Dynamic distortion in resonant galvanometric optical scanners
Vyas Akondi1, Bartlomiej Kowalski1, Stephen A Burns2
1Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94303, USA.
Optica
|August 9, 2021
Summary
High-speed optical scanners used in biomedical imaging suffer from dynamic mirror distortion, reducing image quality. This distortion, caused by torque variations, can be corrected computationally or optically.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- High-speed optical systems are crucial for advancements in biomedical imaging (microscopy, DNA sequencing, flow cytometry) and other technologies (data storage, autonomous vehicles).
- Resonant galvanometric optical scanners are commonly employed to achieve the high speeds required by these systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of dynamic mirror distortion on the optical performance of resonant galvanometric optical scanners.
- To quantify the degradation in imaging quality caused by these distortions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of dynamic mirror distortion in resonant galvanometric optical scanners under varying angular displacement.
- Measurement of signal-to-noise ratio (Strehl ratio) and transverse resolution across the field of view.
Main Results:
- Dynamic mirror distortion significantly degrades optical performance, causing variations in Strehl ratio by an order of magnitude.
- Transverse resolution can be reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to these distortions.
- The observed distortions are repeatable, suggesting potential for correction.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic mirror distortion is a critical limitation in current resonant galvanometric optical scanners.
- Mitigation strategies include using stiffer materials (e.g., beryllium, silicon carbide) or implementing computational and optical correction methods.
- Further research into corrective techniques is warranted to improve high-speed optical system performance.
