Ablation-transfer-imaging using zero order laser beams in a flat-field scanner

摘要

The present invention provides an apparatus for ablation-transfer imaging of ablatable medium. The apparatus comprises a continuous-wave solid state laser for emitting a continuous laser beam, a modulator for attenuating the intensity of the laser beam passing undiffracted through the modulator so that an undiffracted (zero order) beam is continuously emitted from the modulator, and a scanner. The undiffracted beam is attenuated in intensity when the modulator is in a first mode of operation and the undiffracted beam is unattenuated in intensity when the modulator is in a second mode of operation. The scanner is adapted for scanning the undiffracted beam from the modulator across the medium in a substantially straight path at a varying linear speed to produce a track pattern of desired ablated track thereon.