Optical element for a document illuminator

Abstract

An apparatus for recording an image on a sheet comprises a linear array of light sources and an optical element for transmitting light emitted from the light sources. The optical element comprises a light-transmissive member, having an entry surface for disposal near the light sources. The entry surface defines at least one set of prisms. The optical element can further define a DCPC (dielectric compound parabolic concentrator) in cross-section. Collection optics, such as a SELFOC® lens, receives light reflected from the sheet. Each prism of the optical element defines an angle whereby light exiting the optical element is outside the acceptance angle of the collection optics.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.