Patent ID: 6504611
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G01B,G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for achieving three-dimensional optical alignment of first and second optical elements for assembly in optical systems operating outside of the visible light range, said apparatus comprising:a motorized X-Y-Z motion apparatus having a movable support member for supporting a first optical element and motion-translating means for selectively moving that support member along any of mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z axes; support means for supporting a second optical element in the form of a source of a light beam having a wavelength outside of the visible range in a fixed position relative to the motorized motion apparatus so that the axis of said beam is directed along the Z-axis perpendicular to said X and Y axes; a motion control system coupled to said motion apparatus for controlling operation of said motion translating means; a visible light vision system having an optical axis that extends parallel to said Z axis and means including electronic imaging means for (a) determining the position in the X-Y plane of said first optical element supported by said movable support member and for generating a first control signal representative of the misalignment in the X-Y plane of said first optical member in relation to said second optical member supported by said support means and (b) determining the sharpness of the image of said first optical element seen by said imaging means and for generating a second control signal representative of the sharpness of said image; means for applying said first and second control signals to said motion control system, said motion control system being operative in response to said first control signal to cause said motion translating means to bring said first optical element into alignment in the X-Y plane with said second optical element and being operative in response to said second control signal to cause said motion translating means to move said first optical element in a selected Z-axis direction so as to maximize the sharpness of said image; an optical measurement device for measuring a power-related value of a light beam having a wavelength outside of the visible range produced by said second optical element and for generating a third control signal that varies as a function of the measured power-related value of said beam; and means for applying said third control signal to said motion control system, said motion control system being operative in response to said third control signal to cause said motion control system to operate said motion translating means so as to move said first optical element in the X-Y plane in a direction and by an amount that results in maximizing said power-related value of said light beam.