Patent ID: 6057952
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A light scanning type confocal optical device comprising:a light source for outputting light;a light scanning section for converging light from the light source onto a surface of an object to be detected, and scanning the light over the surface;a confocal pinhole provided between the light source and the light scanning section, light that has passed through the confocal pinhole being substantially regarded as light from the point light source, such that a confocal optical system is formed between the confocal pinhole and the surface of the object; anda light detecting section for detecting that part of the light scanned by the light scanning section which is returned from the surface of the object;wherein the light scanning section comprises a first reflection surface having the confocal pinhole, a second reflection surface for reflecting the light from the light source, having passed through the confocal pinhole, towards the first reflection surface, a converging lens for converging the light reflected from the first reflection surface on the surface of the object to be detected, and driving means for swinging at least one of the first and second reflection surfaces, such that a confocal optical system is formed between the confocal pinhole and the surface of the object.