Deflector galvanometer

Abstract

A galvanometer structure is disclosed for high speed deflection of a light beam, such as that from a laser source. A flexible member is secured at one end in a mount of electrically insulating and magnetically inert material, for example, a plastic block. At the free end of the flexible member, a rotor is secured and this, in turn, has fixed thereto a reflecting element, such as a mirror. The flexible member also carries a variable magnetic field producing means which is arranged relative to the flexible member and at the back side of the mirror. A controllable variable current source is connected to the coil on the flexible member. A portion of the flexible member is reduced in cross section at a distance that is intermediate the ends thereof for greater flexibility in the direction of the reduced cross section. When the flexible member is caused to flex relative to the reduced cross section by a variable current applied to the coil, the mirror at the end and carried by the rotor moves therewith to cause a beam of light incident thereon to be deflected at an angle corresponding to the amount of flexure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.