Ultra small spot generator
AssigneeRichard L. Scully
InventorRoland H. Chase
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Abstract
An interferometer is used to provide control to the intensity profile and position of a spot of light. In this invention, each light ray from a spectral source is regenerated into a plurality of light rays by an interferometer. These rays are focused by a lens into a constructive interference fringe on a focal plane. A voltage across the interferometer can change the index of reflection of the interferometer thus defines the position of the constructive interference fringe on the disk.
Claims19
An optical apparatus for generating an ultra small spot of light on a focal plane, comprising:
- a light source emitting, a pencil of light rays to an optical path along an optical axis;
- a first interferometer;
- a second interferometer;
- a beam splitter;
- a quarter wave plate;
- and
- an objective lens;
- wherein the pencil of light rays is transmitted respectively through the interferometers, the beam splitter, the quarter-wave plate, and the objective lens to become constructive interference fringes of light upon reaching the focal plane.
The optical apparatus for generating an ultra small spot of light, comprising:
- a light source surrounded by a coil generating either an electric field or a magnetic field and emitting a pencil of light rays to an optical path along an optical axis;
- a first interferometer;
- a second interferometer;
- and
- an objective lens;
- wherein the pencil of light rays is transmitted respectively through the first and second interferometers and objective lens to become constructive interference fringes of light upon reaching said field-controlled location on a focal plane of the objective lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.