Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Collocating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-20
2001-05-29
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Collocating
C033S644000, C033S613000, C033S334000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237242
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to precision mounting devices commonly utilized in the fields of optics and holography, and more specifically to a mounting device providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of an object, particularly an optical component such as a holographic medium, lens, prism, or the like.
At present, alignment of optical components in a system is accomplished utilizing high precision mounting devices such as kinematic mounts or bases. Kinematic mounts allow users to repeatedly mount, remove and relocate or realign components with a high degree of accuracy. As a result, such mounts are especially useful where optical components must frequently be interchanged, or where reference elements must occasionally be inserted in an optical path.
Existing kinematic mounts are capable of providing angular alignment of an object to within about two (2) microradians (&mgr;rad). While this level of precision is adequate for most optics applications, certain highly specialized applications require an even greater level of precision. For instance, holographic correlators and holographic memories employing removable holographic media require microradian alignment of the media with beams of light produced by a laser for optimum performance. The level of alignment provided by present kinematic mounts is too gross for such applications. Further, mechanical mounting apparatus capable of greater precision are not presently available.
Consequently, there exists a general need for mounting devices capable of providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of an object with respect to a point of reference. More specifically, there exists a need for a mounting device for providing microradian adjustment of an optical component such as a removable holographic medium, lens, prism, etc. within an optical system such as a holographic correlator, holographic memory, or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a novel assembly capable of providing microradian adjustment of the alignment of objects such as optical devices. The microradian adjustment assembly is comprised of a mounting plate suitable for mounting an object such as an optical component (e.g., holographic medium, lens, prism, etc.). A circular channel is formed in the mounting plate so as to define a disk area (i.e., a circular area of the mounting plate bounded by the channel) and a deflection area (i.e., an area of the mounting plate within the channel surrounding the disk area). When torque is applied to the disk area, the deflection area is torsionally deformed, rotating the disk area and object with respect to the rest of the plate. Because rotation of the disk area due to deformation of the deflection area is small, microradian adjustment of the alignment of the object is possible.
In an exemplary embodiment, torque is applied to the disk area via a torque adjustment assembly. The torque adjustment assembly includes a screw support structure integrally formed in the surface of the mounting plate opposite the surface on which the channel is formed. One or more threaded apertures are formed in the screw support structure. Screws extend through these apertures to engage leverage blocks disposed on the mounting plate within an area bounded by the outer edge of the channel. When tightened against the leverage blocks, the screws apply force to the leverage blocks providing torque to the disk area. This torque torsionally deforms the deflection area thereby rotating the disk area. The amount of rotation of the disk area, and thus the alignment of the object, is adjusted by regulating the amount of force applied to each leverage block.
The microradian adjustment assembly may, in an exemplary embodiment, be utilized to provide microradian adjustment of the alignment of a removable holographic medium in a holographic correlator or holographic memory.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4196522 (1980-04-01), Bell et al.
patent: 4563824 (1986-01-01), Baun
patent: 5235842 (1993-08-01), Freeman et al.
patent: 5926781 (1999-07-01), Scott
patent: 6023851 (2000-02-01), Brand
patent: 6047480 (2000-04-01), Powers
Larison John
Robertson Richard
Woytassek Mark
Eppele Kyle
Guadalupe Yaritza
Gutierrez Diego
Jensen Nathan O.
O'Shaughnessy J. P.
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