Patent Description:
An optical scanning apparatus in a laser machining apparatus and the like may include a translational optical system, a condensing optical system, and a deflection optical system to condense light from azimuth (θx, θy) and irradiate a position (x, y, z) on an object with the condensed light. The translational optical system is an optical system that translates (parallel shift) light incident on a condensing optical system described below to change the azimuth (see <CIT>). The condensing optical system is an optical system that changes a focus position (z) of light to condense the light on an object. The deflection optical system (also referred to as a scanning optical system) includes a deflecting optical element such as a mirror to change a light irradiation position (x, y). Of these optical systems, a translational optical system discussed in both <CIT> and in <CIT> includes a rotatable reflecting member having a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface. The translational optical system also includes an optical system that sequentially reflects light, that has been reflected by the first reflecting surface, at a plurality of reflecting surfaces to make the light incident on the second reflecting surface. The translational optical system further includes an adjusting unit that adjusts a path of light that has been reflected by the second reflecting surface and emitted from the reflecting member by changing the rotational angle of the reflecting member. Such a configuration realizes translation (parallel shift) of light that is finally emitted from the reflecting member. Further, by disposing two sets of the translational optical systems, the light can be translated in two axial directions. When light having been emitted from the reflecting member is eccentrically shifted and incident on a condensing optical system (condenser lens), the condensed light inclined at an inclination angle determined from the eccentric amount and a focal length of the condensing optical system is emitted from the condensing optical system. The condensed light may be used to machine an object in a light machining apparatus and the like. In the light machining apparatus, an object is irradiated with the condensed light, for example to drill a hole in the object by thermal effect or wave effect.

To use such a configuration, a position and an angle of (laser) light incident on a light inlet of an optical scanning apparatus have to be controlled, and if necessary adjusted, accurately. In order to accurately adjust the angle, in addition to the alignment at the light inlet, alignment of the light by observing (monitoring) or measuring the light at a position where the light has a comparatively small diameter on the light path inside the optical scanning apparatus is needed. For the observation or measurement, a protective cover of the optical scanning apparatus is removed, a target plate (fluorescent plate or the like) is inserted into the light path, and a position of the bright spot on the plate is visually observed or an image thereof is picked up, which can be troublesome. The path of the incident light may be adjusted (e.g., an installation state such as a position or an orientation of a light source may be adjusted) depending on the result of the visual inspection (observation) or the picking up of an image indicating the path of the incident light. It is not preferable to require such a time-consuming adjustment so frequently.

In addition, the removal of the protective cover increases the risk of damaging the optical element with dust adhering thereon encouraged by a high energy light (e.g., laser light). For this reason, it may be necessary to maintain a clean environment whenever such an optical scanning apparatus is used. In addition, such an optical scanning apparatus may have to be equipped with a special protective tool to protect the users (workers), which can be difficult to remove. Due to these aforementioned points and other practical issues, the adjustment as described above can be troublesome.

According to an embodiment, the present invention is directed to an optical apparatus advantageously achieves an adjustment of a path of an incident light.

<CIT> discloses a projection display system using a laser beam reflected from a rotating mirror, where the rotation rate of the mirror is reduced. During a first rotational period the beam is reflected from the rotating mirror toward a fixed mirror, reflected from the fixed mirror back to the rotating mirror and then reflected from the rotating mirror toward a viewing surface. During a second rotational period the beam is reflected from the rotating mirror, toward the fixed mirror, reflected from the fixed mirror toward a second fixed mirror, from the second fixed mirror toward a second face of the rotating mirror, reflected from the second face of the rotating mirror toward a third fixed mirror, and reflected from the third fixed mirror toward the viewing surface. Further, <CIT> discloses an apparatus for maintaining a laser beam aligned with a unique propagation path. The apparatus includes one or more adjustable beam steerers located in the propagation path, and first and second spaced apart beam position detectors arranged in the beam path. Error signals from the position sensors are fed into a beam steerer controller connected to the beam steerer(s) for electro-mechanically adjusting the beam steerer.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> to <NUM>. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a machining apparatus as specified in claims <NUM> & <NUM>. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article manufacturing method as specified in claim <NUM>.

Each of the embodiments of the present invention described below can be implemented solely or as a combination of a plurality of the embodiments or features thereof where necessary or where the combination of elements or features from individual embodiments in a single embodiment is beneficial.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments, the same members and the like are denoted by the same signs in principle (unless otherwise noted), and repeated description thereof is not provided.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of a part of an optical apparatus according to a first exemplary embodiment. The optical apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment can control a path of emitted light (a light path). For example, the optical apparatus can translate a light beam (parallel shift). A light beam parallel shift mechanism (a translational optical system) according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a mirror member <NUM> (also referred to as a reflecting member) that reflects a light beam <NUM> from a light source <NUM>. In the following description, it is assumed that each reflecting surface can be regarded as a flat surface and a light path is translated. The mirror member <NUM> is made of, for example, glass, and has a first reflecting surface 2a that receives the light beam <NUM> from the light source <NUM> and a second reflecting surface 2b on the opposite side. The first reflecting surface 2a and the second reflecting surface 2b each has a coating with a high reflectivity. The mirror member <NUM> may be formed in a prism shape, and the first reflecting surface 2a and the second reflecting surface 2b may be independent from each other. For example, they may not be on opposite sides. However, the relative positional relationship between the first reflecting surface 2a and the second reflecting surface 2b may desirably be fixed.

The mirror member <NUM> is configured to be variable in its angle (a variable angular position or orientation in relation to incident light) to enable a control (change) of a path of the light that has been emitted (output) from the optical apparatus. <FIG> illustrates a configuration example of a driving part (<NUM>) that changes an angle of the reflecting member (<NUM>). As illustrated in <FIG>, according to the present configuration example the mirror member <NUM> is pivotally supported by an output shaft 1a of a (galvanometer) motor <NUM> (i.e., a driving part). A control unit <NUM> outputs a driving signal to the motor <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> rotates the mirror member <NUM> via the output shaft 1a by a driving amount (i.e. an angular position or orientation change amount) corresponding to the driving signal. In this way, the mirror member <NUM> is configured to be rotatable (i.e. variable in its angle of incidence with the incident light beam). In <FIG>, the mirror member <NUM> is inclined at about <NUM> degrees with respect to the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM>.

This translational optical system according to the first exemplary embodiment has an optical system <NUM> that sequentially reflects light, the light having been reflected by the mirror member <NUM>, at a plurality of reflecting surfaces to make the light incident on the mirror member <NUM> again by guiding the light back to the mirror member <NUM>. The optical system <NUM> includes, for example, four mirrors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (reflecting surfaces) fixedly arranged to be axisymmetric with respect to the light beam <NUM>. The light, having been reflected by the first reflecting surface 2a of the mirror member <NUM>, is sequentially reflected on these mirrors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and guided to the second reflecting surface 2b of the mirror member <NUM>. The optical system <NUM> is arranged so that the light that has been reflected on the second reflecting surface 2b and finally emitted (output) from the mirror member <NUM> has a travel direction that is substantially identical (or substantially parallel) to the travel direction of the light beam <NUM> just before it was incident on the first reflecting surface 2a. It is understood that according to an embodiment, any optical system comprising at least one reflecting surface (mirror), or a plurality of reflecting surfaces (mirrors), may be used as long as the optical system is capable of guiding the light so that it is reflected on both the first and second reflecting surfaces 2a, 2b of the reflecting (mirror) member <NUM> whilst maintaining the substantially identical (or substantially parallel) travel direction between before and after the light engages the reflecting (mirror) member <NUM>. For example, with respect to the path of the light beam <NUM>, the reflecting surfaces of the four mirrors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG> may be arranged to be at <NUM> degrees.

The angle (and hence the traveling direction) of the emitted (output) light does not change even if the rotation angle (angular position or orientation) of the mirror member <NUM> is changed. Therefore, by using the control unit <NUM> to control the rotation angle (angular position or orientation) of the mirror member <NUM>, a path of the light that has been reflected on the second reflecting surface 2b and is emitted from the mirror member <NUM> can be adjusted, i.e. translated or in its parallel shift adjusted.

<FIG> illustrates another configuration example of a part of the optical apparatus. This configuration is a combination of the components illustrated in <FIG> and includes a first translational optical system <NUM> that receives the light beam <NUM> from the light source <NUM> and a second translational optical system <NUM> that receives the light emitted (output) from the first translational optical system <NUM>. The first translational optical system <NUM> has an angle-variable mirror member <NUM> that reflects the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM>. The angle-variable mirror member <NUM> corresponds to the mirror member <NUM> in <FIG>. The first translational optical system <NUM> includes mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> corresponding to the mirrors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>. The second translational optical system <NUM> includes an angle-variable mirror member <NUM> that reflects a light beam emitted from the first translational optical system. The angle-variable mirror member <NUM> corresponds to the mirror member <NUM> in <FIG>. The second translational optical system <NUM> also includes mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> corresponding to the mirrors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>. A rotatable shaft <NUM> of the mirror member <NUM> of the first translational optical system <NUM> and a rotatable shaft <NUM> of the mirror member <NUM> of the second translational optical system <NUM> are positioned to be nonparallel, for example orthogonal to each other.

In the first translational optical system <NUM>, incident light, having been reflected by a first reflecting surface of the mirror member <NUM>, is sequentially reflected on the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, and is guided to a second reflecting surface on the side of the mirror member <NUM> opposite to the first reflecting surface. The light, having been reflected by the second reflecting surface and emitted from the mirror member <NUM>, is incident on the mirror member <NUM> of the second translational optical system <NUM>. In the second translational optical system <NUM>, the incident light, having been reflected by a first reflecting surface of the mirror member <NUM>, is sequentially reflected on the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, and guided to a second reflecting surface on the side of the mirror member <NUM> opposite to the first reflecting surface of the mirror member <NUM>. The light that has been reflected at the second reflecting surface of the mirror member <NUM> and finally (eventually) emitted (output) from the mirror member <NUM> has a travel direction that is substantially identical (substantially parallel) to the travel direction of the light beam <NUM> when it engaged the first reflecting surface of the mirror member <NUM> of the first translational optical system <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, an arrangement in which a first plane comprising the light paths from the reflection by the respective mirrors of the first translational optical system <NUM> and a second plane comprising the light paths from the reflection by respective mirrors of the second translational optical system <NUM> intersect each other may be employed. By arranging the two translational optical systems so that the first and second planes intersect with each other as described above, it is possible to reduce the size of the optical apparatus.

Here, a machining apparatus including the above-described optical apparatus (the translational optical system) and an optical system that guides (irradiates) the light, having been emitted from the optical apparatus, to an object will be described. <FIG> illustrates a configuration example of the machining apparatus including the optical apparatus. The machining apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes the optical apparatus (translational optical system) <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> at the rear side (rear stage) of a laser light source <NUM>. On the rear side thereof, the machining apparatus includes light beam expanding optical systems <NUM> and <NUM>, thereby expanding the light beam so that it has the necessary translation amount and diameter. In addition, on the rear side of the light beam expanding optical systems, the machining apparatus includes a condensing optical system (condenser lens) <NUM>, thereby condensing the laser light to irradiate an object <NUM> positioned on the focal plane with the condensed laser light. In addition, the machining apparatus includes (galvanometer) mirrors <NUM> and <NUM> (a deflection optical system) between the light beam expanding optical system <NUM> and the condensing optical system <NUM>, and irradiates a target position (x, y) on the object <NUM> with the condensed light by adjusting the rotation angle (angular position or orientation) of the mirrors <NUM> and <NUM>. The above configuration allows a parallel eccentric shift of the light beam incident on the condensing optical system by the translational optical system <NUM>, and thus allows a change (adjustment) of an angle of the laser beam that is emitted from the condensing optical system and incident on the object <NUM> (an incident angle). As a result, it is possible to form a tapered hole on the object or the object can be cut to have an oblique cross section.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of the optical apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. The optical apparatus includes the translational optical system described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a state (shown in solid line) where the mirror member <NUM> is set at an angle for an optical axis adjustment (an angle obtained by rotating the mirror member <NUM> by a relatively large angle from an angle tilted by approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to the light beam <NUM> output from the optical axis adjustment unit <NUM>). In this optical axis adjustment state, the light beam reflected by the mirror member <NUM> does not reach the fixed mirror <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>, but is guided to a light incident portion <NUM> via another fixed mirror <NUM> (a reflective optical element). <FIG> illustrates a configuration example of the light incident portion. According to an exemplary embodiment, the light incident portion <NUM> is provided on a cover (casing or housing) <NUM> of the optical apparatus and may comprise, for example, a screen (e.g., a frosted glass plate) for observing the light, the screen including an index (line 7a) used to recognize (indicate) a position of the incident light. In addition thereto, an image pickup unit <NUM> (including, for example, a lens 100a and a television (TV) camera 100b) for picking up an image of the incident light on the screen may be provided. Instead of the screen, a detecting element for detecting the position of the incident light (a light position detecting element such as a photodiode array, or a multi-divided photodiode) or a light transmission window that transmits the light to the outside of the cover (i.e. to the outside of the optical apparatus) <NUM> may be provided. When a light transmission window is provided, at least one of a screen, a light position detecting element, and an image pickup unit for recognizing (indicating) a position of an incident light transmitted through the window is provided outside the cover <NUM> (the optical apparatus).

The position (deviation) of a light beam can be recognized (determined) by reading the position of the bright spot on the screen with the index (line 7a). The optical axis adjustment (the adjustment of the light path of the light incident on the optical apparatus) can be achieved by, for example, adjusting so that the light is incident on a predetermined position (e.g., center) in a light inlet portion of the optical apparatus, and the light is incident on a predetermined position (e.g., center) on the light incident portion <NUM>. The optical axis adjustment can be performed by at least one of an adjustment of an arrangement state of the light source <NUM> and adjustment of a path of the light that has been emitted (output) from the light source <NUM> (the light path). The adjustment of the light path can be performed, for example, by adjusting the two angle-variable mirrors provided between the light source <NUM> and the light inlet portion of the optical apparatus. More specifically, first, an angle of the angle-variable mirror closer to the light source <NUM> is adjusted so that the light is incident on a predetermined position in the light inlet portion. Next, an angle of an angle-variable mirror farther from the light source <NUM> is adjusted so that the light is incident on a predetermined position on the light incident portion <NUM>. An incident position of the light then slightly deviates from the predetermined position in the light inlet portion. Thus, the angle of the angle-variable mirror closer to the light source <NUM> is adjusted again so that light is incident on the predetermined position in the light inlet portion. An incident position of the light then slightly deviates from the predetermined position on the light incident portion <NUM>. Thus, the angle of the angle-variable mirror farther from the light source <NUM> is adjusted again so that light is incident on the predetermined position on the light incident portion <NUM>. By repeating a series of adjustment operations a plurality of times, it is possible to make the light incident on the predetermined position of the light introducing (inlet) portion and to make the light incident on the predetermined position of the light incident portion <NUM>.

Although the optical axis adjustment unit <NUM> is exemplified to have two angle-variable mirrors, the optical axis adjustment unit <NUM> is not limited thereto. The optical axis adjustment unit <NUM> may comprise any arrangement as long as it can change an incident position and an incident angle of light falling on the mirror member <NUM>. For example, the optical axis adjustment unit <NUM> can be realized by a combination of a mirror capable of changing both the incident position and the incident angle, and a fixed mirror. Further, in the case where light is emitted (output) from the optical apparatus at a target incident position and a target incident angle, the light is made incident on the light incident portion <NUM>, and the incident position of the light on the light incident portion <NUM> is recognized (determined), whereby the optical axis can be adjusted with a target incident position on the light incident portion <NUM> in mind.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus that is advantageous in adjusting a path of the incident light, as discussed in the above description.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of an optical apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment. This configuration includes the first translational optical system <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, that is, the first translational optical system <NUM>, on which the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM> (or the optical axis adjustment unit <NUM>) is incident, and the second translational optical system <NUM> on which the light having been emitted from the first translational optical system <NUM> is incident.

In <FIG>, first, the mirror member <NUM> is set at an angle for an optical axis adjustment (i.e., an angle that is different from a predetermined angle obtained by inclining the mirror member <NUM> by approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to the light beam <NUM> from the light source <NUM>). With this setting, the light having been reflected by the mirror member <NUM> does not reach the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM>, and is incident on the first light incident portion <NUM> via another mirror <NUM>-<NUM> (a reflective optical element). The position (deviation) of the light (beam) can be recognized (determined) by reading the position of the light incident on the first light incident portion <NUM> based on an index (line 7a) provided on the first light incident portion <NUM>.

Next, the mirror member <NUM> is set at a reference angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees) with respect to the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM>, and the mirror member <NUM> is set at an angle for an optical axis adjustment (an angle that is different from a reference angle obtained by inclining the mirror member <NUM> by approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM>). When in this setting, the light having been reflected by the mirror member <NUM> does not reach the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or <NUM>-<NUM>, and is incident on a second light incident portion <NUM> via another mirror <NUM>-<NUM> (another reflective optical element). The position (deviation) of the light (beam) can be recognized (determined) by reading the position of the light incident on the second light incident portion <NUM> based on an index (line) provided thereon. Since a distance (a second light path length) from the light source <NUM> to the second light incident portion <NUM> is longer than a distance (a first light path length) from the light source <NUM> to the first light incident portion <NUM>, not only a position of the light incident on the optical apparatus from the light source <NUM> but also an angle of the light can be recognized or detected. The configuration of the first light incident portion <NUM> and the second light incident portion <NUM> may be similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment. The optical axis adjustment based on the recognition (determination) or detection can be achieved by making light incident on a predetermined position of the first light incident portion <NUM> and making the light incident on a predetermined position of the second light incident portion <NUM>. In addition, the adjustment unit <NUM> may be similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates another configuration example of the optical apparatus according to the second exemplary embodiment. In <FIG>, the mirror member <NUM> is set at an angle for an optical axis adjustment (an angle that is different from a reference angle obtained by inclining the mirror member <NUM> by approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM>). With this setting, the light, having been reflected by the mirror member <NUM>, does not reach the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, and is incident on a half mirror <NUM>-<NUM> via another mirror <NUM>-<NUM>. Light transmitted through the half mirror <NUM>-<NUM> is incident on a first light incident portion <NUM>. The position (deviation) of the incident light (beam) can be recognized (determined) by reading the position of the light incident on the first light incident portion <NUM> based on the index (line). The light having been reflected by the half mirror <NUM>-<NUM> is incident on a second light incident portion <NUM>. The position (deviation) of the incident light (beam) can be recognized (determined) by reading the position of the light incident on the second light incident portion <NUM> based on the index (line). Since a distance (a second light path length) from the light source <NUM> to the second light incident portion <NUM> is longer than a distance (a first light path length) from the light source <NUM> to the first light incident portion <NUM> (L1 < L2), not only a position of the light incident on the optical apparatus from the light source <NUM> but also an angle of the light can be recognized (determined) or detected. The configuration of the first light incident portion <NUM> and the second light incident portion <NUM> may be similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. The optical axis adjustment based on the recognition (determination) or detection can be achieved by making the light incident on a predetermined position of the first light incident portion <NUM> and making the light incident on a predetermined position of the second light incident portion <NUM>. In addition, the adjustment unit <NUM> may be similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus that is advantageous for adjusting a path of incident light, as is discussed in the above description. In the present exemplary embodiment, a position of the light can be recognized (determined) or detected as two positions in the optical apparatus. Thus, even if the position of the light at the light inlet portion in the optical apparatus is not separately recognized or detected, the position and angle of the light that is incident on the optical apparatus can be recognized (determined) or detected accurately, which is advantageous.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of an optical apparatus which does not fall under the scope of the claims. This configuration includes the translational optical systems described with reference to <FIG>, that is, the first translational optical system <NUM>, on which the light beam <NUM> emitted from the light source <NUM> is incident, and the second translational optical system <NUM> on which the light having been emitted from the first translational optical system <NUM> is incident. In this configuration, when a high-output (energy) laser light is used for a drilling operation or the like, light having a sufficient amount (energy) to be useful for the drilling operation can be obtained at a light receiving element (a target object) on which the transmitted light is incident even when energy transmittance of any one of the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> remains relatively small. Therefore, the mirror member <NUM> is set at a reference angle (e.g., <NUM> degrees), and a first light incident portion <NUM> (comprising a light position detecting element such as a four-divided photodiode) on which the light, having been transmitted through a partially reflecting surface such as that of the mirror <NUM>-<NUM>, is incident is disposed. This configuration allows the detection of a position of the light incident on the optical apparatus by the first light incident portion <NUM>. In addition, a second light incident portion <NUM> (a light position detecting element such as a four-divided photodiode) on which the light, having been transmitted through a partially reflecting surface such as that of the mirror <NUM>-<NUM>, is incident is disposed. This configuration allows the detection of the position of the light incident on the optical apparatus by the second light incident portion <NUM>.

Since a distance from the light source <NUM> to the second light incident portion <NUM> (a second light path length) is longer than a distance from the light source <NUM> to the first light incident portion <NUM> (a first light path length), not only the position but also an angle of the light incident on the optical apparatus from the light source <NUM> can be recognized (determined) or detected. The configuration of the first light incident portion <NUM> and the second light incident portion <NUM> may be similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. The optical axis adjustment based on the recognition (determination) or detection can be achieved by making the light incident on a predetermined position of the first light incident portion <NUM> and making the light incident on a predetermined position of the second light incident portion <NUM>. In addition, the adjustment unit <NUM> may be similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment.

According to the present example, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus that is advantageous for adjusting a path of incident light, as is described in the above description. In the present example, a position of the light can be recognized (determined) or detected at two positions in the optical apparatus. Thus, even if the position of the light at the light inlet portion of the optical apparatus is not separately recognized or detected, the position and angle of the light that is incident on the optical apparatus can be recognized (determined) or detected, which is advantageous. Further, even when the mirror members <NUM> and <NUM> are being driven (e.g., while an object is being machined), the position and angle of the light incident on the optical apparatus can be recognized (determined) or detected based on an output signal from the two light position detecting elements, which is advantageous. For example, it is possible to recognize (determine) or detect the position and the angle of the light incident on the optical apparatus based on the output signals of the two four-divided photodiodes of the first and second light incident portion <NUM>, <NUM> when the mirror members <NUM> and <NUM> are at the reference position (angular position).

<FIG> illustrates a configuration example of an optical apparatus according to a third exemplary embodiment. This configuration includes the translational optical systems described with reference to <FIG>, that is, the first translational optical system <NUM> on which the light beam <NUM> from the light source <NUM> is incident, and the second translational optical system <NUM> on which the light having been emitted from the first translational optical system <NUM> is incident. In the present exemplary embodiment, at least one of the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> (a plurality of reflecting surfaces) has an angle adjusting function. An angle of the light incident on the optical apparatus can be adjusted by the mirror (e.g., mirror <NUM>-<NUM>') using the angle adjusting function. Deviation of a (passing) position of the light generated by the adjustment of the angle of the mirror, which has the angle adjusting mechanism, can be reduced (adjusted or compensated) by using an angle-variable mirror member (at least one of mirrors <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) for a translation of the light in the translational optical system.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, an angle (and a position) of light incident on the optical apparatus can be adjusted even when it is difficult to adjust the optical axis of the light source. In addition, according to the present exemplary embodiment, an angle and a position of light incident on the optical apparatus can be adjusted using two mirrors having an angle adjusting function (two mirrors among the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM> and the mirrors <NUM>-<NUM> to <NUM>-<NUM>). Further, an application of the configuration according to the present exemplary embodiment to the optical apparatuses according to the first to third exemplary embodiments can provide an optical apparatus advantageous for an adjustment of a path of incident light as described in the above description.

In the first and second exemplary embodiments, when light is made incident on the light incident portions, it is possible to have slight transmitted light (some light) that is transmitted through the mirror members <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Other than that, no light is usually emitted from the optical apparatus (or the machining apparatus comprising the optical apparatus). However, when any of the mirror members is damaged, the light may be emitted (leaked) from the optical apparatus (the machining apparatus). <FIG> illustrates a configuration example of a machining apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. In <FIG>, when at least one of the mirror members <NUM> and <NUM> is damaged or defective, an unintended laser light can be emitted from the machining apparatus via a machining light path.

Therefore, as illustrated in <FIG>, at least one of the (galvanometer) mirrors <NUM> and <NUM> in the deflection optical system is set at an angle exceeding an angle range for machining (an effective diameter of the rear optical system) so as to reduce or prevent any unintentional transmission (leakage) of the laser light. The setting allows the cover <NUM> (casing) of the optical apparatus or the machining apparatus to block the light, enabling a reduction or an elimination of the light being emitted from the machining apparatus undesirably. With this configuration, an additional component dedicated for reducing or eliminating the light such as a shutter is not needed. Thus, this configuration is advantageous in achieving a simplification and size-reduction of the optical apparatus or the machining apparatus.

The machining apparatus according to the above-described exemplary embodiments may be used for an article manufacturing method. The article manufacturing method may include a step of machining an object using the machining apparatus and a step of processing the object machined in the machining step. The aforementioned optical apparatuses provided in the machining apparatus enable a parallel eccentric shift of the light beam incident on the condensing optical system using the translational optical system(s), and thus allows a change (adjustment) of an angle of the laser beam that is emitted (output) from the condensing optical system and incident on the object <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to machine the object, for example by forming a tapered hole thereon, cutting, measuring and/or detecting with the laser beam output from the machining apparatus. The processing may include at least one of a machining operation that may be different from the above-described machining operations, such as a conveyance, an inspection, a sorting, an assembly, and a packaging operation, i.e. any operation wherein the machined object is subjected to an operation to manufacture an article comprising the machined object. The article manufacturing method of the present exemplary embodiment is advantageous in achieving at least one of a better performance, a better quality, a better productivity, and a reduced production cost involved in manufacturing articles, as compared with the conventional methods.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the claims.

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide an optical apparatus that is advantageous for adjusting a path of incident light.

Claim 1:
An optical apparatus comprising:
a reflecting member (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a first reflecting surface (2a) and a second reflecting surface (2b);
an optical system (<NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of reflecting surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) and configured to output light from the optical apparatus via a first light path, by sequentially reflecting light, which has been reflected by the first reflecting surface (2a), on the plurality of reflecting surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) to guide the reflected light to the second reflecting surface (2b) and outputting the light reflected by the second reflecting surface (2b);
a driving part (<NUM>) configured to change an angle of incidence of the light on the first reflecting surface (2a) of the reflecting member (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a control means (<NUM>) configured to control the driving part (<NUM>) so that the first light path by which the light reflected on the second reflecting surface (2b) is output from the optical apparatus can be controlled,
characterized in that,
the apparatus further comprises:
a light incident portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), not included in the first light path, configured to indicate a position of incident light for adjusting a position and an angle of light entering the optical system, and
wherein the optical system is further configured to guide the light which has been reflected by the first reflecting surface (2a) and has not been reflected by the second reflecting surface (2b), to the light incident portion via a second light path not including the plurality of reflecting surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) of the optical system (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
wherein the control means (<NUM>) is configured to control the driving part (<NUM>) to change a path of the light which has been reflected by the first reflecting surface (2a), between the first light path and the second light path.