Optical Component for Transforming a Gaussian Light Beam into a Light Sheet

An optical component for transforming an input light beam having a Gaussian irradiance distribution into an output light sheet, comprising:

• an input light path defining a central optical axis and configured for propagation of the input light beam therealong;
• a first reflective surface extending around the central optical axis and across the input light path so as to reflect input light rays of the input light beam into transitional light rays defining a transitional light cone;
• a second reflective surface extending around the central optical axis and across a first light path of the transitional light rays so as to reflect said transitional light rays along a second light path projecting concentrically to the input light beam and clear of the first reflective surface;
• a third reflective surface extending around the central axis and across the second light path of the transitional light rays so as to reflect the transitional light rays outwardly into output light rays defining said output light sheet;
• wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are configured to distribute optical power within the output light sheet according to a Gaussian irradiance distribution transversally to the output light sheet.

An optical component for transforming an input light beam having a Gaussian irradiance distribution into an output light sheet, comprising:

• an input light path defining a central optical axis and configured for propagation of the input light beam therealong;
• a first reflective surface extending around the central optical axis and across the input light path so as to reflect input light rays of the input light beam into transitional light rays that cross the central optical axis;
• and
• a second reflective surface extending around the central optical axis and across a light path of the transitional light rays so as to reflect the transitional light rays outwardly into output light rays defining said output light sheet;
• wherein the first and second reflective surfaces are configured to distribute optical power within the output light sheet according to a Gaussian irradiance distribution transversally to the output light sheet.