Scanning optical systems
US9675252B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B23/243
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Scanning mechanisms that have application in confocal imaging use electromagnetic actuation to move elements in an optical system. An objective lens mounted to a flexure comprising a magnetic material is actuated in the axial direction by an electromagnet coil. An optical path may pass through the coil. Scanning in transverse directions may be provided using magnetically actuated flexible beams which move the tip of an optical fiber or other pinhole in one or more transverse directions. Actuators may be actuated using driving currents that include an AC component and a DC bias component. The scanning mechanisms may be miniaturized and may be constructed to provide real-time imaging.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.