Abstract: A lens system for use with a light beam having a spatial cross-sectional distribution which is extended predominantly in one direction, including a first optical element for receiving and redirecting different portions of the light beam to different locations on an imaginary plane wherein at least two portions of said light beam are directed along two non-parallel paths so as to generate a two-dimensional pattern of light on the imaginary plane; and a second optical element located at the imaginary plane and aligned with the two-dimensional pattern of light for redirecting each portion of the two-dimensional pattern of light to a focal point. Alternatively, the lens system of the invention may be used to receive and redirect to a focal point each individual light beam of a linear array of light beams, or each portion of a two-dimensional light beam, or each individual light beam of a two-dimensional array of light beams.