Abstract:
A continuously moving object is imaged by a video projector producing a rapid sequence of stationary images. A galvanometer actuated mirror tracks the motion of the moving object and synchronizes it to the sequence of stationary images in order to avoid motion caused blurring of the images. The moving object is flat or is wrapped around a cylinder.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for an improved multimode multi-track optical recording system are disclosed. A monolithic array of individually addressable multimode laser diode stripes is imaged onto a recording media, where the individual diode stripe images form a plurality of tracks. Introduction of astigmatism between each multimode laser diode and the recording medium causes the diode stripe images to be relatively sharply focussed on their short axes, but less focussed on their elongated axes. This blurring of the diode stripe images on their elongated axes at the surface of the recording media overcomes near-field non-uniformity in the power distribution of the multimode diode, increasing the reliability and overall performance of the recording system.
Abstract:
In accordance with the present invention a scanning method for flat objects obtains reciprocating ballistic motion without any physical contact between the mutually moving parts, as contact can create particulate matter causing defects. The method ensures that the peak forces attained during scanning are minimized to prevent dislodgement of particulate material and excessive vibration. The method furthermore ensures that both surfaces of flat plate objects be scanned simultaneously.
Abstract:
A multimode laser diode stripe is imaged on a light valve, which separates the diode stripe image into a plurality of individually controllable channels. These channels are then imaged onto a recording media where they form a plurality of tracks. Introduction of astigmatism between the multimode laser diode and the light valve causes the laser diode stripe imaged on the light valve to be sharply focussed on its short axis, but less focussed on its elongated axis. This blurring of the stripe's elongated axis at the light valve overcomes near-field non-uniformity in the power distribution of the multimode diode, increasing the reliability and performance of the recording system.
Abstract:
A method for imaging a non-planar resist uses a non-integrating resist. The resist may be a thermoresist which changes from an unexposed state to an exposed state upon heating to a threshold temperature. The method involves using a variable focus optical system and making a plurality of exposures at different focus settings. The duration and intensity of the exposures is selected so that areas on the resist corresponding to in-focus features are heated to temperatures in excess of the threshold temperature and become exposed whereas areas on the resist corresponding to out-of-focus features are heated to temperatures which are insufficient to expose the resist.
Abstract:
High resolution ink jet printing is achieved by using a completely hydrophobic layer on a substrate and allowing droplets to dry before permanently bonding to the substrate. In shadow and solid areas, the ink droplets may coalesce before the carrier liquid evaporates corrupting the printed image. Several multiple pass techniques, herein disclosed, eliminate the quality degradation from coalescing of nonwetted ink droplets. The simplest solution involves printing shadows or solids on a hydrophobic surface in a plurality of passes, wherein the ink droplets of each pass are applied sufficiently far apart to avoid touching adjacent droplets and are evaporated prior to commencing a subsequent pass. Alternatively, ink applied in shadow and solid areas wets the bare substrate in a pass prior to application (or subsequent to removal) of the hydrophobic coating. Highlights are inked in a second pass when the hydrophobic coating is present on the substrate. These techniques preserve the advantages of resolution and quality afforded by using the hydrophobic surface, but eliminate the problems associated with fusion of non-wetted liquid ink droplets.
Abstract:
Improved resolution and quality of ink jet printing is achieved by treating the paper with an overcoat preventing wetting by the liquid ink. The surface tensions of the liquid droplet keeps it spherical and droplet shrinks as the liquid evaporates, leaving a small dot of concentrated pigment or dye. Fusing or overcoating is used to increase durability of the printed sheet.
Abstract:
A light valve which can be fabricated as an array of individually addressable micromachined linear mirror reflective light valves is disclosed. Each light valve may comprise a metallized silicon nitride ribbon situated above a micromachined cavity. Incident light is reflected by the ribbons. The reflected beam travels into an optical collecting system. The ribbons may be caused to deform into the micromachined cavities by the application of electrical signals. Only a small area on the ribbons is required to be reflective. The deformation causes light reflected by the deformed ribbon to be substantially collimated. The collimated reflected light can be directed through a slit and focussed on a spot to record a data element on a recording surface. A light valve array according to the invention may be used for various data recording applications including exposing printing plates, printed circuit boards, silicon wafers, masks for making semiconductor devices, optical data storage systems and the like.
Abstract:
An exposure system for liquid photopolymer printing plates has a small movable illumination source. The illumination source moves to expose all of a photopolymer object, such as a printing plate being exposed. The area covered by the light source can be adjusted to match the area of the printing plate. The system does not require a large uniform source of illumination. The collimation of the light source is variable. This permits control over the cross sectional profile of exposed features in the photopolymer. Preferably a flat horizontal glass plate supported by air pressure supports the photopolymer being exposed. An optical sensor and a control system are used in preferred embodiments to keep the plate flat by controlling air pressure in an enclosure beneath the plate.
Abstract:
A flexographic varnishing plate, used for the selective application of varnish over printed areas, is made by cutting an elastomeric layer bonded to a clear substrate with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The elastomer is peeled off from the areas which should not be varnished and an exposure to ultra-violet light increases the strength of the adhesive holding the remaining elastomer to the substrate. The plate can be used on lithographic and flexographic printing presses.