Array illuminator using a binary optics phase plate

摘要

An optical element for converting a uniform beam of light of wavelength lambda into an array of illuminated spots, the optical element including a phase plate made of an array of constant phase zones; and an image plane disposed parallel to and at a preselected distance from the phase plate, the preselected distance being selected so that illuminating the phase plate with uniform coherent illumination of wavelength lambda produces the array of illuminated spots on the image plane, the spot array having a fill factor in at least one dimension that is less than 1/2.