Two single-axis scanners make a virtual gimbaled scanner.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Two single-axis scanning mirrors often introduce artifacts like jitters and errors due to beam steering about distant axes.
• Existing solutions involve complex optical and mechanical designs (e.g., 4f relays, gimbaled mechanics), limiting system performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a simple geometric method for achieving high-fidelity 2D scanning using only two single-axis scanners.
• To offer a simplified alternative to complex beam steering designs.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the geometric relationship between two single-axis scanners and their resulting 2D scan pattern.
• Analyzed the scan artifacts produced by conventional two-mirror systems.

Main Results:

• Identified a simple geometric configuration enabling two single-axis scanners to generate a 2D scan pattern comparable to a single-pivot gimbaled scanner.
• The proposed method avoids the complexities and performance limitations of traditional approaches.

Conclusions:

• A previously undiscovered simple geometry allows for precise 2D beam steering with two single-axis scanners.
• This finding expands design possibilities for beam steering applications, offering a simpler and potentially higher-performance solution.