Abstract: An apparatus and method of printing two-dimensional swaths of area onto a photosensitive media uses at least one reflective liquid crystal spatial light modulator. In the apparatus and method, illumination optics receive light from a light source and image the light at a polarization beamsplitter element. The polarization beamsplitter element images one polarization state of light at the spatial light modulator to create an essentially telecentric illumination at the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: In an imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing means is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The focusing means includes means for generating a second beam of light which is projectable onto the writing element and has a wavelength different than the wavelength of the first light beam. Means is provided which is responsive to the second beam of light to generate a signal to control the focusing means.

Abstract: A photographic printer includes integral densitometry apparatus for performing scanned transmissive, large area transmissive, and reflective density measurements using a single light sensor. The densitometry apparatus includes a rotatable filter wheel supporting both scanning and large area transmissive filters used in making all of the density measurements. The scanning and large area density measuring apparatus use the same light projector as and share common optical hardware with that used to print pictorial negatives. The reflection densitometry apparatus includes a detachable holder for supporting reflective patches, and a second light source activated responsive to the introduction of the holder into the printer for illuminating the reflective patch.

Abstract: A transparent contoured support plate for use in a printing gate is disclosed which comprises a transparent glass or plastic plate having a smoothly contoured raised central area. This contoured raised area is intended to support the central area of a flexible photographic material, the edges of which are constrained by a mount having an open aperture.