Abstract:
Light deflection apparatus for selectively deflecting a beam of light from a source to any one of a plurality of discrete positions on a target is provided. Operative under electro-optic control, the apparatus is of the external reflecting type. A light beam propagated as a set of extraordinary rays never enters the light deflecting birefringent element but is reflected on incidence at it. Astigmatic aberrations in the possible output beams are avoided, pathlength compensation between the two possible output beams of a deflecting stage is achieved, and a diffraction limited spot of light is provided as the output beam.
Abstract:
A LASER BEAM IN THE ACTINIC REGION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM IS USED TO PROVIDE DIRECT EXPOSED OF PRINTING PLATES. THE PLATES HAVE A COATING OF A PHOTOSENSITIVE MEDIUM, PREFERABLY A DIAZO, WHICH IS SENITIVE TO THE ACTINIC WAVELENGTH. THE VERTICAL DEFLCTION OF THE LASER BEAM IS CONTROLLED BY DIGITAL LIGHT DEFLECTION APPARATUS WHICH PROVIDE A RASTER OF DISCRETE, ESSENTIALLY DIFFRACTIONLIMITED SPOTS OF LIGHT ALONG A SINGLE LINE. IN THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, THE PARTICULAR BEAM TRACE ON THE PHOTOSENSITIVE MEDIUM IS DETERMINED BY COMPUTER CONTROL OF THE DIGITAL LIGHT DEFLECTOR, AND HORIZONTAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE VERTICAL LINES TRANSVERSELY ON THE PHOTOSENSITIVE MEDIUM IS ACCOMPLISHED BY LIGHT COUPLING MEANS WHICH RECIPROCATES ACROSS THE PLANE OF THE MEDIUM.
Abstract:
AN OPTICAL CHARACTER GENERATOR IS IMPROVED BY PROVIDING CHECKING BITS FOR THE CHARACTERS OF THE CHARACTER MASK. THE CHECKING BITS ARE SENSED ON THE OUTPUT SIDE OF THE CHARACTER GENERATOR AND ARE COMPARED WITH A CHARACTER ADDRESS SUPPLIED TO THE CHARACTER GENERATOR. A MISMATCH BETWEEN THE ADDDRESS OF THE SELECTED CHARACTER AND THE CHECKING BITS SENSED AT THE CHARACTER GENERATOR OUTPUT SIGNIFIES A FAILURE IN THE CHARACTER GENERATOR OR THE ASSOCIATED APPARATUS.
Abstract:
Light deflection apparatus, operative under electro-optic control, employing a birefringent deflecting element in spacedapart, parallel, substantially coextensive relationship with an isotropic alignment element and including a refractive indexmatching liquid filling the space between the birefringent and isotropic elements. The preferred liquid, a polychlorinated polyphenyl oil, has a tendency to break down when exposed to high potentials generated in the electro-optic switches. To eliminate the breakdown, the liquid is confined between the birefringent and isotropic elements within a container and insulated from the switching voltages. The container structure includes adjustment means for precisely varying the distance and angle of the isotropic element with respect to the birefringent element.
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:
A process and system for controlling the recording of information optically. Before the optical recording occurs, a real-time display of the information to be recorded is provided for operator monitoring. The ability to change the information by a light pen and/or a keyboard exists if the displayed information is incorrect. In the optical recording process, control is exercised over the light source, the position of the light and the location of recording. Monitoring of the recorded information is simultaneously performed with the recording to indicate any error condition in the recording process.