Abstract: A 4-prism color management device (600) comprised of first, second, third, and fourth prisms (610, 612, 614, 616). The first prism (610) is adjacent to the second prism (612) with an air gap (620) interposed therebetween, the second prism (612) is adjacent to the third prism (614) with an air gap (624) interposed therebetween, and the third (614) prism is adjacent to the fourth prism (616) with an air gap (626) interposed therebetween. The first prism (610) includes a first surface (630) for inputting and outputting a beam of light. The second prism (612) includes a first dichroic surface (642) mounted at a first angle (&bgr;) with respect to the first surface (630) for reflecting light of a first color and for transmitting light of a second color and light of a third color. The third prism (614) includes a second dichroic surface (644) mounted at a second angle (&khgr;) with respect to the first surface (630) for reflecting light of the second color and for transmitting light of the third color.

Abstract: An optical system comprises, in succession from the object side, a first optical element of negative optical power, a second optical element of positive optical power, and a third optical element of negative optical power, at least one of the first to third optical elements being a refracting optical element having a reflecting curved surface.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure includes a retroreflective sheeting having an array of transparent prisms formed into pairs of prisms. Each prism includes a base aperture and three intersecting lateral faces meeting at an apex. Each of the lateral faces includes a base edge which forms a portion of the perimeter of the base aperture. The base edge of each lateral face intersects the base edge of a contiguous lateral face to form a base point, the first face of at least one prism in the array including a first face first planar surface and a first face second planar surface. The first face first planar surface and the first face second planar surface are contiguous along an edge having a first and second end points, wherein the apex, the first end point, and a first base point are coplanar and form a continuous edge from the first base point to the apex.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to prevent deterioration of optical performance by suppressing the respective reflection surfaces from being decentered relative to each other in an optical element formed by placing a plurality of reflection surfaces having curvatures at neighboring positions. In order to achieve this object, an optical element according to this invention has a first reflection surface block formed by placing a plurality of reflection surfaces having curvatures at neighboring positions, and a second reflection surface block which faces the first reflection surface block, and is formed by placing one or more reflection surfaces at neighboring positions, and the first and second reflection surface blocks are formed by a metal mold.

Abstract: A method for attaching imagers to color-separation prisms includes the steps of: arranging three solid-state array image sensor integrated circuits behind and in close proximity to the output faces of a color-separating prism having substantially equal optical path lengths for the three paths, the three solid-state array image sensor integrated circuits each having a solid-state array image sensor and bonding pads for electrical connections disposed on a top face thereof; aligning the three sensors such that the images traversing the three paths are coincident within a pixel dimension of the image sensors; filling the space between each output face of the prism and the top face of the corresponding image sensor with index-matched adhesive; and causing the index-matched adhesive to become rigid while maintaining the alignment of the three image sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sideview mirror for vehicles and an angle adjusting device thereof which includes a housing pivotable on the inner and outer guide lines of the vehicle; an Amici type prism installed within the focal length of an object lens so as to reflect the ray passing through the object lens for refracting the ray passing through an outer rearward portion of the vehicle to be converged; a reflector installed beyond the focal length of the object lens and adapted to reflect the ray reflected by the prism to an inner aperture portion of the housing; and an eye lens system magnifying and refracting the ray reflected by the reflector so as to form an image having unit magnification for thereby forming an afocal system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical communication system, which comprises photodetection means for receiving communication light and optical means for forming an image from the communication light on the photodetection means, wherein the optical means is provided with a diffraction optical member having at least 0-th diffraction order.

Abstract: The present invention comprises of a circular prism having beveled periphery and center faces cooperating with multiple other prisms to form a light capacitor. The present invention allows a user to collect and hold the light in a storage-type device for use in a concentrated way when desired.

Abstract: In a vehicle periphery visual confirmation apparatus, between the vertical angle portion 5 of a prism 4 and the front end portion 28 of a case 3A is interposed a light shield portion 3a which shields light rays crossing substantially in the right and left direction in front of the prism 4. Even in case where light rays coming from the outside enter in front of the vertical angle portion 5 of the prism 4 and are going to cross in front of the prism 4, the light rays can be prevented by the light shield portion 3a. This can prevent the overlapped reflection of a vision image resulting from the fact that the light rays crossing in front of the prism are reflected by the internal surfaces of the penetration window portions and enter the interior portion of the prism.

Abstract: A prism (1) has a first inner surface (114A) and a second inner surface (122) in its interior. The first inner surface (114A) performs total reflection of all rays (20) entering from the exterior, and is disposed apart from a variable mirror element (3) disposed in the exterior, such that the reflected rays are irradiated to the variable mirror element (3). The second inner surface (122) is disposed in proximity to the variable mirror element (3), and totally reflects a bundle of OFF rays from the variable mirror element (3), while allowing a bundle of ON rays from the variable mirror element (3) to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An optical coupler comprises a fiber optic prism (FOP) comprising first, second, and third side surfaces, the FOP being adapted to receive light through the first side surface, reflect the received light from the third side surface, and transmit the reflected light through the second side surface. The FOP may be used in an optical coupling arrangement comprising a substrate including a light element and a wave guide overlying the substrate, with the optical being situated such that one of the first and second side surfaces is adjacent the light element and the other of the first and second side surfaces is adjacent the wave guide.

Abstract: An integrating rod (100) for combining light beams from two or more sources. A first light beam (104) enters the integrating rod 100 through a first entrance face (102) to a first reflecting face (110). The light is reflected by the first reflecting face (110) and travels along the major axis (114) of the integrating rod (100) to an exit face (116). A second light beam (108) from a second light source enters the integrating rod (100) through a second entrance face (106). The second light beam may be reflected by a second reflecting face (112) and travels along the major axis (114) to the exit face (116). The two light beams experience multiple reflections as they travel along the integrating rod and leave the integrating rod (100) through the exit face (116) as a single homogenous light beam.

Abstract: In a TV camera main body, a still-image-luminous-flux-decomposing prism is disposed adjacent to a color-decomposing prism of a TV-image-capturing system, whereby still images whose aberration is favorably corrected as with TV images are obtained in a simple and compact configuration. A mechanical shutter is disposed in an optical path of the still-image-capturing system, so as to prevent image blurring and smear from occurring due to temporal shifts between field images. A four-block color-decomposing prism 11A, in which each glass prism has a form identical to a color-decomposing prism of a dual green type, is constituted by a still-image-capturing prism 2d, and a TV-image-capturing three-color-decomposing prism system comprising a prism for blue 2a, a prism for red 2b, and a prism for green 2c. A mechanical shutter 34 is disposed between the light exit end face 7d of the still-image-capturing prism 2d and its cover glass 6d.

Abstract: An enhanced illumination system for a micro-display comprises an illuminator for a reflective display panel having a light source and a prism. The prism has a first substantially planar face proximate to the light source and to the display panel, so that light propagates from the light source into the prism through the first face and is redirected to the display panel through the first face. A second face of the prism is positioned opposite the light source so that light reflected from the display panel impinges on the second face and propagates to imaging optics. The illuminator may also include an auxiliary prism optically coupled to the second face of the first prism to correct for astigmatism of the reflected light from the display panel and a beam splitter between the first prism and the auxiliary prism.

Abstract: An optical film for use in transparent displays, such as reflective LCDs. The optical film has three-dimensional, prismatic structures that reflect incoming light. The prismatic structures are configured so that the reflecting facets orient the reflected light in desired reflective light pattern. The pattern shape and intensity can be controlled by the shape and dimensions of the various reflecting facets. In one embodiment, the height of the prismatic structure varies along two dimensions of the structure.

Abstract: When n is taken as integers of 2 or more, n reflecting systems are constituted by providing reflecting mirrors on opposite (two) side surfaces in 2n side surfaces of a transparent body having the shape of a 2n-sided prism. The n reflecting systems are provided on each pair of opposite side surfaces, and images of an object are formed using each of the n reflecting systems.

Abstract: A partially reflecting optical component (11) generating, from an incident beam (12), two secondary beams, one of them being reflected (13), the other one being transmitted (14). According to the invention, it comprises a first wholly reflecting planar face (15) and a second partially reflecting planar face (16), the second face being perpendicular to the first one, a third wholly reflecting planar face (17), the first and third faces being in the same plane, this component providing the unidimensional auto-alignment of the reflected beam (13) with the incident beam (12), the respectively transmitted and reflected beams being each formed with two half-beams having matching wave fronts. The invention also relates to an external cavity laser source comprising such a component as a unidimensional auto-aligned reflector.

Abstract: An optical film for use in transparent displays, such as reflective LCDs. The optical film has three-dimensional, prismatic structures that reflect incoming light. The prismatic structures are elongate structures configured so that the reflecting facets orient the reflected light in desired reflective light pattern. The pattern shape and intensity can be controlled by the shape and dimensions of the various reflecting facets. In one embodiment, the height of the prismatic structure varies along the elongate structure.

Abstract: A first surface of an optical component has a lens function of converging the transmission light from a light source. A second surface reflects the transmission light, converged by the lens function of the first surface, towards an end face of an optical transmission medium as the destination of transmission. The light reflected by the second surface is radaited from a coupling surface. Since the light beam from the light source is directed towards the optical transmission medium by exploiting the total reflection of light, a high-reflection multi-layer film or a polarization beam splitter film, required in a conventional apparatus employing a polarization beam splitter, is unneeded, with the result that the film forming cost or the cost in bonding two prisms used for fabricating the polarization beam splitter may be dispensed with. In this manner, the production cost or size of the apparatus can be reduced without lowering the transmission/reception performance.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical device provides at least two sub-bodies of a base body and, at each sub-body, a surface so that the surfaces are complementary to each other and snugly fit on one another. Along at least one of the complementary surfaces, a first optical layer system is defined. The sub-bodies are joined along the complementary surfaces so as to embed the optical layer system between them and thus forming an assembled sub-body. Machining a continuous surface on the assembled sub-body and at a predetermined angle to the complementary surfaces and the embedded layer system then takes place, where the latter abut at the machined continuous surface. A second layer system is then provided along the continuous surface.

Abstract: A color-separating prism for producing narrow-spectral light from broader spectral light includes first, second, and third component prisms that form first and second adjacent pairs of faces. The color-separating prism also includes first and second reflective layers disposed between the prisms. The first and second reflective layers each reflect separate portions of input light back toward the front surface. In operation, a first portion of a light beam in a first wavelength range is reflected from the first reflective layer back toward the front face of the prism, and a second portion of the light beam in a second wavelength range is reflected from the second reflective layer back toward the front face of the prism. The first and second portions are totally internally reflected from the front face and exit the color-separating prism. The color-separating prism can be used in display systems.

Abstract: A reflection type optical device comprises a transparent base member having an incident light receiving surface, at least a reflection surface for internally reflecting the incident light and a light emitting surface for emitting the reflected light. A dielectric layer is formed on each of the incident light receiving surface and the light emitting surface, and a metal layer is formed on all the remaining surfaces of the transparent base member other than the incident light receiving surface and the light emitting surface.

Abstract: A prism includes: a first portion made of a first material having a wavelength dependency in a refractive index; and a second portion adhered to the first portion, the second portion being made of a second material having a wavelength dependency in a refractive index which is different from the wavelength dependency in the refractive index of the first material. The first portion and the second portion have shapes such that the wavelength dependency in the refractive index of the first portion and the wavelength dependency in the refractive index of the second portion are substantially cancelled by each other.

Abstract: A laser beam attenuator and a method of attenuating a laser beam are disclosed. The laser beam attenuator includes first and second prisms, a beam dump, and a light absorbing body. An input laser beam partially refracts and partially reflects at a first surface of the first prism to form first refracted and reflected laser beams. The first reflected laser beam partially refracts and partially reflects at a second surface of the second prism to form second refracted and reflected laser beams. The beam dump and the light absorbing body absorb the first and second refracted laser beams. Thus, the second reflected laser beam forms an attenuated laser beam.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical system for light beam amassment and concentration derived through intensification by cyclical accretion of light energy by passing a parallel light beam perpendicular to a 100% reflection double-faced conical optical glass prism repetitively cyclically via plural 100% reflective single-faced right-angle isosceles optical prisms arranged in a path surrounding said compound optical glass prism defining an endless recycled return path to and through said compound optical glass prism, the amassment occurring during the passage of said light beam through said compound conical prism to be reflected from the conical prism as an emergent amassed and concentrated light beam occasioned by each repeated pass to and from said conical portion of said compound prism and to and through a beam-splitting quadrivial prism to said return path to said compound prism and the conical prism portion thereof and emergence therefrom, an single-faced right-angle isosceles prism arranged to intercept said e

Abstract: A light resolution element for a light guiding apparatus is provided that is connectable in optical communication with the light guiding apparatus for guiding and re-orienting light emitted thereto from the light guiding apparatus such that light exiting the light resolution element irradiates a dental restoration piece in a manner which effects complete hardening of the piece. The light resolution element includes a prismatic body operable to guide and re-orient a light beam passed thereto from the light guiding apparatus.

Abstract: A see-through retroreflective structure includes a transparent polymeric film, an array of retroreflective elements attached to the polymeric film, and an array of apertures through the retroreflective structure within the array of retroreflective elements. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes a metalized reflective layer formed on the transparent prism elements and a support layer, such as a fabric, is attached to the metalized reflective layer. The method includes providing a transparent polymeric film. An array of retroreflective elements is attached to the polymeric film. The array of retroreflective elements and the transparent polymeric film are perforated through the retroreflective structure to form an array of apertures, thereby forming a retroreflective structure. The apertures are of sufficient size and spacing to provide a see-through capability.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for the contactless transmission of data between a rotating component and a stationary component by means of light signals which are transmitted by a projector (2) and detected by a receiver (4). According to the invention, a ring-shaped light-conducting body (5) which consists of a transparent material and has integrated reflecting prisms is integrated between the projector (2) and the receiver (4). The exit surface (10) of the light-conducting body (5) opposite the receiver (4) is matt. The projector (2) is allocated to the stationary component and the receiver (4) is allocated to the rotating component This enables light signals to be permanently transmitted from the stationary component to the rotating component, with a high data rate at a high relative speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-performance image-forming optical system made compact and thin by folding an optical path using reflecting surfaces arranged to minimize the number of reflections. A prism member 10 has a first entrance surface 11, first to fourth reflecting surfaces 12 to 15, and a first exit surface 16. An optical path incident on the first reflecting surface 12 and an optical path reflected from the second reflecting surface 13 form intersecting optical paths. An optical path incident on the third reflecting surface 14 and an optical path reflected from the fourth reflecting surface 15 form intersecting optical paths. At least either one of the first reflecting surface 12 and the second reflecting surface 13 and at least either one of the third reflecting surface 14 and the fourth reflecting surface 15 have a rotationally asymmetric curved surface configuration that gives a power to a light beam and corrects aberrations due to decentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and high-performance prism optical system having, in order in which light rays pass from the object side, a first transmitting surface (4), a first reflecting surface (5), a second reflecting surface (6), a third reflecting surface (7), and a second transmitting surface (8). When an axial principal ray (1) is projected onto a plane defined by three points at which the axial principal ray (1) impinges on the first transmitting surface (4), the first reflecting surface (5) and the second reflecting surface (6), the projected axial principal ray forms an optical path that bends at two consecutive reflecting surfaces (5, 6) in the same direction with respect to the direction of travel of the rays and bends at the other reflecting surface (7) in a direction different from the direction of bending at the two reflecting surfaces. At least one of the three reflecting surfaces is a rotationally asymmetric surface.

Abstract: An optical assembly (11) is formed by individually positioning a plurality of prisms (15) using mechanical reference surfaces (19) which are associated with the prism's diagonal (13) and are preferably formed by extensions of a first sub-prism (17A) beyond a second sub-prism (17B). The mechanical references surfaces and a first side of the prism engage fixed mechanical references (23) associated with a housing. A locking element (21) engages a second side of the prism and forces the mechanical reference surfaces and the first side of the prism against the fixed mechanical references to achieve accurate positioning of the prism's diagonal (13).

Abstract: A reflective mirror structure comprised of a multiplicity of microprisms whose smallest edge length is less than 2.1 mm, each microprism comprising three mirror facets, a first and second one of the mirror facets as well as a third one and the second mirror facet extending at right angles to each other, while the first and third mirror facets enclose an angle of greater than 90° with each other, and a base facet of the microprisms projected onto a plane forming an irregular hexagon.

Abstract: A variable mirror that is readily formable and can be readily and precisely changed into various configurations as desired is provided. The variable mirror includes a mirror body formed of an elastic or flexible material and having one surface functioning as a reflecting surface. The mirror body is capable of changing the reflecting surface configuration. The rigidity of the mirror body varies in a direction parallel to the one surface.

Abstract: A compact image pickup optical system satisfactorily corrected for chromatic aberration as well as decentration aberrations and capable of providing a clear image with minimal distortion even at a wide field angle. The image pickup optical system includes an image pickup optical element and a diffractive optical element, which are decentered with respect to each other. The image pickup optical element has at least three optical surfaces adjacent to each other. At least one of the three optical surfaces is formed from a curved surface. At least two reflections take place between the optical surfaces.

Abstract: A diffuser master is provided which is manufactured mechanically instead of holographically. The master can be made from a suitable substrate including relatively hard materials such as plastic, glass or metal. A substrate having a first side is worked to form a diffuser surface relief structure thereon. The substrate can be buffed using a buffing agent of a selected grit in order to form surface scratches in the first side of the substrate. The substrate can also be blasted with shot particles in order to form indentations and depressions in the first side. The substrate can alternatively be acid or alkali etched in order to form surface irregularities in the first side. The scratches, depressions or irregularities can be formed in order to create a desired surface relief and hence desired diffuser output characteristics.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure includes a retroreflective sheeting having an array of transparent prisms formed into pairs of prisms. Each prism includes a base aperture and three intersecting lateral faces meeting at an apex. Each of the lateral faces includes a base edge which forms a portion of the perimeter of the base aperture. The base edge of each lateral face intersects the base edge of a contiguous lateral face to form a base point, the first face of at least one prism in the array including a first face first planar surface and a first face second planar surface. The first face first planar surface and the first face second planar surface are contiguous along an edge having a first and second end points, wherein the apex, the first end point, and a first base point are coplanar and form a continuous edge from the first base point to the apex.

Abstract: In order to provide a color separating and composing prism, or the like, with an improved arrangement of prisms, and the like, having a gap or a space in the color separating and composing prism, to the exclusion of a registration shift, there is provided a color separating and composing prism consisting of first to third prisms 3, 4 and 5 for effecting color separation of a light source beam into an R light, a G light and a B light by the use of dichroic films, characterized in that the second surface of the first prism 3 and the first surface of the second prism 4, and the second surface of the second prism 4 and the first surface of the third prism 5 are respectively bound together along the joint surfaces therebetween at least through the adhesive layers, so that the first, second and third prisms are integrated.

Abstract: A light beam deflected by a polygon mirror (20) is incident substantially perpendicularly on a trapezoidal reflecting prism (33) having an incidence surface (33a) and two reflection surfaces (33b, 33c). Then, the light beam incident on the reflecting prism (33) is totally reflected at the first reflection surface (33b) toward the second reflection surface (33c). Next, the totally reflected light beam is totally reflected at the second reflection surface (33c) toward the incidence surface (33a) and is emitted from the incidence surface (33a) in the opposite direction from the incident direction. The emitted light beam passes through a cylindrical lens (34) and is reflected and directed toward a scan surface (40) by a cylindrical mirror (35). The reflected light beam forms a scanning spot-on the scan surface (40).

Abstract: A light deflector/recombiner is longitudinally symmetrical with respect to an X axis perpendicular to a Z axis. An X and Z vector components inverter longitudinally symmetrical with respect to both the X axis and a Y axis perpendicular to the X and Z axes lies parallel to the deflector/recombiner. A Y vector component inverter longitudinally symmetrical with respect to the X axis lies parallel to and between the deflector/recombiner and the X and Z inverter. The Y inverter has many reflector elements. Light rays incident in the Z direction encounter an element only once during return passage between the deflector/recombiner and the X and Z inverter. The X and Z inverter directionally inverts the rays with respect to the X and Z axes and the reflector element directionally inverts them with respect to the Y axis, such that substantially all incident rays are retro-reflected with respect to the X, Y and Z axes.

Abstract: In an apparatus for watching around a vehicle, an internal reflection preventive film 37 for preventing stray light from undergoing total reflection in a prism is formed outside an effective area with respect to an imaging lens 9 disposed to the rear side 8B of the prism. Thus, the quantity of stray light is reduced by preventing the total reflection.

Abstract: An optical prism (1) for reflecting incident light from an incidence surface (2) suited for incidence of light from an LCD (20) or the like for at least twice before emitting the reflected light as emission light from a predetermined emission surface (4). The optical prism has side surfaces (6L and 6R) crossing the incidence and emission surfaces (2 and 4) and including receded surfaces 7L and 7R) formed such as not to impede an optical path of an effective size, the incident light being led along the optical. path from the incidence surface to the emission surface.

Abstract: An extremely compact prism optical element, image observation apparatus and image display apparatus which are capable of providing an observation image that is clear and has minimal aberration and minimal distortion even at a wide field angle. Light rays emitted from an image display device (7) enter an ocular optical system (12) through a fourth surface (6) and are totally reflected toward an observer's pupil (1) by a third surface (5). The reflected light rays are reflected by a first surface (3) disposed immediately in front of the observer's pupil (1) and then reflected toward the observer's pupil (1) by a second surface (4). The reflected light rays pass through the first surface (3) and are projected into an observer's eyeball (15) with the observer's iris position as an exit pupil (1).

Abstract: An optical prism (1) for reflecting incident light from an incidence surface (2) suited for incidence of light from an LCD (20) or the like for at least twice before emitting the reflected light as emission light from a predetermined emission surface (4). The optical prism has side surfaces (6L and 6R) crossing the incidence and emission surfaces (2 and 4) and including receded surfaces 7L and 7R) formed such as not to impede an optical path of an effective size, the incident light being led along the optical path from the incidence surface to the emission surface.

Abstract: A disclosed optical apparatus comprises an optical unit including a light entrance surface, light reflecting surfaces and a light exit surface all of which are integrally formed of transparent material, and the optical unit has in its interior an internal refracting surface for refracting light. Since a light beam passes through the optical unit from the light entrance surface to the light exit surface via the internal refracting surface and the light reflecting surfaces along a bent optical path, the optical apparatus is reduced in size and improved in optical performance, particularly, well corrected in chromatic aberration. Another disclosed optical apparatus is arranged to achieve zooming by using a plurality of optical units each of which is similar to the aforesaid optical unit.

Abstract: A red-reflecting film and a blue-reflecting film are formed in a substantially X shape on joint surfaces defined by the respective side faces of four columnar prisms or right-angle prisms. The red-reflecting film is continuously formed without separating at an intersection of the two reflecting films. The blue-reflecting film is, on the other hand, divided into two pieces by the red-reflecting film and an adhesive. It is preferable that that four columnar prisms are obtained from one block of sheet glass. This arrangement ensures an improvement in properties of a resulting light-selective prism.

Abstract: A red-reflecting film and a blue-reflecting film are formed in a substantially X shape on joint surfaces defined by the respective side faces of four columnar prisms or right-angle prisms. The red-reflecting film is continuously formed without separating at an intersection of the two reflecting films. The blue-reflecting film is, on the other hand, divided into two pieces by the red-reflecting film and an adhesive. It is preferable that that four columnar prisms are obtained from one block of sheet glass. This arrangement ensures an improvement in properties of a resulting light-selective prism.

Abstract: Parallel optical beams emitted by an array of optical devices e.g. collimators are spaced by a distance that is not smaller than the diameter of the collimators etc. devices. To reduce the spacing of the beams at the point of incidence on the receiving element or device, a structure is provided having a first and a second array of reflective surfaces e.g. mirrors or prisms, the arrays defining pairs of corresponding reflective surfaces. The surfaces are arranged such that the beams reflected from the second array have a reduced spacing compared to the initial distance.

Abstract: A beam splitter cube and two roof mirrors are used as a beam spacer to interlace and closely space four parallel laser beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multimirror device for rotating the polarization of an electromagnetic signal, especially a light signal, through 90°, the output ray having approximately the same direction as the input ray. This device comprises at least one combination (40) of three mirrors (42, 44, 46) which are arranged in such a way that a ray entering one of the mirrors at an angle of incidence of 45° is reflected at the same angle off the other mirrors, the polarization vector (V) of the incident ray being presented in such a way with respect to the mirrors that a reflection off one of the three mirrors changes the direction of polarization while the reflections off the other two mirrors does not change this direction of polarization. Preferably, a plurality of multiple-mirror combinations (40, 40′, 40″) is provided on a sheet, each combination forming a pattern which is repeated regularly, the patterns all having identical shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An optical recording and data processing system for exposing an image on to a flexible, light sensitive medium, which includes a medium holder having an inner cylindrical wall portion against which is held said medium, and a light source having an approximately rectangular emitting aperture, with a short aperture axis and a long aperture axis, operative to emit a beam of light having a rectangular cross section with a long axis corresponding to the long aperture axis and a short axis corresponding to the short aperture axis. An optical modulator is aligned with the light source so as to intercept light from the beam of light and produce a spatial modulation pattern across the long axis of the beam of light. A pattern shifter for shifting the spatial modulation pattern across the length of the long axis at a constant rate is provided as is a pattern rotator for rotating the spatial modulation pattern at a rate equal to the rate of shifting of the spatial modulation pattern.