Abstract:
Stabilization of the phase of the radiation utilized in a plural beam interferometric-type system is accomplished. Monitoring of the intensity of the interfering beams of radiation is performed so that a correction signal is generated. By applying the correction signal to control means, the speed of propagation of at least one of the radiation beams is altered to maintain a constant phase relationship.
Abstract:
A static electro-optic crystal deflection element, subject to electrical control of refraction, is used as an inertialess compensating element in mechanically controlled projection systems for laser beams. Electrical signals derived from the moving parts of the control mechanism are applied to the crystal to produce compensating refractions of the laser coordinated with short increments of movement of the mechanism. In one application blurring effects associated with continuous rotation of a multifaceted deflection mirror in a photographic tracing system are nullified by electro-optic compensation. In another application distortion due to relative motion between a sensing laser and a rotating drum containing a series of hologram records is cancelled by electro-optic effects coordinated with individual record movements.
Abstract:
An arrangement for functionally checking the optical channel of an optical beam projection system. When the projection system is a recording system, immediate detection of a malfunction in the elements of the channel is accomplished by monitoring the intensity of the projected light beam.
Abstract:
1305959 Checking optical systems INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP 21 Oct 1970 [5 Nov 1969] 49919/70 Heading G1A Photo-electric apparatus is used to check operation of an optical beam recording system. In the arrangement of Fig. 1 the recording system, operated under computer control, comprises a laser source 10; a half wave plate 12 correcting the polarization of the beam to a predetermined orientation; an electro-optical modulator, e.g. of the crystal type, having transparent electrodes attached to its faces, passing light of a controlled intensity; a plural stage light deflector, each stage of which comprises an electro-optical polarization control device, e.g. a KDP crystal, and a birefringent crystal, e.g. of caliste, the deflector being controlled from 17 to aim the beam where required on a recording medium 18, e.g. a photographic roll film. During the intervals while the film is stepped on, checking is performed by use of arrangement 22 and devices 26, 28. The electro-optical device 23 e.g. a calcite birefringent crystal with transparent electrodes, is energized causing a change in the orientation of polarization of the beam incident on birefringent crystal 25 so that this deflects the beam on path 26 to photo-sensitive diode 27 instead of allowing the beam to pass to the record medium. If the detector output is below a predetermined level a fault is indicated. This may be due to loss of power from the laser or faults in the modulator or drive 17. In an alternative arrangement the device 22 is a beam splitter followed by a mechanical or electro-optical shutter which is closed during checking. No isolate malfunctions in the deflector drive circuit, this is shut down, and a further detector used to sense the deflected intensity which now results from deflection from a different point on birefringent device 25.
Abstract:
1283150 Optical systems; projection printing apparatus INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP 9 March 1970 [4 April 1969] 11104/70 Headings G2A and G2J In an optical system for illuminating a target area P on a surface 5, a continuously moving part 8 causes the optical path of the system to traverse the target area, and static deflecting means 6 selectively applies a compensating deflection to the optical path for temporarily locking the path on to the target area. The moving part comprises a multisided mirror 8 which rotates to cause a beam from a laser 1 to traverse the target area P. The static deflecting means comprises a KDP crystal 6, connected to an electrical pulse generator 15, which causes the beam to remain on the target area P while a shutter 4 controlled by circuit means 16 is open. In high speed printing on to a photographic emulsion coating the surface 5, each time the shutter 4 opens, control means 2c selects a character, inserts it in a mask 3 and operates beam position controls 2a and 2b ensuring focusing of the character at P. Timing and co-ordination of the shutter control means and pulse generator is effected by a detector 13 detecting light pulses passing through precisely spaced slits in a disc 12 rotating on the mirror. The pulses from the generator 15 may be of sawtooth or sinusoidal wave form. The system may be used for printing pictures by successively printing segments of a pictorial image in the mask 3, or for printing electrical circuits, when segments of an image of the circuit are printed on photo-resist material coating the surface 5. A motion sensor may be incorporated in the pulse generator 15 to produce pulses to counteract extraneous motion of the crystal and the beam. In another embodiment, Fig. 11 (not shown) light passing from a laser (70) is deflected by rotatable mirrors (73, 74) on to a rotating hologram (54) comprising memory record targets. Static deflecting means comprises a KDP crystal (62) which causes the beam to follow the motion of the hologram while a shutter (60) is open. The beam is focused on a target area of the hologram by a lens (76) and, after passing through the hologram, it is focused first by a lens (77) which counteracts the motion of the beam caused by the crystal, then by a lens (78) on to a detector (61).