Patent ID: 6735005
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A Cartesian scanning system for scanning a surface of a sample comprising:(a) a light source assembly configured to produce at least one collimated beam of light; (b) a light sensing system; (c) a stage configured for mounting the sample thereon; (d) a linear track having a direction of elongation wherein: (i) said linear track and said stage are configured to move relative to each other in a direction substantially: perpendicular to said direction of elongation; and (ii) said light source and said light sensing system are mounted in fixed spatial relation to said linear track; (e) a scanning head including a reflecting system wherein: (i) said reflecting system is configured to direct said collimated beam of light onto the surface and to direct a beam of light reflected from the surface to said light sensing system; and (ii) said scanning head is slidably associated with said linear track so as to be moveable in a direction parallel to said direction of elongation; and (f) an auto-focus configuration disposed between said light source and said reflecting system.