Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed that includes an illumination source, a diffractive modulator, imaging optics, and a coherence reduction system. The illumination source is for producing an illumination field. The diffractive modulator is for receiving the at least partially coherent illumination field and producing a modulated illumination field. The imaging optics are for directing the modulated illumination field toward an imaging surface. The coherence of one of the illumination field and the modulated illumination field is reduced.

Abstract: A modulation quality detection system is disclosed for determining the modulation quality of an illumination modulator in an imaging system. The modulation quality detection system includes a modulator adjustment unit for providing a test pattern on the illumination modulator, a detector for receiving a modulated illumination field from the illumination modulator, a sampling unit for determining at least three sample values (A, B and C) for each of three areas of the modulated illumination field respectively, and an evaluation unit for determining whether the value ( A + C 2 ) - B is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A conventional imagesetting system includes an imagesetter for transferring an image onto media, a wet chemical processor for processing the imaged media, an enclosed dryer section for drying the media by circulating air thereabout, and extraction rollers for extracting the media from the enclosed dryer section.

Abstract: A punch assembly is provided with a positive retraction mechanism to remove the punch from the media to be punched, thereby preventing binding of the punch in the media. The punch assembly includes a driving mechanism to provide a driving force on the punch and a positive retraction mechanism disposed to provide a retraction force on the punch operative sequentially following operation of the driving mechanism. The punch assembly, which is of a smaller size and more economical to manufacture, is particularly useful with an imagesetter of a prepress printing system. The punch may be mounted in a cantilever manner to punch the opening as close to the edge of the media as possible without interfering with the laser beam of the imaging assembly. In this maimer, the area of media available for imaging may be maximized and media waste minimized. Additionally, a shaft support mechanism is provided for the shaft upon which the retraction mechanism for each punch is mounted.