Tailored fibre waveguides for precise two-axis Lissajous scanning

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing advanced optical imaging systems is crucial for high-resolution microscopy and sensing.
• Existing systems often face limitations in scan speed, accuracy, and complexity.
• Novel scanning mechanisms are needed to overcome these challenges in optical imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel two-axis optical imaging system.
• To demonstrate accurate two-dimensional (2D) image acquisition using a Lissajous scan pattern.
• To achieve precise control over optical scanning for advanced imaging applications.

Main Methods:

• A waveguide cantilever with tuned mechanical resonant frequencies was fabricated using dip coating.
• A piezoelectric actuator with a dual-frequency drive enabled motion control.
• Confocal signal collection was performed using a mode-stripping detector.
• Feedback signals for frequency and phase locking were derived from intermittent reflections.

Main Results:

• A two-axis optical imaging system employing a Lissajous scan pattern with a non-integer frequency ratio was successfully implemented.
• The system achieved precise locking of scan axes to resonance and desired phase.
• Accurate acquisition of two-dimensional images was demonstrated, validating the system's performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed two-axis optical imaging system offers a precise and effective method for 2D image acquisition.
• The integration of a waveguide cantilever and piezoelectric actuator provides robust scanning capabilities.
• This technology has potential applications in microscopy, optical sensing, and other fields requiring high-accuracy imaging.