Abstract: A camera module includes upper and lower leaf springs having a stable load characteristic and a holder displaceably held by the leaf springs so that the holder can be stably displaced within a magnetic circuit. The upper spring has an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion provided inside the outer annular portion so as to be displaceable with respect to the outer annular portion and attached to the holder, and a plurality of bridge portions coupled between the outer annular portion and the inner annular portion. The camera module further includes a bridge portion supporting member for supporting a part of at least one of the plurality of bridge portions so that a load characteristic of the leaf spring can be changed.

Abstract: A lens alignment apparatus includes a main lens holding frame having a main lens secured thereto; an adjusting lens holding frame to which an adjusting lens to be aligned with the main lens is secured; at least one radial groove formed in one of adjacent end surfaces of the main lens holding frame and the adjusting lens holding frame; a centering hole, corresponding to the radial groove, formed in the other of the adjacent end surfaces of the main lens holding frame and the adjusting lens holding frame; and an alignment member including a centering pillar portion inserted in the centering hole and an aligning portion engaged in the radial groove, the aligning portion being provided with a plurality of pairs of parallel alignment surfaces having an identical width and different distances from the axis of the centering pillar portion.

Abstract: A lens driving system configured to be mounted on a lens device has: a variable power lens driving section moves a variable power lens group in an optical axis direction; a focus lens driving section moves a focal lens group in the optical axis direction; a receiving section that receives an operation signal for remotely operating the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section; a control section that generates a control signal for controlling the variable power lens driving section and the focus lens driving section based on the operation signal, and a power section that is charged with at least a part of the operation power supplied to a drive section from a camera device and supplies the charged power to the variable power lens driving section, the focus lens driving section, the receiving section, and the control section as operation power.

Abstract: A deforming mechanism for deforming a transmissive optical element comprises a rotation member configured to hold the optical element and to rotate around an axis parallel to a tangential line of a circumference of the optical element at a portion where the rotation member holds the optical element, so as to deform the optical element by the rotation, a torque generating unit configured to generate a torque to rotate the rotation member around the axis, a holding base, and an elastic member connecting the holding base to the torque generating unit.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module (20) includes a lens barrel (5), a focusing mechanism (7), a resilient member (9), and a bottom seat (6). The lens barrel is mounted with a lens (517) therein. The lens barrel is axially movable relative to the bottom seat due to a rotation of the focusing mechanism and the force generated by the resilient member. Such an axial movement, in turn, would change a position of the lens relative to the bottom seat.

Abstract: An optical element mounting includes a frame, and a shuttle that is translatable relative to the frame. The shuttle includes inner and outer portions that are mechanically coupled together by a plurality of flexures that effectively bending and twisting of the shuttle from being transmitted to an optical element, such as an optical window, that is mounted on the inner portion of the shuttle. The flexures may be thin linking strips of material between the outer and inner portions. The flexures may have a thickness that is greater in an expected load direction, than in a direction perpendicular to the load direction. The optical mounting may include a locking mechanism, for example including a shape memory alloy wire, to lock the shuttle in a predetermined location relative to the frame.

Abstract: In the lens drive unit; the position retaining parts are advanced by rotating the position retaining member, which is held in the case body in such a manner as to become rotatable, in the R direction so that the position retaining parts are positioned just under the protrusion parts of the movable lens body, and eventually the movable lens body can be retained at the middle position. Furthermore, the through-holes are advanced by rotating the position retaining member in the R direction so that the through-holes are positioned just under the protrusion parts of the movable lens body, and eventually the protrusion parts loosely get fitted into the through-holes of the position retaining member to enable the body tube holder to move downward.

Abstract: A camera module of the present invention includes a plurality of projections 61b on a bottom base of a driving section 61 of an AF/Zoom module. The projections 61b are radially extended from an aperture 63 formed on an optical path. By this, adhesive can be spread over the projections 61b when bonding a lens holder and the AF/Zoom module together. Furthermore, even if the adhesive is excessively applied, excessive adhesive can be retained between the projections 61b. As a result, it is possible to realize a solid-state imaging device which makes it possible to improve adhesive strength between the lens holder and the AF/Zoom module and easily bond the lens holder and the AF/Zoom module.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel, a first lens, a plurality of first electro-active polymer (EAP) units and a plurality of second EAP units. The first lens is suspended in the lens barrel by the plurality of first EAP units and second EAP units. The lens barrel receives a second lens, a spacer and a third lens. The second lens and the third lens are spaced apart by the spacer.

Abstract: Systems for positioning a functional element, such as an optical lens, include a housing, a primary guide pin coupled to the housing, a functional group that includes the functional element, and a vibrational actuator assembly. The functional group is movably coupled with the primary guide pin and includes a first friction surface and a second friction surface. The first and second friction surfaces are oriented relative to one another at one of an obtuse angle and a straight angle. The vibrational actuator assembly is substantially registered relative to the housing and includes a first drive element and a second drive element. The first drive element is configured to interact with the first friction surface and the second drive element is configured to interact with the second friction surface. The vibrational actuator assembly operates to translate the functional group.

Abstract: A microscope objective lens positioning assembly comprises a lens mounting member to which a microscope objective lens defining an optical axis is mounted; a support member; and a pair of leaf springs. Each leaf spring has first and second ends, the first ends of the leaf springs being secured to upper and lower aligned locations respectively on the support member, and the second ends of the leaf springs being secured to corresponding upper and lower locations respectively on the lens mounting member whereby the two leaf springs, the optical axis of the objective lens, and a line between the upper and lower aligned locations on the support member define a parallelogram, the leaf springs flexing in use in response to movement of the lens mounting member.

Abstract: Arrangements for mounting an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror, are disclosed.

Abstract: A lens drive mechanism includes a drive source; a lead screw that is connected to the drive source and rotated by operation of the drive source; a nut member that screws on the lead screw and moves as the lead screw rotates; a lens hold portion that is so disposed as to move as the nut member moves and hold a lens; a guide member that guides the lens hold portion to move in the same direction as that of movement of the nut member; and a leaf spring member that if the nut member is situated near one end of a thread portion of the lead screw, pressurizes the nut member toward the other end of the thread portion of the lead screw.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a lens barrel which may include a guide shaft, and a movable lens frame. The barrel may be with an image capturing optical system disposed therein. The guide shaft may be disposed in the barrel and may extend parallel to the optical axis of the image capturing optical system. The movable lens frame may be reciprocally movable along the guide shaft in the barrel and holding lenses of the image capturing optical system. The barrel may include a wall supporting the guide shaft. The wall may include a light shield member projecting therefrom along the guide shaft in covering relation to a surface of the guide shaft which faces the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical structure is disposed on a surface of a device substrate, and a lens system for introducing external light into a solid-state image pickup device is placed in the center of the optical structure. The outer shape of the optical structure seen from the light incident side of the lens system is rectangular, and its plane shape forms a rectangular frame section. An intermediate structure is disposed between the device substrate and the optical structure. The intermediate structure has a fitting section for fitting the optical structure in a part of side faces of the frame section.

Abstract: There is provided optical devices capable of performing aberration corrections with high accuracy for light rays having plural wavelengths with a simple structure without involving a cost increase. An optical device 1 includes an actuator 8 for driving an optical member 40 in the direction of an optical axis and a guide member 46 for guiding the optical member 40 being driven. The optical member 40 includes plural functional portions 42 and 44 having different functions, and the optical axes of the respective functional portions 42 and 44 of the optical member 40 are brought into coincidence with a light ray through the guiding of the guide member 46.

Abstract: A telescopic sight includes a zoom mechanism with which an angle of adjustment of sighting can be enlarged, such that sighting precision of the telescopic sight can be stably maintained, and with which zooming can be performed with a light touch. The telescopic sight includes a zoom ring, an annular gear, a circumferential gear, an intermediate gear and a transmission mechanism. The zoom ring is turnably provided at an outer periphery of a lens barrel of a telescopic sight. The annular gear is provided at an inner periphery face of the zoom ring. The circumferential gear is rotatably provided, concentrically with the annular gear, at an inner periphery of the lens barrel. The intermediate gear is interposed between the annular gear and the circumferential gear and transmit rotation of the annular gear to the circumferential gear.

Abstract: Holding devices for optical elements, as well as related modules, systems and methods are disclosed. The devices, modules, systems and methods may, for example, be used in the context of microlithography used in manufacturing microelectronic circuits.

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: An optical assembly comprises at least one optical element movable in at least two degrees of freedom and at least one actuator for adjusting the least one optical element; at least one sensor for sensing the position of the at least one element in at least two degrees of freedom and is characterized in that the at least one sensor is located at least substantially diagonally opposite to the least one actuator.

Abstract: A lens position adjusting mechanism includes a lens, a lens attachment frame that includes a lens holding portion for holding the rim of the lens, and a holding case that sandwiches the lens attachment frame movably in a plane direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the lens. The lens attachment frame includes a shaft portion on the periphery of the lens holding portion, functioning as a fulcrum at a time when the lens attachment frame moves in the plane direction. The holding case includes a shaft supporting portion for supporting the shaft portion and frame guide grooves for sandwiching the lens attachment frame. The position of the lens is adjusted by operating a lug portion by fingers or the like with the shaft portion as a fulcrum. Then the adjusted position is fixed by injecting an adhesive into wedge spaces formed of opposing adhesion grooves.

Abstract: A lens adjusting device of a projector is provided. The lens adjusting device has a base, a frame, and at least one positioning structure. A lens is fixed on the frame. The positioning structure is utilized for movably setting the frame on the base. The positioning structure has a groove, a slider, and a positioning unit. The groove is disposed on the frame. The slider is disposed in the groove and has a guiding hole defined therein. The extending direction of the guiding hole is substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the groove. The positioning unit is slidably disposed in the guiding hole and penetrates the guiding hole to set the frame and the slider on the base.

Abstract: There is provided a driving device with less wiring and of which driving circuit is simplified. A driving device comprising: a plurality of vibratory actuators 6, 7 respectively having a vibration generating portion which transform an electric power into a vibration and a driven portion which engages with the vibration generating portion; and a driving circuit to which the plurality of vibratory actuators are connected in parallel, wherein the vibration generating portion of at least one of the vibratory actuators has a different frequency characteristic from that of other vibratory actuators, and the driving circuit is capable of outputting a plurality of driving voltages each having a different waveform.

Abstract: An adjustable optical mounting includes a mounting support or frame, and multiple adjusters to provide a six-degree-of-freedom adjustment of the support relative to a base. The adjusters include cams with cam surfaces that bear against and engage slots in the support or frame, to translate the support in directions parallel to the base. In addition, threaded devices and resilient (compliant) devices such as springs are utilized to adjust the height of the support relative to the base, at multiple locations. The cams and the threaded devices of the adjusters may be independently adjusted to translate the support relative to the base, and/or to change the height and/or tilt angle of the support.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus including a lens drive portion and an imaging lens. The lens drive portion, in response to a current signal moves the imaging lens to a position corresponding to the current signal in the optical axis direction. The imaging apparatus also includes a movement control portion that provides a current signal to the lens driving portion. The current signal is gradually changed from a first current signal corresponding to a first position before movement of the imaging lens, to a second current signal corresponding to a second position after movement.

Abstract: A lens apparatus is disclosed, which has a simple structure effective for preventing the disengagement of a cam follower from a cam groove portion against external forces in various directions. The lens apparatus comprises a first member having a cam groove portion on its cylindrical surface, a plurality of cam follower members each having an engagement portion which engages with the cam groove portion, and a second member holding the plurality of cam follower members in its circumferential direction. At least one of the plurality of cam follower members has a protrusion portion opposed to the cylindrical surface, and the interval between the cylindrical surface and the protrusion portion is smaller than that of the bottom surface of the cam groove portion and the end surface of the engagement portion.

Abstract: A lens apparatus which has a small size but allows a higher magnification and an image-pickup apparatus including the lens apparatus are disclosed. The lens apparatus provides a variable magnification by moving a first lens and a second lens placed closer to an image plane than the first lens in the direction of an optical axis. The lens apparatus includes a first driving member which is rotated around the optical axis to move the first lens in the optical axis direction, a second driving member which moves the second lens by itself in the optical axis direction, and a driving mechanism which at least drives the rotation of the first driving member. The second driving member is moved in the optical axis direction relative to the first driving member by the rotation of the first driving member.

Abstract: An optical actuator is disclosed. The optical actuator includes a seat bearing the optical element, a yoke comprising an end, a suspension system comprising at least one spring sheet connecting the seat and the end, and a driving device moving the seat relative to the yoke. The spring sheet constrains the movement of the seat. The spring sheet includes an inner connecting portion connected to the seat, an outer connecting portion surrounding the inner connecting portion and connected to the end, and a spring structure disposed between the inner and outer connecting portions and connecting the inner and outer connecting portions.

Abstract: Actuator devices, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices, systems and methods are within the field of microlithography. In some embodiments, a system can include an optical element unit having an optical element, a support structure supporting the optical element, and an actuator device connected to the optical element and configured to exert an actuation force onto the optical element along a direction of actuation. The actuator device can include an actuation unit which includes a linking section that links first and second sections of the actuation unit.

Abstract: A lens driving apparatus and method may include a movable body holding lenses; a fixed body for supporting the movable body via a spring member to move in the optical axis direction; and a magnetic drive mechanism which has coils held by the movable body and which drives said movable body in the optical axis direction. Additionally, the spring member may be configured with a plurality of spring pieces which are electrically divided at one location in the optical axis direction, and a plurality of coil end portions pulled out from the coils are respectively and electrically connected to different spring pieces of a plurality of spring pieces from each other.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module with focusing function includes a lens group, a lead screw, a transmission member, an actuator, and two stop portions. The lens group is slidable along the optical axis thereof. The lead screw is set so that the longitudinal direction thereof is essentially parallel to the optical axis. The transmission member is secured to the lens group, and includes a deformable screw-engaging portion. The deformable screw-engaging portion is disengageably engaged with the lead screw. The actuator is configured for driving the lead screw to rotate to force the transmission member to move along the lead screw. The two stop portions are configured for delimiting a movable boundary of the transmission member along the lead screw. The surrounding portion will disengage from the lead screw when the surrounding portion abuts against the stop portion and the lead screw continues rotating.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises an optical component having at least one optical surface and a first optical axis, a socket in which said optical component is mounted, first manipulators arranged to exert forces approximately parallel to the optical axis of the optical component for varying stresses in the optical component, the forces having a strength such that stress birefringence is induced in the component.

Abstract: A lens assembly has an image pickup device incorporated therein, and includes a zoom lens for passage of light to the image pickup device. A cam mechanism moves the zoom lens along an optical axis. The cam mechanism includes a rotatable zoom ring for zooming operation by rotating about the optical axis. There are an intake vent for air flow from an outside to an inner space, and an exhaust vent for air flow from the inner space to the outside. Plural fan blades are formed to project from the zoom ring, for propelling the air in the inner space upon the rotation for zooming, to dissipate heat by air flow. The fan blades are inclined relative to a rotational direction of the zoom ring. Furthermore, an air filter is porous and air permeable, secured inside each of the intake vent and the exhaust vent.

Abstract: An assembly for fixation or adjusting of an optical element (1) with, regard to an outer mount or support (4) wherein the optical element (1) is alignable with regard to a structure of the optical arrangement, particularly the objective structure or the objective barrel, having an optical axis or with regard to neighbouring mounts by means of an adjusting arrangement, is characterized in that the adjusting arrangement comprises at least an elastic means (9), particularly a spring, an elastic rod or stick, an elastic tape or an elastic gear wheel or an elastic gear box by which a force or a torque is applicable to the optical element (1). The assembly is particularly suitable for use in a microlithographic exposure apparatus. In some embodiments an intermediate ring (27) positioned between the optical element (24) and the outer mount or support (26) is used to reduce deformations.

Abstract: An arrangement, equipped with a holder 9, which supports a solid immersion lens 3 in the gravity direction with the bottom surface of solid immersion lens 3 being protruded downward through an opening 9b, is provided. With this arrangement, when solid immersion lens 3 is set on an observed object, solid immersion lens 3 is put in a state in which it is raised by the observed object and is made free with respect to holder 9. Also in this state, an excessive pressure will not be applied to the observed object and yet solid immersion lens 3 is put in close contact in conformance with the observed object and temperature drifts at the holder 9 side or the observed object side are cut off from the counterpart side and thus the influences of such temperature drifts are eliminated. A solid immersion lens holder, with which the damaging of the observed object can be eliminated and which enables high-precision observation, is thus provided.

Abstract: A lens driving unit includes a lead screw, a nut having a projection, and a lens frame having a contact portion that is supported movably in the direction of an optical axis with respect to a base and that is brought into contact with the nut. The nut is held so that only an end face thereof in the direction of the optical axis comes into contact with the lens frame. The base has a guide groove that receives and guides the projection in the direction of the optical axis. The base or the lens frame has a regulatory wall that directs and guides the projection of the nut screwed to the lead screw toward the guide groove only during assembly.

Abstract: A swinging and tilting mechanism includes a lens, a lens holding frame that holds the lens, a fixed member, and an operation member. The fixed member includes a rotation support portion that rotatably supports the lens holding frame in at least one side surface in one direction perpendicular to an optical axis of an optical system, and a tilting support portion that supports the lens holding frame tiltably in a direction of the optical axis in at least one side surface in another direction perpendicular to the optical axis and the one direction. The operation member rotates the lens holding frame supported by the fixed member with the rotation support portion used as a support point, and tilts the same along the tilting support portion.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding an optical element includes a driving part configured to move the optical element, and a measuring part configured to measure a coordinate of the optical element, wherein number of coordinates measured by the measuring part among a degree of freedom of the optical element is greater than a driving degree of freedom of the driving part.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel, a first lens, a number of elastic members, first and magnetic field generators, and a holder threadedly engaged with the lens barrel. The first lens is attached within the lens barrel by the elastic members. The first magnetic field generators are arranged on the lens and configured for generating a first magnetic field in a direction along a central axis of the first lens. The holder has a number of receiving holes therein. The second magnetic field generators are received in the respective receiving holes of the holder and are configured for generating a second magnetic field in a direction essentially the same as or opposite to that of the first magnetic field, such that the first magnetic field generators together with the first lens are movable along the direction of the central axis of the first lens.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding an optical element includes a measuring part configured to measure a coordinate of the optical element, and a driving part configured to move the optical element based on the coordinate measured by the measuring part, wherein the measuring part includes a first sensor configured to detect a displacement amount of a part of the optical element, and a second sensor configured to detect that a part of the optical element is located at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A camera alignment system that can enable alignment in at least one of three planes and about an axis of at least one of the planes. An alignment mount can mate to a camera and lens. The alignment mount can comprise a mechanism to adjust the camera relative to the lens to that an image plane of the camera aligns with an image plane of the lens in a predetermined orientation. One predetermined orientation can be that the image plane of the camera being parallel to the image plane of the lens.

Abstract: A lens module includes: a lens barrel, a first lens, a second lens and a transparent adhesive layer. The first and second lenses are received in the lens barrel, and a clear aperture of the first lens is equal to and in alignment with that of the second lens. The transparent adhesive layer is applied between the first and second lenses in a manner such that the transparent adhesive layer spaces and joins the first and second lenses. A method for assembling the lens module is also provided.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes: an image pickup optical system including a plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses includes an adjusting lens for a shift adjustment in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the image pickup optical system. The lens barrel further includes a lens frame holding the adjusting lens; and a housing holding the lens frame and including a wall portion. The lens frame comprises a plurality of protrusions coming contact with the wall portion and each of the plurality of protrusions has a protruding amount which differs from the other for correcting a tilt of an optical axis of the adjusting lens.

Abstract: An optical imaging device (1a) has at least one optical element (2) which is provided with an outer frame (1), an inner ring (4) in which the optical element (2) is mounted, and a manipulator instrument having at least one actuator. Contactless linkage of the inner ring (4) to the outer frame (1) is provided in at least one degree of freedom by means of a support (5) arranged between the inner ring (4) and the outer frame (1). The manipulator instrument has at least one actuator (8), the setting forces and/or bearing forces of which act contactlessly on the inner ring (4), for mounting and/or positioning and/or manipulating the inner ring (4) relative to the outer frame (1).

Abstract: A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus has a plurality of optical elements, for example lenses or mirrors. The objective furthermore includes an actuator for exerting a mechanical force that deforms a selected optical element of the projection objective. A manipulator modifies the spatial position of one of the optical elements as a function of the force exerted by the actuator.

Abstract: A zoom lens guide system employs air bearings to reduce mechanical shift of the zoom lens components, thus reducing measurement error. The air bearings provide greater stiffness, resulting in the reduction of mechanical shift. Orifice type or porous media air bearings can be used to provide a thin film between an external surface of the bearing and an inner surface of a barrel of the system, the bearing being mounted about a lens housing within the barrel. Guide pins include feed tubes connect the air bearings to an air supply while engaging a guide slot in the barrel and a cam slot in a zoom ring to effect selective axial motion of a lens housing.

Abstract: An optical axis tilting device for laser optical system is configured to include a lens barrel in which a laser optical system is disposed; a tilt frame provided with a tilt sensor, a tilt mechanism including a drive motor, a threaded shaft, a movable member, and a position detector; a leveling mechanism; a ball joint mechanism including a ball support portion in the lens barrel, a ball portion made of a magnetic material and supported between the ball support portion and the tilt frame, a conical recess formed in one of the ball support portion and the tilt frame, and a permanent magnet provided in the one of the ball support portion and the tilt frame; and a computing portion.

Abstract: An optical element positioning apparatus of the present invention includes a moving unit including an optical element 2, a drive mechanism 100 configured to drive the moving unit, a position measuring sensor 130 configured to measure a position of the optical element 2, and an optical element controller 10 configured to control the drive mechanism 100 based on a measurement result by the position measuring sensor 130. An incident position (p point) at which a principal ray of a central field enters the optical element 2 is displaced from an optical axis of an optical system including the optical element 2, and the position measuring sensor 130 measures the incident position in an optical axis direction.

Abstract: A combination lens according to an embodiment of the present invention includes at least two lenses housed in a lens barrel, three or more spherical bodies disposed between the lenses, and support members that respectively support these spherical bodies by tack force or adhesive force. The support members are disposed along the inner peripheral wall of the lens barrel and support part of the spherical surface of the spherical bodies.

Abstract: A lens drive device includes a lens movable body provided with a lens and a drive mechanism for moving the lens movable body from a home position in an optical axis direction of the lens. The drive mechanism includes a magnet and a plurality of coils which is disposed so that the magnet is interposed in the optical axis direction of the lens. An electric current is supplied to the plurality of the coils in a reverse direction to a direction of an electric current, which is supplied to the plurality of the coils for moving the lens movable body, for restricting movement from the home position of the lens movable body. Therefore, swinging and rattling are hard to occur in the lens movable body and thus its impact resistance can be enhanced.