US 7796314 B2
Dual axis, beam-steering devices are disclosed. An exemplary device includes a support platform having a top surface. A reflective surface is coupled to the top surface of the support platform. First and second galvanometers are coupled via respective linkages to the support platform such that the first galvanometer rotates the support platform about a first rotational axis, and the second galvanometer rotates the support platform about a second rotational axis that is orthogonal to the first rotational axis. The support platform can be simultaneously rotated with respect to both the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis to steer a beam of electromagnetic energy (e.g. light beam) reflected by the reflective surface.
1. A two-axis, beam-steering device, comprising:
a support platform having a top surface;
a reflective surface situated on the top surface of the support platform;
a first galvanometer having a first rotational shaft which defines a first fixed rotational axis;
a second galvanometer having a second rotational shaft which defines a second fixed rotational axis oriented substantially orthogonally to the first rotational axis;
a first linkage extending along the first rotational axis and coupling the first galvanometer to the support platform; and
a second linkage extending along the second rotational axis and coupling the second galvanometer to the support platform, the first galvanometer being situated relative to the support platform so as to rotate the support platform about the first rotational axis, and the second galvanometer being situated relative to the support platform so as to rotate the support platform about the second rotational axis, thereby providing simultaneous rotation of the support platform about the first and second rotational axes as the reflective surface reflects a beam of electromagnetic energy incident to the reflective surface.
2. The beam-steering device of
the reflective surface has a center; and
the first and second rotational axes intersect at the center.
3. The beam-steering device of
4. The beam-steering device of
5. The beam-steering device of
a first rotational-position sensor situated and configured to determine a rotational position of the first linkage about the first rotational axis; and
a second rotational-position sensor situated and configured to determine a rotational position of the second linkage about the second rotational axis.
6. The beam-steering device of
7. The beam-steering device of
8. The beam-steering device of
9. The beam-steering device of
10. The beam-steering device of
a first passive linkage extending along the first rotational axis and coupling the support platform, on a side of the support platform opposite the first linkage, in a pivotable manner to a fixed support; and
a second passive linkage extending along the second rotational axis and coupling the support platform, on a side of the support platform opposite the second linkage, in a pivotable manner to the fixed support.
11. The beam-steering device of
a third galvanometer situated on the first fixed rotational axis but on a side of the support platform opposite the first linkage;
a third linkage extending along the first rotational axis but on a side of the support platform opposite the first linkage, the third linkage coupling the third galvanometer to the support platform;
a fourth galvanometer situated on the second fixed rotational axis but on a side of the support platform opposite the second linkage; and
a fourth linkage extending along the second rotational axis but on a side of the support platform opposite the second linkage, the fourth linkage coupling the fourth galvanometer to the support platform.
12. The beam-steering device of
the first galvanometer is wired for rotation, when electrically energized, in a first rotational direction;
the third galvanometer is wired for rotation, when electrically energized, in a third rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction;
the second galvanometer is wired for rotation, when electrically energized, in a second rotational direction; and
the fourth galvanometer is wired for rotation, when electrically energized, in a fourth rotational direction that is opposite the second rotational direction.
13. The beam-steering device of
14. The beam-steering device of
the first linkage comprises a first section and a first compressible member located between the first linkage and the support platform, the first compressible member being configured to provide a variable length of the first section and the first compressible member; and
the second linkage comprises a second section and a second compressible member located between the second linkage and the support platform, the second compressible member being configured to provide a variable length of the second section and the second compressible member.
15. The beam-steering device of
the first linkage is substantially non-compliant in rotation about the second rotational axis and has a variable length to permit rotation of the support platform about the first rotational axis; and
the second linkage is substantially non-compliant in rotation about the first rotational axis and has a variable length to permit rotation of the support platform about the second rotational axis.
16. The beam-steering device of
the support platform comprises first and second inserts coupled to the support platform, the first insert extending along the first rotational axis, and the second insert extending along the second rotational axis;
the first linkage comprises a first connecting interface configured for receiving the first insert; and
the second linkage comprises a second connecting interface configured for receiving the second insert.
17. The beam-steering device of
a first pin configured to secure the first insert to the first connecting interface, the first pin extending, substantially perpendicularly to the first rotational axis, through a slot in the first insert and affixed to the first connecting interface; and
a second pin configured to secure the second insert to the second connecting interface, the second pin extending, substantially perpendicularly to the second rotational axis, through a slot in the second insert and affixed to the second connecting interface;
wherein each slot is curved in a manner allowing the respective pin to engage the respective insert at any of various positions in an angular range within the curved slot.
18. The beam-steering device of
19. The beam-steering device of
20. The beam-steering device of
21. The beam-steering device of
a first flexure mounted to the first linkage between the support platform and the first galvanometer; and
a second flexure mounted to the second linkage between the support platform and the second galvanometer.
This is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2005/007759, filed Mar. 8, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/551,655, filed Mar. 8, 2004, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This disclosure relates to, inter alia, light-beam steering, in which light from an illumination source is directed at high rates to a destination. Particular applications include laser-scanning confocal microscopy, optical scanning, optical particle tracking, and light-projection systems.
A number of emerging technologies are incorporating photonics. Among these are optical imaging, telecommunications, entertainment devices, image-projection systems, medical diagnosis and treatment, photolithography, materials inspection, biosensors, and surveillance. Applications of these technologies share a requirement for the rapid and accurate scanning of a laser beam either to image an object or to project light onto a surface.
When a dynamic system or process is imaged optically, the rate of image acquisition (i.e., number of image frames acquired per unit time) is an important consideration. A “dynamic system” may be, for example, a stationary object that changes over time, a specimen that moves spatially within a field-of-view, or both processes occurring simultaneously. Many important processes occur within time domains that are less than one second. In such cases, it is frequently desirable to acquire images in at least two spatial dimensions as rapidly as is consistent with the sampling of sufficient numbers of photons to form an acceptable image.
Many imaging applications of dynamic systems and processes also require optimal spatial resolution. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy is commonly used to improve this parameter, particularly in the z-dimension that typically extends parallel to the optical axis. In a scanning-microscope system, such as a laser-scanning confocal microscope system, the illuminating light or specimen must be moved relative to the other, or moved relative to one another. This can be accomplished by moving the specimen while keeping the illuminating light in a fixed position, by moving the illuminating light across the specimen while the latter is kept stationary, or by simultaneously moving both the illumination light and the specimen.
Certain optical advantages can be achieved by keeping the illumination light stationary and moving the specimen (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,013,457, incorporated herein by reference, which provides an original description of a confocal optical system). However, this approach involves accelerating, moving, and decelerating the relatively large mass of a microscope stage or other type of inspection platform, which typically prevents scanning at rates greater than a few frames per second. In addition, this approach restricts or prevents the use of immersion objectives, in which an intermediate layer of an appropriate medium, such as oil, water, or glycerin, is maintained between the objective and the specimen.
Because of such limitations, it is common to scan the beam of illumination light (typically a laser beam) over the specimen in a two-dimensional raster manner (involving one-dimensional lines repeated with intervening steps in the orthogonal dimension) in the majority of modern scanning microscopes. The laser beam is scanned by a beam-steering device comprising multiple mirrors mounted on respective devices capable of controlled motion, such as galvanometers or piezoelectric elements, or using micro-mirrors mounted on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Another beam-steering approach utilizes stationary devices, such as acousto-optical beam deflectors (AODs) that exploit changes in refractive index of a material to alter the path of the light beam. However, each of these beam-steering devices is constrained by limitations related to their maximum achievable scan rates and/or optical properties.
Galvanometers are currently the beam-steering device most commonly employed in scanning optical systems. Respective mirrors, mounted on two independent galvanometers, are used to achieve beam steering in two (x and y) spatial dimensions. Closed-loop galvanometer pairs have been used most frequently; these devices exploit the ability to modulate and control the position of each mirror as it is moved back and forth in a single dimension in an accurate manner that is inherent to this type of device. A closed-loop galvanometer typically also has position-feedback signals that can be used to verify the position of the mirror at a given point in time. However, the frequency response of this type of galvanometer is limited (generally to less than 1 kHz) by several factors, and this limitation restricts the galvanometer's image-acquisition rate to typically less than video rates. These factors include the extent of mechanical movement of the mirror and the size (and hence the mass) of the reflective surface required. Ultimately, the time required to dissipate heat resulting from the electromagnetic forces used to drive movements of the mirror becomes limiting. All of these factors are inversely related to the frequency response of the galvanometer system.
In another approach, resonant galvanometers, which have lower-friction movements, can be driven at frequencies of up to 8 kHz. Such galvanometers have been used to deflect a laser beam in one spatial dimension. A slower (30-60 Hz) closed-loop galvanometer is used to deflect the beam in the second spatial dimension. Using this combination of galvanometers, acquisition rates of 30-60 frames/sec have been achieved for two-dimensional images. For examples, see Tsien and Bacskai, “Video-Rate Confocal Microscopy,” in Pawley (ed.), Handbook of Biological Confocal Microscopy, 2nd ed., chapter 29, Plenum Press, New York, 1995, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,433, incorporated herein by reference.
Since prior-art beam-steering systems utilize two mirrors to achieve both x- and y-direction scanning, these systems cannot place the axis of a primary deflection surface in a telecentric conjugate image plane. The need to utilize physically separate mirrors in galvanometer-based systems to steer the laser beam in two spatial dimensions in galvanometer-based systems imposes optical limitations (e.g., see the discussion by Stelzer, “The Intermediate Optical System of Laser-Scanning Confocal Microscopes,” in Pawley (ed.), Handbook of Biological Confocal Microscopy, 2nd ed., chapter 9, Plenum Press, New York, 1995). In imaging situations, in which laser-scanning confocal microscope systems utilizing single-photon excitation are used, it is necessary to sense light originating in the sample, such as fluorescent or reflected light, using a fixed-spot detector such as a photomultiplier tube or photodiode. To focus light from the sample onto a fixed point, the light must be de-scanned by the beam-steering device. Such de-scanning is optimal whenever the axis of the primary deflecting surface is placed at a telecentric conjugate image plane. However, such placement is not possible if, as in the prior art, separate reflective surfaces are used to deflect the beam in each of the two respective dimensions. Placement of the reflective surfaces in an axial parallel arrangement reduces, but does not eliminate, the associated optical distortion.
Another conventional approach to rapid, single-axis laser-beam deflection involves the use of an acousto-optical beam deflector (AOD). As noted previously, this device exploits induced changes in refractive index of a material to deflect the beam rapidly (with a 1-5 kHz frequency range) in one spatial dimension (e.g., x-dimension). As is the case for the resonant galvanometer, a second device is required to deflect the beam in the second spatial dimension (e.g., y-dimension). In addition, although scanning systems utilizing AOD devices have achieved high scan rates over a somewhat limited range of deflection angles, use of the AOD introduces optical disadvantages, particularly when used with laser-scanning confocal microscope systems. These disadvantages include reduced transmission efficiency, wavelength-dependent angles of deflection, and the inability of light emitted from the sample at wavelengths greater than that shone on the sample (e.g., fluorescence) to be de-scanned by the AOD device along the optical path used by the illuminating light. Additional optics are required to reduce the impact of these disadvantages on spatial resolution, which decreases the optical efficiency that can be achieved.
High-rate (1-10 kHz frequencies), 2-axis beam deflection has been achieved using an electrostatically actuated MEMS micro-mirror beam-steering device. However, the low level of torque produced by these devices limits the size of the reflective surface to typically <1 mm. Such a small clear aperture limits the achievable spatial resolution to much less than that of confocal systems currently available commercially and places important limitations on the properties of the intermediate optical system that can be used. Increasing the size of the mirror results in a marked reduction in scan frequency and an increase in the dynamic deformations of reflective surfaces. These deformations diminish the quality of the reflected light and, thus, the optical quality of acquired images.
Thus, there is currently a need for a two-axis beam-steering device having a single, large reflective surface.
Among various aspects disclosed herein is one aspect directed to two-axis beam-steering devices having large clear apertures. The beam-steering devices can deflect laser beams or other illumination beams in two dimensions with a frequency response in the kHz range. Micro-machined and/or semiconductor structures can be used to form a reflector platform hybridized with closed-loop galvanometers to achieve rapid beam-steering movements. The beam-steering devices advantageously permit the use of galvanometer actuators that have suitable torque-generating capabilities to drive a single reflective surface in two spatial axes (e.g., x- and y-axes). Galvanometers are particularly well suited for being driven by amplitude-modulated sine waves employed as mirror-position command signals, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,009,172 to Applicants, issued Mar. 7, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, to extend the achievable frequency ranges. In addition, the use of a single reflective surface operating in a dual-axis mode optimizes the achievable spatial resolution. The devices can be configured to generate dual-axis position-feedback signals that are usable for monitoring and further increasing the accuracy of beam-steering.
According to another aspect, these beam-steering devices are incorporated into a laser-scanning confocal microscope system (LSCMS), as an exemplary system.
A representative embodiment of a two-axis, beam-steering device desirably has the following characteristics and properties: (a) comprises a reflective element (e.g., a mirror) having a highly reflective surface (produced, for example, using metal and/or dielectric coatings); (b) exhibits minimal spatial deformation either under static conditions or as a result of dynamic movements; and (c) driven by at least two galvanometer actuators each having a rotational axis; and (d) the rotational axes are substantially orthogonal to each other. Desirable (but not required) performance characteristics include: (1) deflects a beam of incident electromagnetic radiation over a total angle of at least 4° (mechanical); (2) deflects the beam at a frequency of >1.5 kHz; (3) the reflective element has a width of at least approximately 3 mm and a high reflective-surface fill factor (desirably close or equal to 100%); and (4) the galvanometers are drivable by any of various types of command signals, including (but not limited to) signals used for raster scanning and signals comprising amplitude-modulated sine or modified sine-wave functions. The representative embodiments described below meet or exceed these criteria.
According to various embodiments, the torque required to move a reflective element having significant mass, especially a reflective element mounted to a support platform or the like, through a significant mechanical angle (e.g., at least 4°) is achieved using at least two closed-loop galvanometers. An example of a suitable galvanometer is Model 6215 commercially available from Cambridge Technology (Cambridge, Mass.). The galvanometers are driven by appropriate driving and control circuitry, according to the manufacturer's specifications and requirements. Since galvanometers tend to generate heat during operation, it is desirable to cool them at least passively and more desirably actively. With appropriate modifications to the electronic control circuitry used to drive the galvanometers, active cooling of the galvanometers to increase the rate of thermal transfer from the galvanometers during use, and use of “intelligent control” non-raster command signals, the frequency response of the galvanometers can be extended to 5 kHz and higher.
A first representative embodiment of a beam-steering device is shown in
A reflective element 104 b (e.g., a mirror) is attached to the support platform 104 a. The reflective element 104 b has an obverse reflective surface 104 c and a reverse surface (facing the support platform 104 a), and can have any of various profiles (e.g., round or square). The reflective element 104 b is mounted (via its reverse surface) to the support platform 104 a. The reflective element 104 b need not be the same size or the same shape as the support platform 104 a. The center of the reflective surface 104 c desirably is situated substantially at the center of the support platform 104 a.
The first galvanometer 101 rotates the support platform 104 a (and hence the attached reflective element 104 b) about the x-axis as a light beam is incident on the reflective surface 104 c (desirably at the center of the reflective surface). This rotation of the support platform 104 a causes the reflective element 104 b to “steer” (by reflection) the incident beam in the x-direction. The second galvanometer 102 rotates the support platform 104 a (and hence the attached reflective element 104 b) about the y-axis as a light beam is incident on the reflective surface 104 c (desirably at the center of the reflective surface). This rotation of the support platform 104 a causes the reflective element 104 b to steer (by reflection) the beam in the y-direction. The combined movements provided by both galvanometers 101, 102 produce a combined tip-tilt motion of the support platform 104 a (and reflective element) that causes the reflective element 104 b to deflect the beam simultaneously in both the x- and y-axes.
The respective shaft 105 of each galvanometer 101, 102 extends along the respective tilt axis and is attached via a respective linkage 106 to the support platform 104. Each linkage 106 has high stiffness (and thus is substantially non-compliant) with respect to the torque applied to the linkage by the respective shaft 105 in the direction of rotation of the shaft about the respective axis, but has significant compliance in a direction that is orthogonal to the plane of the page. Thus, the linkages 106 permit movements of the distal portions of the shafts 105 in the orthogonal axis (i.e., in and out of the plane of the page of
The support platform 104 a can be made of any suitable rigid material, including any of various metals, silicon, ceramic, glass, polymer, and the like. The support platform 104 a need not be separate from the reflective element 104 b, wherein the reflective element is mounted to the support platform. Alternatively, the reflective surface 104 c can be formed directly on the surface of the support platform 104. In addition, the support platform 104 a can be contiguous with the linkages 106.
As noted above, a beam of light is incident on the reflective element 104 b from a direction such as from above the plane of the page of
The reflector-position feedback signals can be generated in several ways. For example, the signals can be produced by monitoring galvanometer-shaft positions. Many types of galvanometers are equipped with shaft-position feedback sensors that provide such signals. A more accurate feedback signal (i.e., a signal that more closely corresponds to the actual direction of beam deflection from the reflective element 104 b) can be produced by optically detecting the position of light that has been reflected from the reflective surface 104 c and correlating the light-position data with position of the reflective element 104 b. Alternatively, accurate feedback signals can be obtained by making capacitive measurements between a fixed platform 110 (or analogous structure; shown in phantom outline and removed to reveal underlying structure) and the reflective element 104 b mounted on the support platform 104 a. The latter configuration is illustrated schematically in
Yet another alternative position-sensing technique that provides feed-back data involves measurement of capacitive changes between electrostatically-charged silicon comb-finger structures (not shown) attached to the support platform 104 a and accompanying motions of the platform. This position-sensing technique has been used by Milanovic et al., “High-Aspect-Ratio Two-Axis Scanners in SOI,” 16th IEEE International Microelectromechanical Systems Conference, pp. 255-258, (2003), and is illustrated in
In each of the position-sensing feedback schemes described above, electrical signals pertaining to the position of the support platform 104 a are conducted or otherwise transmitted to external circuitry (e.g., a controller) via bond-pads 111 (or analogous structures) for x-direction sensing and bond-pads 112 (or analogous structures) for y-direction sensing. A controller (not shown) is advantageous because it can perform data analysis and processing of data contained in the signals produced by the sensors. This processing desirably yields real-time return-control signals to the galvanometers so that the angles of tilt of the reflective element about the two rotational axes and the frequency of tilt are as desired.
For motions of the support platform 104 a in the x- and y-directions, it may be necessary or desirable to generate more torque than can be supplied by a single galvanometer in each respective direction, or it may be necessary or desirable to increase the frequency response of the beam-steering devices further. To such end, at least one respective additional galvanometer can be added for augmenting motions in each direction. An example of this configuration is shown in
Use of pairs of galvanometers can require reconfiguring the cooling block 203 to extend to each of the galvanometers 201, 205 and 202, 204, as shown.
Use of multiple respective galvanometers for motions in each of the x- and y-directions can be applied to any of various embodiments of beam-steering devices. However, use of only one respective galvanometer for each motion is a lower-cost option if a maximal frequency response or maximal torque is not necessary for a particular application. In certain configurations comprising a total of only two galvanometers (one for x-direction motion and one for y-direction motion), it is advantageous to stabilize, along the respective tilt axis, at least one of the sides of the support platform or reflective element opposite the respective galvanometer. An embodiment of this configuration is shown in
Another representative embodiment 400 of a support platform 402, for supporting a reflective element, and linkages 404 coupled to the platform is illustrated in
In the embodiment 400 of
Finite-element analysis can be used to optimize dimensions and select appropriate materials for fabricating the linkages for the size and mass of the support platform and reflective element that is needed for a particular application.
Whereas the invention has been described in connection with multiple representative embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to encompass all modifications, alternatives, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.
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