Gradient index lens array.

摘要

A gradient index lens array (20) is provided with reduction and enlargement capabilities. Gradient index fibers (30a-30g) are arranged in single row or double row (bundled) configuration with fibers increasingly departing from the perpendicular condition at the centre (41) of the array relative to object and image planes (22,32) in a characteristic fan-like manner. Fiber lengths are adjusted to compensate for changes in total conjugate which occur because of the progressive tilting of the axes of the individual fiber lenses. This is achieved, in one embodiment, by grinding the faces (42,43) of a lens array into a convex configuration.