Gradient index lens array.

摘要

An optical system (50) for transmitting an image of an object lying in an object plane (60) onto a parallel image plane (62) at a magnification other than unity. The system comprises a gradient index lens array having a plurality of gradient index optical fibers (52-N...52O...52N; 54-N...54O...54N) arranged in two rows (52, 54). The fibres of each row along the length of the lens array lie symmetrically about the optical centre of the respective row. Each fiber in each row is arranged such that its optical axis is tilted with respect to the axes of adjacent fibers. Only one of the rows (52) has a centre fiber (52O) disposed such that a plane extending through the optical axis thereof in the width direction of the lens array is orthogonal to the object and image planes (60,62). The central fibers (54-1,541) of the other row (54) have their axes offset with respect to the central fiber (52O) of row (52).