Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a spatial light modulator combines radiation from two or more multiple-emitter laser diode arrays. Brightness is conserved. The apparatus includes collecting optics which includes an array of microlenses. The microlenses steer beams of radiation which issue from individual emitters so that the beams overlap at a target plane to produce a desired beam profile.

Abstract: A multi-layer imaging medium has a layer that absorbs radiation at a wavelength used by an optical auto-focus system. Spurious reflections are suppressed. The layer transmits radiation at a wavelength used to image the medium. The layer may function as a support layer for the medium. Thermal imaging media may be made according to the invention.

Abstract: A multi-layer imaging medium has a layer that absorbs radiation at a wavelength used by an optical auto-focus system. Spurious reflections are suppressed. The layer transmits radiation at a wavelength used to image the medium. The layer may function as a support layer for the medium. Thermal imaging media may be made according to the invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a spatial light modulator combines radiation from two or more multiple-emitter laser diode arrays. Brightness is conserved. The apparatus includes collecting optics which includes an array of microlenses. The microlenses steer beams of radiation which issue from individual emitters so that the beams overlap at a target plane to produce a desired beam profile.

Abstract: A method for controlling the color density of colorant transferred to a substrate involves creating tiny gap areas in the coverage of the colorant. The method is useful in producing color proofs of halftone images. The gap areas are typically much smaller than a screen dot in a halftone image. The method permits the generation of a proof which has the same sizes of screen dots as will appear in the final printed image while operating in the saturation portion of the transfer function for the colorant being used. Suitable gap areas may be provided by pulsing a laser used to transfer colorant from a donor to a substrate. The method does not require the use of a variable power laser and therefore is more stable than previous proofing methods.