Array refracting element, array diffracting element and exposure apparatus

An exposure apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by scanning exposure, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source for ejecting a light beam emitted in a broad area for at least a main-scanning direction;
• a condensing optical system for condensing the light beam emitted from the light source on the recording medium;
• and
• an array refracting element which is disposed between the light source and the recording medium so that a direction, which two refracting members are arranged in a pair unit in an array shape, is substantially parallel to the broad area direction of the light beam emitted from the light source, wherein the array refracting element includes a refracting member having a unit surface shape dividing one light beam into two light beams by ejecting the one incident light beam toward different positions,
• wherein the array refracting element is configured to arrange the two refracting members in a pair unit in an array shape in a direction orthogonal to a light beam dividing direction.

An exposure apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by scanning exposure, the apparatus comprising:

• a light source for ejecting a light beam emitted in a broad area for at least a main-scanning direction;
• a condensing optical system for condensing the light beam emitted from the light source on the recording medium;
• and
• an array diffracting element which is disposed between the light source and the recording medium so that a direction, in which two refracting members are arranged in a pair unit in an array shape, is substantially parallel to the broad area direction of the light beam emitted from the light source, wherein the array diffracting element includes two refracting members, at least one of which is formed as a diffracting member, having a unit surface shape for dividing the light beam into two light beams,
• wherein the two refracting members are arranged in a pair unit in an array shape in a direction orthogonal to a light beam dividing direction.