Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for laser-discharge imaging and focusing elements for use therewith

US5764274A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
20References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 16, 1996
Grant dateJun 9, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 16, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4225
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A focusing assembly includes features that allow numerical aperture to be reduced and optimized by reducing aberrations and ghost reflections and easily controlling stop size, thereby increasing depth-of-focus. The assembly includes a single, bi-aspheric focusing lens that optimizes image quality at a specific off-axis field point. Passage of excessively divergent radiation is prevented by a baffle having a sharp, flared edge that minimizes reflection. A second aperture or baffle can be included to restrict high-divergence radiation emerging from the bi-aspheric focusing lens. All interior surfaces of the focusing assembly are preferably blackened, once again to minimize internal reflections.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.