Abstract:
A device for the homogenization of radiation, preferably light, using chirped microlens arrays (cMLA) from the established regular microlens arrays (rMLA), chirped microlens arrays are an arrangement of non-identical lenses in one array. Non-identical means that the lens parameters of the lenses of the array, such as e.g. the radius of curvature, the free diameter, vertex position, and others, can vary from lens to lens or cell to cell. The parameters of each lens or cell can be determined by functions (analytically, numerically), the functions preferably being dependent upon the position of the cell or the lens in the array.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a device for the homogenisation of radiation, preferably light, using chirped microlens arrays (cMLA). Differing from the established regular microlens arrays (rMLA), chirped microlens arrays are an arrangement of non-identical lenses in one array. Non-identical means that the parameters of the lenses of the array, such as e.g. the radius of curvature, the free diameter, vertex position and others, can vary from lens to lens or cell to cell. The parameters of each lens or cell can be determined by functions (analytically, numerically), the functions preferably being dependent upon the position of the cell or the lens in the array. 
     BACKGROUND 
     According to the state of the art, a range of possibilities exists for homogenising light. Thus for example the use of a refractive beam-forming element is known. A refractive element adapted to the surface shape hereby deflects proportions of the incident radiation in such a manner that the desired intensity distribution is produced in the homogenisation plane. It is problematic with devices of this type that a change in the intensity distribution at the input leads directly to a change in the intensity distribution at the output, i.e. in the homogenisation plane. As a result, the adjustment of devices of this type is critical, i.e. the installed position with respect to incident radiation directly influences the output distribution. In addition, even small impurities have great influence on the beam formation. Furthermore, devices of this type are suitable only for homogenisation of light bundles with a small diameter (less than 1 mm) and are complex in production. 
     Also the use of diffractive beam-forming elements or computer-generated holograms (CGH) are known for homogenisation of radiation. A bending phase element hereby bends power proportions of the incident radiation in such a manner that the desired beam profile is produced in the homogenisation plane. Such elements show great wavelength dependency as a result of the diffractive effect. Furthermore, the efficiency is dependent upon the number of height steps (discretisation) and the relief of the surface leads to an increased scattered light proportion. 
     In the context of the present invention, above all the so-called Fly&#39;s Eye condensers (FEC) are of interest. Such Fly&#39;s Eye condensers have, according to the state of the art, a regular microlens array (rMLA). The incident radiation impinges on this microlens array so that the lenses thereof focus the radiation. The maximum angle of the focused radiation thereby depends upon the numerical aperture (NA) of the lenses. Behind the focus of the lenses individual radiation bundles run divergently away from each other, the angle of divergence corresponding to the numerical aperture of the lenses. In the beam path behind the microlens array, a Fourier lens is now disposed, which deflects the individual bundles in such a manner that the partial beams produced by the individual microlenses of the microlens array are situated one above the other in the focal plane of the Fourier lens. Since all power proportions which run through individual lenses are superimposed on the same surface in the focal plane, the radiation is homogenised. The degree of homogenisation is thereby dependent upon the number of individual lenses. If the number of individual lenses is chosen to be sufficiently large, then the homogenisation is virtually independent of the input intensity distribution. However it is a condition that the numerical aperture of the incident radiation corresponds at most to that of the lenses. The extension of the homogeneously illuminated surface in the focus of the Fourier lens is determined by the numerical aperture of the lenses and the focal distance of the Fourier lens. The envelopes of the intensity distributions in the focal plane of the Fourier lens are the same when using an array of identical lenses (regular array) and an individual lens. When using an array of identical lenses, interference effects occur however in addition, said effects leading to a further intensity modulation with the occurrence of intensity maxima and zero positions of the intensity and hence to an impairment in homogeneity. 
     The spatial distance of the hereby occurring intensity maxima in particular is inversely proportional to the width of the individual lenses. This means that using smaller lenses leads to large spacings of the intensity maxima and hence to less homogeneity. On the other hand, also the use of the larger lenses however leads to an impaired homogeneity and to a greater dependency of the intensity distribution upon the input intensity distribution with an assumed constant width of the input intensity distribution. 
     In the previously mentioned technology, a modulation of the intensity distribution always occurs in the focus of the Fourier lens. This means that the intensity over the homogenisation surface is subjected to regular variations and drops away relatively gently at the edge. This modulation can be avoided if, parallel to the above-described first regular microlens array, an identical second regular microlens array is disposed. In the case of an individual lens, a very homogeneous distribution with a steep edge drop is consequently achieved. In the case of a large number of lenses (lens arrays), the above-described interference problems however occur in the same way. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Starting from the state of the art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to indicate a device with which radiation can be homogenised, extensively independently of the input intensity distribution, as uniformly as possible, in particular without the superimposition of regular interference patterns. 
     The kernel of the present invention is to dispose a large number of lens systems with parallel optical axes, the lens systems being at least partially non-identical and the non-identical lens systems having the same numerical aperture in a first direction parallel to the main plane of the lens systems. In the simplest case, each of these lens systems is a microlens so that the lens arrangement with the large number of lens systems is a microlens array. According to the invention, also a lens system can have however two microlenses which are disposed with parallel or coinciding optical axes in succession. Such a lens system then has a resulting focal point, a resulting main plane and a resulting numerical aperture. If a large number of such lens systems are combined to form a lens arrangement, then the microlenses situated foremost in the direction of the radiation form a first microlens array and the microlenses situated therebehind in the direction of the radiation form a second microlens array. 
     For any lens or any lens system, the numerical aperture can be different in different directions. For the present invention it is initially only required that the numerical aperture is the same for all lenses in a specific direction. The numerical aperture in another direction can initially be arbitrary. Furthermore, also lens arrangements are according to the invention however in which the numerical aperture is the same also for all lenses in a direction perpendicular to the above first direction. The numerical apertures in the first and the second direction need not be identical, however they can be so for some embodiments. 
     In the case of the microlens arrays and/or lens arrangements present in the invention, the main planes of the microlenses or lens systems can be situated on a common surface. This surface can be a plane but it can also be spherical, aspherical, toroidal or be freely-formed. Preferably, the parameters of the lenses or lens systems, such as e.g. their numerical aperture, their focal distance, their dimensions, radius of curvature, their free diameter and/or their vertex position, are not chosen randomly but given by a function which is dependent upon the position of the lens system in the lens arrangement or the microlens array. Such a function can be an analytical or numerical function. It can be constant or monotonic, implicit or explicit or it can be a linear, quadratic, cubic, polynomial or transcendental function. Basically all types of functions are possible. The functions are hereby preferably dependent upon the concrete geometry of the arrangement so that parameters of the lenses are dependent for example upon the radius of curvature of the surface in the case of accommodation on a toroidal surface or e.g. the enclosed angle in the case of using two substrates. 
     For as good as possible homogenisation of the radiation, it is advantageous if the microlenses or lens systems cover as completely as possible the surface of the microlens array or the lens arrangement. If complete covering is not possible because of the geometry of the lenses, then the aim is to maximise the covering. 
     According to the invention, the microlenses used can have a range of different geometries. These geometries are presented in the following, all lenses on a given microlens array in a given lens arrangement or a lens system being able to have the same shape in the case of possibly different dimensions, or lenses with different shapes being able to be combined. In the simplest case, the lenses are axially symmetrical about their optical axis and/or have a circular circumference in the plane of the microlens array. Such lenses can for example be spherical lenses. According to the invention, spherical lenses with a circular circumference can be used, but if achievement of complete covering of the microlens array by microlenses is desired, then it is possible to use spherical lenses which have a rectangular edge and/or aperture in the plane of the microlens array. Included herein in particular are spherical lenses with a square edge or aperture. 
     Some of the microlenses or all the microlenses can be anamorphic and/or elliptical lenses. In the plane of the microlens array, these can also have an edge corresponding to the geometry thereof, for example thus an elliptical edge, a rectangular or square edge. Since however the lens diameter is not the same in all azimuthal directions, the numerical aperture and hence the extension of the illuminated surface is dependent upon the azimuthal coordinate. In the case of axially symmetrical lenses, the appearance of the illuminated surface hence corresponds to the edge delimitation of the lenses. A rectangular edge hence provides a virtually rectangular surface, a square edge an again virtually square surface and a circular lens edge leads to a circularly illuminated surface. 
     In the case of anamorphic or elliptical lenses, the numerical aperture of the lenses can be adjusted in addition via an azimuthally-dependent focal distance of the lenses instead of merely via the geometrical extension of the lenses. 
     According to the invention, the use of cylindrical lenses is however also possible. Such cylindrical lenses can have a constant focal distance in the direction of the cylinder axis. The cylinder axis is hereby, as also in all other uses of cylindrical lenses, parallel to the plane of the microlens array. However it is also according to the invention that the focal distance of one, several or all cylindrical lenses changes continuously along the cylinder axis. This change can be effected according to a function of the above-described type. In addition to a constant change in focal distance, a non-constant change is also possible. The edges of the cylindrical lenses in the plane of the microlens array can be situated parallel to the cylinder axis. However they can also describe any line, for example an undulating line. If complete covering of the microlens array with microlenses is the goal, then it is advantageous if the edges of adjacent cylindrical lenses extend parallel to each other. If cylindrical lenses are used, then it is also possible that the individual cylindrical lenses extend in the direction of the cylinder axis over the entire extension of the microlens array in this direction. Such cylindrical lenses can be disposed on the microlens array as strips. 
     Firstly, cylindrical lenses make homogenisation of radiation possible in only one direction. For homogenisation of the radiation in two directions which are perpendicular to each other, arrangements of two crossed cylindrical lenses can however also be used. Furthermore, also two devices, such as are described in the present application, can be disposed with one or more microlens arrays in succession in the direction of the beam path. The front device in the direction of the beam path homogenises the radiation in a first direction and the rear device in the direction of radiation homogenises the radiation in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, homogenisation in a plurality of directions can also be achieved with cylindrical lenses. If cylindrical lenses with parallel edges are always used, these can be produced particularly well by means of a reflow technology. 
     In some of the embodiments described in conjunction with the present invention, lenses are disposed in the focus of other lenses. It is advantageous in all these embodiments if the lens disposed in the focus is disposed not exactly in the focus but displaced for instance in the direction of the beam path or counter to the beam path. In this way, heating of these lenses can be avoided. There is possible for example a displacement in the range of 1 to 5% of the focal distance of the focusing lens. 
     The homogenisation can be improved if the device is moved relative to the incident radiation in a direction perpendicular to the incident radiation. Such a movement can be for example an oscillation. If a Fourier lens is used, then it is also possible furthermore to move the microlens arrays relative to the Fourier lens in order to achieve improved homogenisation. Advantageously, the Fourier lens remains stationary relative to the incident radiation. 
     The present invention is produced advantageously with one, with two or with three chirped microlens arrays which are disposed in succession in the beam path. 
     If only one chirped microlens array is used, then the lens arrangement is a microlens array and the lens systems are respectively individual microlenses. These microlenses are disposed advantageously on a surface which can be formed as described above. In order to deflect the main beams of the beam bundles produced by the individual microlenses to a common point, a Fourier lens is disposed in the direction of the beam path behind the microlens array with the lens plane parallel to the main planes of the microlenses advantageously such that the optical axes of the microlenses pass through the Fourier lens. The use of a Fourier lens is optional. The spatial extension of the surface to be illuminated in the homogenisation plane depends solely upon the numerical aperture of the lenses and upon the focal distance of the optional Fourier lens. Advantageously, each lens in such a chirped microlens array has the same numerical aperture. For all lenses of the array, the ratio of diameter or dimension to focal distance is then constant, the absolute values of the focal distance and of the diameter or the dimension being able to be freely chosen and being able to be described by functions as mentioned above. In the case of non-round lenses, the dimension can for example be an edge length or the width of the lens in the corresponding direction. 
     If two microlens arrays are used, then, in addition to a first microlens array, a second microlens array with a large number of microlenses disposed with parallel optical axes is disposed such that the optical axes of the microlenses of the first microlens array pass through the microlenses of the second microlens array. The microlens arrays are therefore disposed in succession in the beam path of the incident radiation. Two microlenses disposed in succession in this manner can respectively form a lens system. Both microlens arrays can be disposed respectively on a surface as described above. Advantageously, the second microlens array has the same number of microlenses as the first microlens array. There is thereby subsequently connected directly to each microlens of the first microlens array a microlens of the second microlens array of the same focal distance, so that the optical axis of the corresponding microlens of the first microlens array passes through the corresponding microlens of the second microlens array. The optical axes of the microlenses of the first microlens array are situated parallel to the optical axes of the corresponding lenses of the second microlens array. In particular, the optical axes can also coincide. The spacing of the microlenses of the second microlens array from the corresponding microlenses of the first microlens array is precisely the focal distance of the corresponding microlens of the first microlens array. The microlens of the second array is therefore situated in the focus of the microlens of the first array. 
     Light bundles which have the second microlens array passing through are deflected according to the invention such that they are superimposed at a specific spacing from the second microlens array. There are two possibilities for this. The first possibility is to dispose the microlenses of the second microlens array such that their optical axes do not coincide exactly with the optical axes of the corresponding microlenses of the first microlens array but are in fact displaced mutually precisely such that a beam bundle which impinges from the first microlens array is deflected by the corresponding microlens of the second microlens array by a specific angle. This angle is chosen such for each microlens that the corresponding beam bundle is deflected to the desired region in which the beam bundles are intended to be superimposed. The offset of the second lens of one channel results from the focal distance of the lens and the spacing of the optical axis of this channel relative to the optical axis of the total structure. The lenses of the second array are hereby displaced in a direction parallel to the plane of the lenses. Alternatively hereto, the deflection can also be effected by a Fourier lens disposed in the direction of the beam path behind the second microlens array. In this case, the optical axes of the microlenses of the first microlens array coincide advantageously with the optical axes of the corresponding microlenses of the second microlens array. Therefore no deflection takes place here. Only the subsequent Fourier lens deflects all the beam bundles to a common region. 
     Also when using two chirped microlens arrays, the diameters d i  of the lenses of the first array need not be identical but the focal distances f i  are adapted such that the same numerical aperture is produced channel-wise (d i /f i =constant). The lens systems comprising respectively a lens of the first microlens array and a lens of the second microlens array therefore have the same numerical aperture in at least one direction. As described, the focal distance of the lenses of the first array is advantageously equal to the focal distance of the lenses of the second array. 
     In the case where anamorphic lenses are used, the second microlens array can be split into two arrays comprising cylindrical lenses, the cylindrical lenses being disposed so as to cross. The reason for this is the different refractive power of the anamorphic lenses in two perpendicular directions and the condition that the two lenses must be situated in the focal distance of the first lens. 
     If three microlens arrays are used, not necessarily cylindrical lenses being used, then a third microlens array is placed subsequent to the lens arrangement comprising first and second microlenses in the direction of the beam path. Advantageously, the optical axes of the microlenses of the first microlens array and of the second microlens array hereby coincide. The third microlens array is then disposed such that these optical axes pass through it. Advantageously, the third microlens array has the same number of microlenses as the lens systems preconnected by the first and second microlens array. A microlens of the third microlens system is connected subsequently thereby to each lens system. The optical axes are again situated advantageously parallel or coincide. Also in the case of three microlens arrays, the beam bundles must be deflected towards a common region, for which purpose again two possibilities exist. On the one hand, the optical axes of the microlenses of the third microlens system, as described above for two microlens systems, can be displaced to the optical axes of the lens systems such that the lenses of the third array deflect the incident beam bundles to a common region. Alternatively hereto, also a Fourier lens can again be used. 
     The microlenses of adjacent microlens arrays can be disposed, in a preferred variant, respectively on one side on a substrate made of a transparent material, in particular glass or a transparent polymer material. The substrates with associated microlens arrays can thereby also be disposed at a spacing relative to each other, the intermediate space between the substrates being filled with air or a transparent material, in particular glass or transparent polymer materials. 
     It is likewise possible that the microlenses of two adjacent microlens arrays are disposed on surfaces of a body made of a transparent material, in particular glass or a transparent polymer material, which surfaces are situated in succession in the beam path. For example prisms and bodies with a rectangular cross-section are preferred here as bodies. However also other bodies with surfaces situated in succession in this manner are possible for this purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described subsequently with reference to a few embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  shows a homogenisation device with a regular microlens array according to the state of the art. 
         FIG. 2  shows a homogenisation device with two chirped microlens arrays. 
         FIG. 3  shows a homogenisation device with two chirped microlens arrays which are accommodated on planar substrates. 
         FIG. 4  shows a homogenisation device with three chirped microlens arrays. 
         FIG. 5  shows an arrangement with two microlens arrays, the microlenses of which are offset laterally to each other. 
         FIG. 6  shows a chirped microlens array with axially symmetrical lenses with a round lens edge. 
         FIG. 7  shows a chirped microlens array with axially symmetrical lenses with a round lens edge and ordered diameters. 
         FIG. 8  shows a chirped microlens array with axially symmetrical lenses with a rectangular lens edge. 
         FIG. 9  shows a chirped microlens array with axially symmetrical lenses with a rectangular lens edge, the microlenses being ordered according to size. 
         FIG. 10  shows a chirped microlens array of axially symmetrical lenses with a square lens edge. 
         FIG. 11  shows a chirped microlens array of axially symmetrical lenses with a square lens edge which are ordered according to their size. 
         FIG. 12  shows a chirped microlens array of anamorphic lenses with a rectangular lens edge. 
         FIG. 13  shows a chirped microlens array of anamorphic lenses with a rectangular lens edge, which are ordered according to their size. 
         FIG. 14  shows a chirped microlens array with a mixture of axially symmetrical and anamorphic lenses with a rectangular lens edge. 
         FIG. 15  shows a chirped microlens array with cylindrical lenses, the numerical aperture of which is the same cell-wise. 
         FIG. 16  shows a chirped microlens array with cylindrical lenses of a constant width over the length of the array. 
         FIG. 17  shows a chirped microlens array with cylindrical lenses, cell portion- and lens portion-wise of the same aperture. 
         FIG. 18  shows a chirped microlens array with cylindrical lenses of varying width over the length of the array. 
         FIG. 19  shows a system with two microlens arrays with cylindrical lenses according to  FIG. 16  disposed on flat substrates. 
         FIG. 20  shows a system with two microlens arrays with cylindrical lenses according to  FIG. 18  disposed on flat substrates. 
         FIG. 21  shows different embodiment variants for devices according to the invention with the help of sectional illustrations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a homogenisation device having a regular microlens array  1  according to the state of the art. The incident radiation  4  hereby impinges on the regular microlens array  1  where it is bundled initially by the microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  at the focal points thereof in order then to move apart divergently behind these focal points. The partial bundles  6   a  to  6   e  produced by the individual microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  impinge on the Fourier lens  2  after passing through the individual focal points. The angle of divergence with which the partial beams  6   a  to  6   e  move apart behind the focal point corresponds to the numerical aperture of the microlenses  1   a  to  1   e . The Fourier lens  2  now deflects the individual beam bundles  6   a  to  6   e  in such a manner that the individual partial bundles  6   a  to  6   e  are situated one above the other in the focal plane  3  of the Fourier lens  2 . As a result of the fact that the power proportions  6   a  to  6   e  which impinge in the focal plane  3  of the Fourier lens  2  originate from different individual lenses, the surface in the focal plane  3  of the Fourier lens  2  is illuminated homogeneously. The degree of homogenisation is thereby dependent upon the number of individual lenses  1   a  to  1   e . In the case of a sufficiently large number of individual lenses  1   a  to  1   e , the homogenisation is virtually independent of the input intensity distribution  4 . However it is a condition that the numerical aperture of the incident radiation corresponds at most to the numerical aperture of the lenses. The extension of the homogeneously illuminated surface is determined by the numerical aperture of the lenses  1   a  to  1   e  and the focal distance of the Fourier lens  2 . In order to keep optical losses as small as possible, the entire surface of the lenses  1  with lenses  1   a  to  1   e , which is impinged upon by the radiation, should be covered. The filling factor of the microlens array  1  should therefore be as close to 1 as possible. 
     Insert A of  FIG. 1  shows the intensity distribution of the radiation which passes through the homogenisation device in the illuminated surface  3  for the case where the microlens array  1  has only one single lens. The intensity distribution A shows variations in intensity produced by interference effects. These impair the homogeneity of the light. 
     Insert B of  FIG. 1  shows the intensity distribution of the radiation impinging in the surface  3  to be illuminated when using a microlens array  1  with a large number of individual microlenses  1   a  to  1   e . The intensity distribution B is modulated with the same interference pattern which also impinges in the case of a single lens. Furthermore, the regularly disposed microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  of the regular microlens array  1  act however as a grating, as a result of which the intensity in the illuminated surface reduces to zero at regular spacings. The spatial distance of the intensity maxima is thereby inversely proportional to the width of the individual lenses  1   a  to  1   e , i.e. the smaller the lens, the greater is the spacing between the maxima. This also means that the use of smaller lenses leads to poorer homogenisation of the light in the surface  3  to be illuminated. If however larger lenses  1   a  to  1   e  are used, then the number thereof is smaller, as a result of which the homogeneity is likewise reduced. The homogenisation capacity of the light when using regular microlens arrays is therefore subject to a limit in principle. 
       FIG. 2  shows the arrangement of a homogenisation device according to the invention having two microlens arrays  7  and  8 . The light to be homogenised hereby impinges firstly on the first microlens array  7 , where individual partial light bundles  6   a  to  6   d  are produced by the individual microlenses  7   a  to  7   b . These light bundles  6   a  to  6   d  then impinge on the second microlens array  8  and subsequently on the Fourier lens  2  which deflects the individual partial bundles  6   a  to  6   b  to a common region in the focal plane  3  of the Fourier lens  2 . In contrast to the regular microlens array, the microlenses  7   a  to  7   b  of the chirped microlens array  7  used here are not identical. Rather the microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  used here have different diameters and different focal distances  9   a  to  9   d . The second microlens array  8  is now configured such that, for each microlens  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7 , a microlens  8   a  to  8   d  of the second microlens array  8  exists. These second microlenses  8   a  to  8   d  are thereby disposed respectively in the focal points  9   a  to  9   b  of the corresponding microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7 . These focal distances  9   a  to  9   d  are different in the illustrated example so that the individual lenses  8   a  to  8   d  are not situated in one plane. The first lenses  7   a  to  7   d  have different diameters and different focal distances but their numerical aperture is the same. Such a homogenisation device produces a homogeneous intensity distribution in the focal plane  3  of the Fourier lens  2 . 
       FIG. 3  likewise shows a homogenisation device according to the invention with two chirped microlens arrays  7  and  8 . In contrast to the device shown in  FIG. 2 , the individual lenses  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7  are however ordered here according to their diameters or focal distances. Since the microlenses  8   a  to  8   d  of the second microlens array  8  are accommodated again in the focal distances of the corresponding microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7 , these lenses  8   a  to  8   d  come to be situated on one plane. Due to the different focal distances, this plane  8  relative to the plane  7  is inclined by an angle α. As in  FIG. 2  also, the produced beam bundles  6   a  to  6   d  are deflected by the Fourier lens  2  in the focal distance thereof to a common surface. 
       FIG. 4  shows a homogenisation device according to the invention having three microlens arrays  7 ,  8  and  9 . Again the light  4  to be homogenised impinges firstly on the first microlens array  7  which splits the light beam  4  into partial bundles  6   a  to  6   d  due to the individual lenses  7   a  to  7   d . There is assigned to each microlens  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7 , a microlens  8   a  to  8   d  of the second microlens array  8 . In the illustrated example the optical axes of the microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens array  7  coincide with the optical axes of the corresponding lenses  8   a  to  8   b  of the second microlens array  8 . The pairs of microlenses  7   a ,  8   a  and  7   b ,  8   b  and  7   c ,  8   c  and  7   d  and  8   d  respectively form one lens system with a resulting focal distance. In the focal points  9   a  to  9   d , resulting therefrom, of these lens systems comprising microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  and microlenses  8   a  to  8   d , the microlenses  10   a  to  10   d  of the third microlens system  10  are disposed. The microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  and  8   a  to  8   d  can have different diameters, dimensions and/or focal distances. It is crucial that the numerical apertures of the lens systems comprising microlenses  7   a  to  7   d  of the first microlens system  7  and the microlenses  8   a  to  8   d  of the second microlens system  8  have the same numerical aperture in at least one direction. After the light bundles  6   a  to  6   d  have passed through the three microlens arrays  7 ,  8  and  10 , they impinge on the Fourier lens  2  which deflects the individual light bundles  6   a  to  6   d  to a common region  3  which is then illuminated homogeneously. As also in the other illustrated examples, it is also advantageous here if microlenses  7   a  to  7   d ,  8   a  to  8   d  and  10   a  to  10   d  completely cover the surfaces of their arrays  7 ,  8  or  10  as completely as possible, i.e. that the filling factor of the microlens arrays is situated as far as possible close to 1. 
       FIG. 5  shows by way of example an arrangement of two microlens arrays  7  and  8 , through which the individual light bundles can be deflected to a common region  14  without a Fourier lens. In the illustrated example, the microlenses  7   a  to  7   e  and  8   a  to  8   e  are disposed at the spacing of their focal distance  11  on oppositely situated sides of a planar substrate  19 . The optical axes  17   a  to  17   e  of the microlenses  7   a  to  7   e  of the first microlens array  7  respectively pass through the microlenses  8   a  to  8   e  of the second microlens array  8 . In contrast to the case of using a Fourier lens, these optical axes  17   a  to  17   e  do not however coincide with the corresponding optical axes  18   a  to  18   e  of the corresponding microlenses  8   a  to  8   e  of the second microlens array  8 , but instead are situated parallel to these, offset by spacings  13   a ,  13   b . The offset  13   a ,  13   b  is hereby chosen dependent upon the spacing  12  of the corresponding optical axis  17   a  from the centre of the incident beam such that a partial beam passing through a microlens  7   a  to  7   e  is deflected by the corresponding microlens  8   a  to  8   e  subsequently such that it illuminates a region  14  common to all microlenses  7   a  to  7   e . For the general structure with lenses chirped quasi-continuously in the direction parallel to the plane of the microlens arrays, the offset Δx i  (y) of the last lens of the i th  channel from the focal distance f i  (y) and the spacing r i  (y) of the optical axis of the channel relative to the optical axis of the total structure results. 
       FIG. 6  shows a chirped microlens array  1  in plan view on its surface. In the illustrated example, the individual microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  etc. are axially symmetrical, have a circular lens edge and different diameters. The numerical apertures of the individual lenses  1   a  to  1   e  are however identical at least in one direction, i.e. for example the x- or y-direction. This means that the numerical aperture in the corresponding direction is the same for all lenses. The microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  in the illustrated example are axially symmetrical and have a circular circumference. Advantageously, they are distributed such that the surface of the microlens array  1  is covered as completely as possible by the microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  etc. 
       FIG. 7  also shows the plan view on the surface of a microlens array  1 . The large number of microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  etc. are again axially symmetrical about their optical axis which is situated perpendicular to the surface of the microlens array  1  and have a circular circumference in the surface of the microlens array. In contrast to the microlens array  1  shown in  FIG. 6 , the large number of microlens arrays  1   a  to  1   e  in the case shown in  FIG. 7  are ordered in x-direction according to their diameter. In y-direction, all the microlenses  1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c  have the same diameter. Again, an arrangement which covers the surface of the microlens array  1  as completely as possible is chosen advantageously. 
       FIG. 8  shows the plan view on the surface of a microlens array  1  with a large number of microlenses  1   a  to  1   f  which are axially symmetrical and/or spherical and have a rectangular lens edge. In the example shown here, the lenses have different dimensions and different focal distances and are present without sorting. The numerical aperture of these lenses must however be the same respectively in at least one direction, i.e. for example the x- or the y-direction, as is also the case in the other examples. The numerical aperture of each lens in the other direction can be different. The numerical aperture can also be the same respectively for each lens in all directions. As a result of the fact that the illustrated microlenses  1   a  to  1   f  etc. have rectangular edges, complete covering of the surface of the microlens array  1  is possible and advantageous. Whilst the microlens arrays shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7  produce circularly illuminated surfaces, a rectangular illuminated surface  20  is produced by the microlens array shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a microlens array  1  which corresponds to that shown in  FIG. 8 . Again, a large number of axially symmetrical and/or spherical microlenses  1   a  to  1   f  are disposed adjacently covering the surface. The microlenses  1   a  to  1   f  here are not present without order but have the same length for a given x-position respectively in y-direction, whilst the width and length of the microlenses reduces in x-direction. Lenses at different x-positions also have different lengths in order that these have different focal distances. The numerical aperture in y-direction is the same for all lenses of the array. In the example illustrated here, the illuminated surface  20  of a homogenisation device with such a microlens array  1  is also rectangular. 
       FIG. 10  shows an arrangement of axially symmetrical microlenses which are rotationally symmetrical about their optical axis. As also in the other microlens arrays shown in  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 9 , these optical axes of the individual microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  are perpendicular to the surface of the microlens array  1 . The microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  are axially symmetrical and/or spherical and have a square lens edge. The microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  are not ordered but are disposed such that they cover completely the surface of the microlens array  1 . The illustrated microlens array  1  will produce a square illuminated surface  20  in a homogenisation device according to the invention. 
       FIG. 11  likewise shows a chirped microlens array  1  with a large number of microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  which are spherical or axially symmetrical and have a square edge. In the case shown here, the microlenses are however not present without order but are sorted along the width of the microlens array  1  in x-direction corresponding to their edge length. Along the length of the microlens array  1  in y-direction, microlenses  1   a ,  1   b ,  1   c  with the same edge length are situated adjacently at a given height in x-direction. The microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  shown here also produce an illuminated surface  20  which is square in a homogenisation device according to the invention. 
       FIG. 12  shows a chirped microlens array  1  with a large number of anamorphic lenses, e.g. elliptical lenses  1   a  to  1   e , which have a rectangular lens edge. The focal distance of each of these lenses  1   a  to  1   e  is different in different directions. Also the numerical aperture of each individual lens can therefore be different in different directions. For the present invention, the numerical aperture of each microlens is the same in one direction, e.g. the y-direction. In the perpendicular direction, the numerical aperture of each microlens  1   a  to  1   e  can be different but is however advantageously identical likewise for all microlenses. If the numerical aperture of the microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  differs in the one direction from the numerical aperture of the microlenses in the perpendicular direction and if it is the same in the corresponding direction for all microlenses, then a rectangular illuminated surface  21  is produced in a homogenisation device according to the invention. If the numerical apertures are identical in both directions, then the illuminated surface  20  is square. If the focal distance of a lens is given in a specific direction, the numerical aperture of this lens can be adapted in direction in the corresponding direction by the extension of this lens. 
       FIG. 13  shows a chirped microlens array with an arrangement of anamorphic or elliptical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  with a rectangular lens edge which are ordered along the width in x-direction according to their edge lengths in x-direction and, in y-direction, have respectively the same edge length in y-direction for a given x-position. As described also for  FIG. 12 , the numerical aperture of each lens  1   a  to  1   e  is identical for all lenses in at least one direction. Furthermore, if it is also identical for the other direction, then a rectangular illuminated surface  21  is produced. Furthermore, if the numerical apertures are the same for both directions, then the illuminated surface  20  is again square. 
       FIG. 14  shows a chirped microlens array  1  with a mixture of spherical microlenses  1   b  and anamorphic microlenses  1   a . Again all the microlenses  1   a ,  1   b  have rectangular edges. The numerical aperture of the microlenses  1   a ,  1   b  in one direction is the same for all microlenses. Advantageously it is also the same for all microlenses in the other direction. Again, with different focal distances of the microlenses, the numerical aperture is adapted in the corresponding direction by the dimension of the microlens. Spherical lenses have the same focal distance in both directions which are perpendicular to each other, they should also have the same numerical aperture in both directions, thus they must be consequently square. Correspondingly, anamorphic lenses  1   a  have different focal distances in two perpendicular directions, therefore they must be rectangular in order to adjust the same numerical aperture. If the numerical apertures are the same for both directions perpendicular to each other, then a square, illuminated surface  20  is produced. If the numerical apertures are not the same, the illuminated surface  21  is rectangular but not square. 
       FIG. 15  shows a chirped microlens array  1  having a large number of cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e . Cylindrical lenses have optical refractive power only in one direction, they are therefore suitable for one-dimensional homogenisation. Two-dimensional homogenisations can be achieved by using two arrays, the cylindrical lenses being disposed so as to cross. In the illustrated example, the cylinder axes of all cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  are orientated in the same direction. In the illustrated example, this could be the x- or the y-direction. The focal distances of the individual lenses  1   a  to  1   e  are different. In order however that all the lenses in the corresponding direction have the same numerical aperture, their width, i.e. the spacing of the lens edge from the cylinder axis, is adapted such that the same numerical aperture is produced for all lenses  1   a  to  1   e . In the illustrated example, the cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  are disposed on the surface of the microlens array  1  such that the surface of the microlens array  1  is covered completely by microlenses  1   a  to  1   e.    
       FIG. 16  shows a chirped microlens array  1  with a large number of cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e , the length of which is equal to the length of the microlens array  1 . The cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  have a rectangular edge and are disposed with parallel edges and parallel cylinder axes along the length, i.e. the y-direction. Since the cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  have different focal distances, their width in x-direction is also different so that the same numerical aperture is produced for all cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e . Such arrays of cylindrical lenses can be produced by means of reflow technology which is an established technology for the production of microlenses of very good optical quality. 
       FIG. 17  shows a chirped microlens array  1  with a large number of cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   d  which are disposed adjacently with cylinder axes orientated parallel in y-direction. In contrast to the example shown in  FIG. 15 , the cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   d  have, in the case shown here, freely-formed lens edges. This means that, in y-direction, i.e. in the direction of the length of the microlens array  1 , the focal distance and the width of the microlenses  1   a  to  1   e  changes, all the microlenses  1   a  to  1   d  at a given height y having the same numerical aperture. Due to the quasi-continuous change in width and focal distance, periodicities are avoided better so that intensity variations due to interference can be better avoided. 
       FIG. 18  shows a microlens array  1  having a large number of cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  which are disposed adjacently with parallel cylinder axes. The length of the cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  is equal to the length of the microlens array  1 , i.e. equal to the extension thereof in y-direction. The width of the individual cylindrical lenses  1   a  to  1   e  changes in the direction of their cylinder axis, i.e. in the direction of the length of the microlens array in y-direction. In order to maintain a constant numerical aperture, the focal distance of the corresponding microlenses changes also correspondingly in the mentioned direction. The widths of the cylindrical lenses are coordinated to each other such that the adjacently disposed lenses  1   a  to  1   e  completely cover the surface of the microlens array  1 . 
       FIG. 19  shows, on the left, a 3D illustration of a system having two microlens arrays, the microlenses comprising cylindrical lenses according to  FIG. 16  and being disposed on planar substrates. The substrates thereby assume an angle relative to each other. The cylindrical lenses are orientated in such a manner that the spacing of the two substrates along the cylinder axes is constant. On the right, the plan view on the corresponding microlens array can be seen, corresponding to  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 20  shows, on the left, a 3D illustration of a system having two microlens arrays, the microlenses comprising cylindrical lenses according to  FIG. 18  and being disposed on planar substrates. The substrates thereby assume an angle relative to each other. The cylindrical lenses are orientated in such a manner that the spacing of the two substrates along the cylinder axes is not constant. On the right the plan view on the corresponding microlens array can be seen, corresponding to  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 21  shows various embodiments by way of example, of how microlens array and substrate or body can be formed. There are shown hereby: 
       FIG. 21   a  the arrangement of a microlens array on a planar substrate with surfaces which are not parallel to each other, the microlens array having a planar surface, 
       FIG. 21   b  the arrangement of a planar microlens array on a planar substrate with parallel surfaces, 
       FIG. 21   c  the arrangement of the microlens array on a body with curved surfaces, 
       FIG. 21   d  the arrangement of the microlens array on a curved substrate, 
       FIG. 21   e  the arrangement of two microlens arrays on two surfaces of a body, e.g. a prism, which are not parallel to each other, 
       FIG. 21   f  the arrangement of two substrates with planar microlens array disposed respectively thereon, the substrates being at a spacing relative to each other and the intermediate space being filled with air or a transparent material, 
       FIG. 21   g  the arrangement of two microlens arrays on a planar and a curved surface of a solid body, 
       FIG. 21   h  the arrangement of a microlens array on a body with curved surfaces and of a second planar microlens array on a planar substrate with parallel surfaces, 
       FIG. 21   i  an arrangement comprising three microlens arrays, a planar substrate with parallel surfaces being provided on both surfaces with microlens arrays and a further microlens array being disposed on a further planar substrate with parallel surfaces, 
       FIG. 21   j  an arrangement comprising three microlens arrays, a solid body with a curved and a planar surface on these being provided with a curved and a flat microlens array and a further microlens array being disposed on a planar substrate with parallel surfaces. 
       FIG. 21   l  an arrangement comprising three microlens arrays, a first microlens array being disposed on a substrate with a curved surface, and also two planar microlens arrays on respectively one planar substrate with parallel surfaces.