Patent ID: 6154307
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: G01M,G02F

Abstract:
An apparatus for diffracting multiple beams, comprising:(a) an acousto-optic cell capable of operating at a range of frequencies and diffracting a plurality of beams incident upon said acousto-optic cell at a common entry location and common angle, each beam having a wavelength; and(b) a signal controlling apparatus comprising:a first signal controller producing a first frequency selected such that when said acousto-optic cell operates at said first frequency, said acousto-optic cell diffracts a first of said beams at a predetermined angle;a second signal controller producing a second frequency selected such that when said acousto-optic cell operates at said second frequency, said acousto-optic cell diffracts a second of said beams at said same predetermined angle;a switch receiving said first signal and said second signal, said switch having a first position and a second position such that when said switch is in said first position said switch emits said first signal to said acousto-optic cell which operates at said first frequency, and when said switch is in said second position, said switch emits said second signal to acousto-optic cell which operates at said second frequency; andmeans for producing a control signal to said switch such that said control signal causes said switch to sequentially and repetitively alternate between said first and second positions thereby causing said acousto-optic cell to sequentially and repetitively diffract said first and second beams at said predetermined angle.