Optical component plastic deformation control process
US6941631B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53265
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A process for aligning an optical component by plastic deformation comprises finding a desired position of an optical axis of the optical component relative to a rest position of the optical axis of the optical component. Then, a deformation force is exerted, which is greater than a yield force of the optical component to thereby plastically deform the optical component in a direction of the desired position. The alignment process addresses mechanical compliance in the alignment system and/or optical system during the plastic deformation of optical components of the optical system. This mechanical compliance arises from the fact that there is typically flexing in the alignment system between the encoders and the part of the alignment system that actually engages the optical component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.