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Optical design for laser encoder resolution extension with three-dimensional motion decoupling

  • US 6,822,733 B1
  • Filed: 06/30/2003
  • Issued: 11/23/2004
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An optical system for laser encoder resolution extension with three-dimensional motion decoupling capability comprising:

  • a moving target;

    said moving target having three-dimensional linear motion freedom;

    a fixed base positioned laterally spaced apart in an X direction from said moving target;

    a single first prism mounted on said moving target, a plurality of prisms, a retroreflector, a laser source, and a detector mounted on said fixed base;

    said single first prism being larger than said plurality of prisms;

    a three-dimensional optical path defined by said first prism, said plurality of prisms, and said retroreflector for reflecting a laser beam from said laser source to said detector with said laser beam being reflected multiple times between said single first prism and each of said plurality of prisms;

    said three-dimensional optical path providing multiple times optical resolution extension power for linear displacement measurement and encoding;

    said optical system being sensitive to a motion of said moving target in said X direction and being substantially unaffected by movement in a Y direction and a Z direction.

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