ABSTRACT

This chapter offers the reader a comprehension of the parameters that shape the design and subsequently the applications of current oscillating optical scanners. Improved scanner performances as well as greater choice and more economical associated technologies have broadened the market for scanners and stimulated new applications. The coil design and its thermal conductivity are critical features of the galvanometric scanner because they are the major cause of transducer thermal drift. Galvanometric scanners applications can be divided into two groups: image/position acquisition and pointing/designation/laser micromachining. All capacitive transducers have a common concept where a movable ceramic element rotates between a driving plate and a pair of sensor plates wired in series according to the design of Robert Abbe. Many scanning problems can be attributed to mirror problems. The chapter reviews the most common scanner-related image distortions. All mechanical elements have resonances. Galvanometric scanners should preferably be designed such that all elements and subelements be as rigid as possible.