The present invention relates to the field of rotary joints, or similar
devices, more specifically to optical rotary joints. Embodiments of the
invention are directed to a multipathway optical rotary joint, comprising
a stationary plane, a moving plane rotatable about a reference axis of
rotation and a Dove prism, rotatably placed between the stationary plane
and the moving plane. The assembly is configured so that when the moving
plane rotates at a speed .omega., the prism rotates at a speed .omega./2.
The optical pathways are arranged so as to pass through the prism. The
Dove prism includes a central optical channel passing an optical wave
without undergoing deviation, the axis of the channel being substantially
coaxial with the reference axis of rotation. An optical pathway is
furthermore arranged in the joint so as to pass through the joint,
following an axis substantially coinciding with the reference axis of
rotation.