Optical Imaging Actuation Tool - Isis Project No 4442

Licensing Opportunity

This invention is concerned with a method of moving a small mirror, lens or sample at high speeds in a linear or tipping or tilting motion.

Recently, while developing a specialised microscope imaging system, Oxford researchers came across the requirement to move a small mirror rapidly along the optic axis. They found that any currently available technology, such as piezo actuators were inadequate in terms of either speed or range. They therefore developed a new system capable of up to 5 kHz and and a range of up to 1 mm.

Using a pair of galvanometers, a paddle and a bridge the mirror can be translated along the axis perpendicular to its surface by simultaneously rotating both galvanometers. It is also possible to construct further arrangements with three or four galvanometers that give complete control of the mirror position and orientation.

An appropriate rotation of the galvanometers together can then be used to scan the mirror along different trajectories in terms of position as well as angular orientation: the mirror can be moved in a piston motion, a tipping motion or a tilting motion. More complicated trajectories can also be scanned such as a spin about a stationary point on the mirror surface. 

The mirror can also be a lens or indeed anything else with the same control over its position and orientation. Mechanical refocusing of mirrors and lenses are possible with this technique and in laser scanning applications where a laser beam must be scanned on axis this technique would be invaluable.

Patent Status

This work is the subject of a patent application and Isis would like to talk to organisations interested in developing commercial opportunities. Please contact the Isis Project Manager.

Request Further Information: Project Number 4442 - Optical Imaging Actuation Tool