Method of operating a fast scanning mirror
US8752969B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The mirror has a base, inner stage, reflector, controller, and mechanical subsystems pivotally supporting stage and reflector: subsystem #1, the stage (about one rotation axis, relative to the base); subsystem #2, the reflector (about another axis, relative to the stage). Stage and reflector each rotate on respective jewel, ceramic or other refractory bearings. Controller establishes stage/base and reflector/stage angles. Subsystems include respective bearings. The method includes (1) using the two-axis mechanism to receive, and measure an incident angle of, incident rays from an external object; (2) then using that mechanism to direct a radiation beam from a laser source toward the external object, responsive to incident rays. Optionally step (1) operates the mirror at peak acceleration, or minimum response time, as function of mirror thickness; and provides two- to three-millimeter mirror thickness. Optionally step (2) directs the beam to disrupt object function or impair object structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.