Optical encoder and drive control device comprising a light receiving element to receive a first interference fringe formed by a first periodic pattern and a second diffracted light from a second periodic pattern toward the first periodic pattern

Abstract

In order to provide an optical encoder with high resolution, the optical encoder includes: a rotary scale provided with a grating pattern having a first radial pattern and a plurality of concentric circular patterns disposed at predetermined intervals; and a light receiving element which detects a first interference fringe formed by the first pattern having a first period in the circumferential direction, a second interference fringe which is diffracted in a direction of the first interference fringe by a grating pattern having a second period in the circumferential direction disposed at a different radial position so that the second interference fringe has a period closer to the first period than the second period.