Multiple optical head inspection system and a method for imaging an article

An apparatus for inspecting an article, comprising:

• at least one pulsating source for providing short duration light pulses through at least one illumination path, a portion of the light pulses having a first characteristic and another portion of the light pulses having a second characteristic, the first characteristic different than the second characteristic;
• a first group of optical heads adapted to receive light pulses of the first characteristic;
• a second group of optical heads adapted to receive light pulses of the second characteristic, wherein the first and second group of optical heads are further adapted to direct the light pulses having the first and second characteristics to illuminate multiple spaced apart areas of the article and to direct light from the multiple areas towards multiple two-dimensional light sensors;
• and
• a positioning device adapted to impart motion between the article and the first and second groups of optical heads.