Patent ID: 7199929

Claim:
A method of using a single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing, comprising: (1) placing the single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing in a path of an optical beam, wherein the single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing is oriented to cause a cross section of the optical beam to have a desired orientation and a first aspect ratio at a given distance from the single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing; and (2) causing the optical beam to impinge the single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing such that the cross section is at an initial orientation and a second aspect ratio, thereby shaping and diffusing the optical beam; wherein the first aspect ratio is substantially equal to the second aspect ratio, the desired orientation is different from the initial orientation, and the single optical element for optical beam shaping and diffusing is made of a crystalline material.