Intermediate range intensity modification of gaussian beam using optical integration means

摘要

An optical projection apparatus is disclosed for generating a planar light beam of substantially uniform intensity from a nonplanar multi- element light source 10 projecting a beam having a generally Gaussian intensity distribution. Light from the source 10 passes through an optical integrator rod 52 having a faceted entrance face 54 and a spherical exit face 50. The spherical exit face 50 is designed to move the image 42 of the rod entrance face that would otherwise be created between the objective lens 14 and output plane 40 to a position 48 between the lens 14 and the exit face 50. In such manner, localized hot spots which may be created by the image 42 of the entrance face are substantially eliminated thereby ensuring that the entire length of the beam between the lens 14 and output plane 40 has a substantially uniform intensity distribution.