| abstract |
An apparatus is described for exposing a film or plate comprising a light-sensitive material to a light beam. The apparatus comprises an apparatus housing having an elongated cavity or drum defining a substantially circularly-cylindrical inner support (100) for supporting the film or plate and defining a central axis, laser means (122, 124, 126) for generating the light beam, a light-directing assembly (102) comprising a laser light-emitter, a rotatable optically reflecting element (170) and an element-rotating motor (178) having a rotatable output shaft connected to the optically reflecting element (170). The laser light-emitter is constituted by the second end of an optical fibre means (122, 124, 126) having a first light-receiving end being arranged in juxtaposition to the laser means for receiving the light beam therefrom. The second light-emitting end is in juxtaposition to the rotatable optically reflecting element (170) at a substantially fixed distance therefrom for emitting the light beam to the rotatable optically reflecting element (170). The rotatable optically reflecting element is arranged so as to direct the light beam to the light-sensitive film or plate, and the light-directing assembly (102) is movable relative thereto along the central axis. The apparatus further comprises motion means for moving the light-directing assembly (102) relative to the apparatus housing along the central axis, and central control means for controlling the laser means (122, 124, 126), the element-rotating motor (178), and the motion means so as to expose a predetermined area of the photographic film. |