Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing multiple simultaneous images onto a photosensitive media comprises the steps of imaging light from a light source through an optics assembly (75) to a polarization beamsplitter (80). The polarization beamsplitter (80) produces light having a first polarized state and light having a second polarized state. The first polarized light is directed to a first spatial light modulator (90). The first spatial light modulator is addressed with a first signal to create a first modulated light beam, which is imaged through a print lens assembly onto the photosensitive media. A second polarized light is directed to a second spatial light modulator (95). The second spatial light modulator is addressed with a second signal to create a second modulated light beam, which is imaged through the print lens onto the photosensitive media. The first modulated light beam and the second modulated light beam create at least two simultaneous images on the photosensitive media.

Abstract: A printer (100) able to print in a plurality of output formats depending on width of media (160) loaded in the printer (100) is disclosed. The printer (100) provides high resolution and grayscale imaging capability for monochromatic applications. Illumination optics (11) receive a source light beam, from one or more LEDs, uniformize and polarize the beam and direct the beam through a polarization beamsplitter (50). The polarization beamsplitter (50) directs one polarization state of light to one or more LCD spatial light modulators (52), which modulate the polarization of the polarized beam to provide output exposure energy suitable for image marking on media (160). An optional sensor (234) allows printer (100) to automatically detect the width of a given type of media (160) in order to select from a set of compatible output format. Multiple segments of media (160) at the image plane (150) simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monochromatic printing which records an image from digital image data onto a photosensitive medium (160) is disclosed. The apparatus includes the following: A light source (29) provides the monochromatic illumination. A uniformizer uniformizes a wavefront of light emitted from the light source (29). A polarizer (134) for filtering the uniformized light provides a polarized beam having a predetermined polarization state. A spatial light modulator (52) has a plurality of individual elements capable of altering the polarization state of the polarized beam to provide an exposure beam for printing. A state of each of the elements is controlled according to the digital image data. An optics assembly (11) is used for directing the polarized beam to the modulator and the exposure beam from the spatial light modulator (52). A lens assembly (132) is used for directing the exposure beam onto the photosensitive medium (160).

Abstract: A monochrome printer (100) and a method for printer optics design utilizing a spatial light modulator (52), able to deploy a number of possible monochromatic light sources for use with a number of different types of photosensitive media (160), are disclosed. The printer provides high resolution and grayscale imaging capability for monochromatic applications such as micrographics and for diagnostic imaging. In the apparatus and method, illumination optics (11) receive a source light beam, from one or more LEDs or from a number of other possible monochromatic light sources available on the printer (100), uniformize and polarize the beam, and direct the beam through a polarization beamsplitter element (50). The polarization beamsplitter element (50) directs one polarization state of light to an LCD spatial light modulator (52).