Pattern generator and method for driving pattern generator

A pattern generator, comprising:

• a pulsed laser light source;
• a spatial light modulator, optically connected to said pulsed laser light source, and arranged for generating a laser illumination pattern;
• a control module, arranged for controlling said spatial light modulator to generate laser illumination patterns according to print data;
• a target stage, arranged to enabling holding of a target having a light-sensitive target surface;
• an optical end system, optically connected to said spatial light modulator, and arranged for positioning said laser illumination pattern, on a writing plane intended to coincide with said light-sensitive target surface;
• and
• a stage positioning device, configured for mechanically changing a relative position between said spatial light modulator and said writing plane in a scan direction, parallel to said writing plane;
• wherein said optical end system further comprises a strip switch, configured to optically move a position of said laser illumination pattern on said writing plane in a sweep direction, parallel to said writing plane but perpendicular to said scan direction;
• and
• wherein said control module being further arranged for controlling said spatial light modulator and said pulsed laser light source, in dependence of said position caused by said strip switch to generate individual specimens of said laser illumination patterns at at least two predetermined positions in said sweep direction, with a distance in said sweep direction relative to a closest other predetermined position being less or equal to a width in said sweep direction of said laser illumination pattern on said writing plane.