranged between the disks, the bimetal disks being mounted opposite each other and being deformable in opposite directions according to the thermal variations. The invention can be especially applied to the thermal compensation of an optical system.

Abstract: An object lens unit for an optical pickup device is disclosed. The object lens unit includes a first optical element positioned facing an optical information recording medium; a second optical element positioned on a light source side of the first optical element; and a frame in which the first optical element and the second optical element are fixed. The frame includes a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion, and has a prescribed clearance in a perpendicular direction to the optical axis between at least one of the first fitting portion of the frame and the first optical element, and the second fitting portion of the frame and the second optical element to adjust a position of at least one of the first optical element and the second optical element in a perpendicular direction to the optical axis. An optical pickup device including such object lens unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens barrel component includes a lens holding member for holding a lens and a supporting member supporting the lens holding member. The lens barrel component is molded using a composite material containing at least clay and a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: There is provided an optical module for microlithography. The optical module includes an optical element and a retaining device for holding the optical element. The optical element has (a) a main extension plane, in which it defines a radial direction R and a circumferential direction U, and (b) a free optical diameter and an overrun in the region of its outer periphery. The retaining device contacts the optical element in the region of the overrun, and is formed and/or contacts the optical element in such a manner that the overrun ratio, calculated from the overrun related to a minimum overrun necessary for the production of the optical element, is at most 1.5.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical device comprising a container enclosing an insulating liquid (A) and an electrically susceptible liquid (B), the insulating liquid (A) and the electrically susceptible liquid (B) being immiscible and being in contact with each other via an interface (14), at least one of the liquids (A; B) being at least partially placed in a light path through the container. The optical device further comprises heating means (2, 12, 20) that preferably are responsive to a temperature sensor (30) for heating the insulating liquid (A) and the electrically susceptible liquid (B). Consequently, an optical device is obtained in which the influence of the temperature dependence of the physical properties of the insulating liquid (A) and the electrically susceptible liquid (B) on the behavior of the optical device is reduced, thus yielding an optical device with improved optical characteristics at low temperatures.

Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: An optical module including a temperature measurement module and an optical part having a temperature dependency. The module includes a temperature control part mounted directly or indirectly on the optical part and the temperature measurement part for controlling a temperature of the optical part and the measurement part by thermal contact. An adjustment system is also provided for adjusting a difference of the temperature of the optical part and the measurement part by controlling the heat flow into/out of the optical part or the measurement part.

Abstract: An optical system (10) operatively associated with lenses (120) with adjustable focal length is provided. The optical system includes a first lens assembly (12), at least one heat control device (122) and a first barrel (14). The at least one heat control device is configured for regulating a temperature of the at least one lens so as to finely change a refractive index of the at least one lens, whereby the focal length associated with the first lens assembly is adjusted. The first barrel is configured for receiving the first lens assembly therein.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system for providing a beam of radiation, and a support structure for supporting a patterning device. The patterning device serves to impart the projection beam with a pattern in its cross-section. The apparatus also includes a substrate table for holding a substrate, and a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. At least one of the patterning device, or the projection system, and the illumination system includes a reflector assembly that includes a reflector substrate with a reflective surface for reflecting part of incident radiation, and a heat exchanger system that is constructed and arranged to exchange heat with the reflector substrate. The heat exchanger system includes a thermally active element that is disposed in a recess of the reflector substrate at a side of the reflector substrate that is different from the reflective surface.

Abstract: An optical metrological system having a heat-generating light source coaxially mounted near a heat-sensitive lens. The system uses a temperature sensor to monitor the lens temperature and a heating element to heat the lens such that the lens operating temperature is greater than a maximum operating temperature of the light source in order to stabilize the focal length of the lens.

Abstract: A lens module (800) includes a lens barrel (20), a base (10), and a temperature compensation module (30). A first lens (201) is disposed in the lens barrel. The lens barrel is disposed in the base. The temperature compensation module is detachably installed in the base, and the temperature compensation module includes a temperature compensation lens (302). The temperature compensation lens is configured for compensating for deformation of the first lens caused by temperature changes.

Abstract: A lens member (55) is made to adhere to a lead frame (36) via a transparent adhesive resin (41) and is not transfer molded with a sealing body (37). With this arrangement, the transparent adhesive resin (41) can be used as a member for buffering a thermal stress due to a linear expansion coefficient difference between the lead frame (36) and the lens member (55). By using a resin of a low Young's modulus such as a silicon based resin, the damage and deformation of the lens member (55) can be prevented by largely reducing the thermal stress exerted on the lens member (55). Furthermore, the linear expansion coefficient can be reduced by adding filler to the sealing body (37), and the optical coupler can be used under an environment of a wide temperature range of, for example, ?40° C. to 115° C.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (100) includes a main body (110), a cover body (120) and a linking member (130). The cover body is coupled to the main body and is movable relative to the main body. The cover body includes a lens module (121), an image sensor module (122) and at least one elastic member (123). One of the lens module and the image sensor module has at least one protrusion (121a) thereon. The linking member has a first end portion (131) coupled to the cover body and an opposite second end portion (132) coupled to the main body. The first end portion includes a sloping portion (131a) interposed between the lens module and the image sensor module. The protrusion abuts against the sloping portion. The linking member is driven by movement of the cover body relative to the main body, thus adjusting a distance between the lens module and the image sensor module.

Abstract: A laser crystallization apparatus has a light source, a phase shifter which modulates a laser light from the light source, an illumination system which is provided between the light source and the phase shifter, homogenizes a light intensity of the laser light from the light source and illuminates the phase shifter with the homogenized light, a stage which supports a non-single-crystal semiconductor, an image formation optical system having a plurality of optical members which is provided between the semiconductor on the stage and the phase shifter and forms an image of the modulated laser beam at a desired part on the semiconductor, and a temperature adjustment portion which adjusts a temperature of the optical member by heating or cooling the optical members of the image formation optical system.

Abstract: A lens module assembly and an imaging system are disclosed. The imaging system includes the lens module assembly and an image sensor received in the assembly. The lens module assembly includes a lens module, and a temperature regulator disposed on the lens module. The temperature regulator is configured for keeping temperature of the lens module within a predetermined range so as to ensure image quality of the lens module.

Abstract: A projection optical system includes an optical element that includes and locally uses a reflective or refractive area that is substantially axially symmetrical around an optical axis, the optical element being rotatable around the optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat sinking tab for dissipating heat directly from an optical sub-assembly (OSA) to a transceiver housing, within which the optical sub-assembly is located. The heat sinking tab includes a mounting plate for mounting on the rear end of a transistor outline (TO) can, and a finger for extending into contact or close proximity to the transceiver housing. The mounting plate also provides a stiffening plate for flexible conductors used to connect the OSA leads to a transceiver printed circuit board (PCB).