| 摘要 |
<p><P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a compact optical scanning apparatus, wherein the freedom of arrangement of optical components is enhanced and the number of optical components is reduced, and an image forming apparatus using the same. <P>SOLUTION: When a plurality of light beams emitted from a plurality of light sources are made incident on the deflecting surface of a deflecting unit via respectively corresponding incident optical systems, and the plurality of light beams deflected with the deflecting unit are imaged onto surfaces to be scanned different from each other with corresponding imaging optical systems, the plurality of light beams are deflected and scanned in a same direction with the deflecting unit. When the distance from a deflection point of the deflecting unit to the surface to be scanned is defined as an optical path length of an imaging optical system, the optical path length of an imaging optical system in which an image is formed on a surface to be scanned located physically closest to the deflecting unit, is different from the optical path length of an imaging optical system in which an image is formed on a surface to be scanned located physically farthest from the deflecting unit, and the following condition is satisfied: 0.85<K<SB>1</SB>/K<SB>2</SB><0.98, wherein K<SB>1</SB>is a Kθcoefficient of the imaging optical system with a short optical path length, and K<SB>2</SB>is a Kθcoefficient of an imaging optical system with a long optical path length. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT</p> |
