Scanning microscope with miniature head
US6967772B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/002
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a scanning microscope comprising: optical fiber for transmitting a light beam to an exit end of the optical fiber proximate light focusing optics, the light focusing optics focusing the light emerging from the exit end to illuminate a point observation field on or within an object to be examined; and a scanner mounted in an optical head casing with the light focusing optics, to cause the illuminated point observation filed to scan over a two-dimensional cross-section of the object such that an image of the object emanated light over the cross-section is constructible. The scanner comprises a forwardly extending vibratable member and a counterbalance coupled thereto, the point observational field is forward the vibratable member, the vibratable member is coupled to the exit end of the optical fiber to provide the fast scan, the counterbalances reactive forces associated with vibration of the vibratable member and the exit end of the optical fiber during operation, and the light focusing optics is mounted in the optical head casing separately from the vibratable member whereby the light emanating from the exit end of the optical fiber is, during operation, scan…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.