Optical: systems and elements – Lens – With support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-19
2001-07-24
Epps, Georgia (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Lens
With support
C359S822000, C359S813000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06266196
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to mounting devices for optical systems, such as those constructed on an optical bench, and more particularly to a multi-position optic mount that may be used to precisely position an optic element to intersect or to avoid intersection with an optical path.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the field of test and measurement as well as experimental optics, it is customary to position the various optical elements on an optical bench, which is quite commonly a massive block of rigid material supported by a shock absorbing mount.
Typically a laser beam will be modified by several optical elements in series or in various combinations. These optical elements include: filters, mirrors, lenses, retroreflectors, wave guides, etalon, detectors, emitters, etc. To perform these modifications it is desirable to have an optical mount that can repeatedly and precisely reposition elements to intersect and avoid intersection with the optical beam.
In the case where comparisons between systems are to be made, it is highly desirable that both systems be driven by the same laser source. The use of a single laser to feed several different systems may also be desirable for other reasons, such as the reduction in cost afforded by the use of one laser instead of two. The switching from one system to another is best accomplished by the use of a mirror positioned in the optical path close to the laser source. The problem with using a removable mirror is that the mirror must be accurately positioned each time it is replaced in the optical path. The realignment of the mirror can be a time consuming task since it must be very accurately positioned.
What is needed is an optic mount with a small form factor and low cost which exhibits high precision during the repeated repositioning of optic elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A multi-position optic mount is disclosed which provides for automatic movement of an optic element between an engaged position in which the optic element intersects an optical path, and a disengaged position in which the optic element avoids an optical path. The optic mount may be used for a broad range of optical elements including: lenses, filters, etalons, gratings, retroreflectors, wave guides, fiber optics, lasers, photo-detectors, etc. A unique activation capability is provided in which an active actuator and passive actuator are utilized to move the mount between the engaged and disengaged positions.
In an embodiment of the invention a mount for positioning an optic element in at least a first and a second position is disclosed. The mount includes: a base, a movable stage, an active actuator, and a passive actuator. The movable stage holds the optic element. The movable stage couples to the base. The movable stage is positionable in at least a first and a second position. The active actuator couples to the movable stage to move the movable stage from the first position toward the second position and from the second position toward the first position. The passive actuator completes the movement of the movable stage to the corresponding one of the first position and the second position.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention a mount for positioning an optic element in at least a first and a second position is disclosed. The mount includes: a base, a movable stage, an active actuator, and a passive actuator. The movable stage holds the optic element. The movable stage couples to the base. The movable stage is positionable in a least a first and a second position. The active actuator couples to the movable stage to move the movable stage from the first position toward the second position and from the second position toward the first position. The passive actuator completes the movement of the movable stage to the corresponding one of the first position and the second position by generating regions of low potential energy for the movable stage at the first and second position and a region of high potential energy intermediate the first and second position.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention a mount for positioning an optic element in at least a first and a second position is disclosed. The mount includes: a base, a means for holding the optic element, an active activation means, and a passive activation means. The means for holding the optic element couples to the base and is positionable in at least a first and a second position. The active activation means couples to the means for holding to move the means for holding from the first position toward the second position and from the second position toward the first position. The passive activation means completes the movement of the means for holding to the corresponding one of the first position and the second position.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention a mount for positioning an optic element in at least a first and a second position is disclosed. The mount includes: a base, a means for holding the optic element, an active activation means, and a passive activation means. The means for holding the optic element couples to the base and is positionable in at least a first and a second position. The active activation means couples to the means for holding to move the means for holding from the first position toward the second position and from the second position toward the first position. The passive activation means completes the movement of the means for holding to the corresponding one of the first position and the second position by generating regions of low potential energy for the means for holding at the first and second position and a region of high potential energy intermediate the first and second position.
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Arnone David F.
Do Khiem
Cary Charles C.
Cary & Kelly LLP
Epps Georgia
New Focus Inc.
Seyrafi Saeed
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