Patent ID: 6959130
Filing Date: 2005-10-25
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for fabricating a compact optical scanner for scanning a region, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a waveguide through which light is guided between a proximal end and a distal end of the waveguide; (b) attaching an optical component to the distal end of the waveguide, said optical component having a back focal plane; (c) substantially reducing a cross-sectional area of a portion of the waveguide adjacent to the distal end, leaving the distal end of the waveguide where the optical component is attached unreduced in cross-sectional area; and (d) coupling an actuator to the waveguide to vibrate the portion of waveguide that is reduced in cross-sectional area at a desired frequency and in a desired pattern, excitation of the waveguide by the actuator causing the optical component to rotate without substantial lateral displacement, so as to scan a region with light exiting the optical component, wherein a characteristic of the light emitted from the optical component is selectively determined by controlling a spatial relationship between the effective light source position and at least one of: (i) a back focal point of the optical component; and (ii) a location of a vibratory node of the portion of the waveguide that is cantilevered from the actuator.