Abstract: A plurality of fiber optic cables are bundled into a two dimensional output array which “writes” multiple data tracks onto a recording surface during a single pass of the array. The geometry of the array provides that the data tracks may be spaced at fine intervals when written onto the recording surface without requiring that the fibers of the output array have a correspondingly fine separation. The reduction in the pitch of the written tracks is achieved by staggering multiple rows of equally spaced optical fibers. To build a two dimensional array having relatively equal spacing of fibers, a spacing fixture is used, or, alternatively, the diameter and shape of the fiber cladding itself can be used.

Abstract: Imaging resolution can be increased by separating image data into a plurality of overlapping subsets and imaging each subset independently on an imaging material responsive only to the instantaneous intensity of the light an not to the accumulated exposure. The method is particularly suitable for thermal recording as thermal materials respond to the instantaneous temperature. The preferred separation is when an image subset contains only image features of a single size.

Abstract: A device can expose both lithographic printing plates and color proofing materials using the same thermal exposure head. The color proofer mode uses four or more donor sheets and transfers a dye onto a receiver sheet. In order to automate the process, the donor sheets are packaged in a box containing the different donor sheets and receiver sheets in the order they are used by the proofer. The proofer picks up the sheets using a vacuum supply and exposes them.

Abstract: A processless phototool generator uses a pulsed excimer laser to image a deformable mirror spatial light modulator onto a thin ablateable coating on a quartz substrate. The light pulse ablates and clears the coating from selected areas according to the data pattern in the deformable mirror array. Exposure uniformity is enhanced by a two dimensional overwriting method. The high image reduction ratio enables high power densities on the substrate without exceeding the permissible power density on the deformable mirror array. Since the recording is processless (i.e. no development required) the generated image can be verified immediately after writing. The last feature is of particular importance in phase-shift masks.