Abstract: An illumination system is disclosed, which includes a first light source and a second light source configured to emit light when the first light source is not emitting light. A polarizing element accepts light from the first and second light sources. The polarizing element emits, along a light path, light from the first light source with a first polarization orientation. The polarizing element emits, along the light path, light from the second light source with a second polarization orientation. A homogenizing element receives and homogenizes polarized light from the polarizing element. A polarization rotator receives light from the homogenizing element. The polarization rotator selectively rotates one of the first and second polarization orientations to ensure light emitted therefrom maintains a constant polarization orientation.

Abstract: An alignment detector is disclosed that determines whether a first element has been moved to a predetermined position relative to a second element. The detector includes an emitter that is secured within a first optical chamber. A first detector is secured within a second optical chamber. The first optical chamber is optically connected to the second optical chamber such that a signal emitted from the emitter is detectable by the detector. An occluding element at least partially obstructs the signal when the first element has been moved to the predetermined position.