Optical scanning and imaging system utilizing laser diode

Abstract

Photo-optical reproducing, copying/printing apparatus wherein a solid state laser diode is caused to emit a divergent beam of light which is collected and collimated. A cylindrical multi-element lens shapes the beam first in a vertical and then in a second horizontal plane for impingement upon a rotating polygonal mirror assembly. A spherical multi-element lens thereafter focusses the laser beam as scanned by the rotating mirror assembly through a cylindrical lens assembly so as to scan across the surface of a photo receptor drum assembly horizontally, rotatably disposed adjacent to a cylindrical lens producing a latent image on the drum. The scanned image is then electrophotographically developed at the drum by first toning the image and thereafter causing the image to be transferred from the drum to a fuseable item such for example as paper which is adapted to pass across the surface of the drum in contact therewith. Each of the active elements of the photo-optical system is adjustable relative to the axis of the laser light beam permitting accurate, extremely high definition data output. The photo-optical system is also made as a modular assembly which is capable of being used with a number of different speeds of associated apparatus so that only the associated apparatus need be adapted, changed or reoriented to the basic photo-optical reproducing, copying/printing apparatus.