Array illuminator based on self-imaging in white light

An array illuminator is a device/optical system that splits an incoming beam of light into an array of many light spots/beams. It is useful in logic systems and in optical digital computing or in switching systems to energize arrays of components such as logic gates, optically bistable devices and electro-optic modulators. Array illuminators working in white light are interesting because they do not suffer from coherent noise and yield better signal-to-noise ratio. We propose configurations for array illuminator based on Fresnel diffraction and working under white light illumination conditions. Performance evaluation of the illuminators is also undertaken and the results of investigation are reported.