Apparatus, system, and method for precision positioning and alignment of a lens in an optical system
US6556364B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/028
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method for precision positioning and alignment of a lens in an optical system, wherein a first support for coupling to the peripheral edge of the lens is connected to a concentric second support using a plurality of positioning devices. At least one positioning device is configured to move the first support in an axial direction relative to the second support. Each positioning device comprises a lever, an actuator, and a flexure. The lever has a pivot point and is mounted on the second support. The actuator is connected to the lever and used to operate the lever about its pivot point. The flexure has a first end connected to the lever between the actuator and the pivot point. A second end of the flexure is connected to the first support. A second positioning device is used to move the first support relative to the second support in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Additional positioning devices can be used to provide for other types of motion such as, for example, rotation and tilt. In a preferred embodiment, the actuators are pneumatic bellows. A compressible gas supply module is fluidly connected to the bellows, and a contr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.