Phase contrast Talbot array illuminators.

We propose a method for designing an improved phase-only Talbot array illuminator, called a phase contrast Talbot array illuminator (PCTAI), which could be used to generate an array of spots with a special intensity structure and high efficiency. As examples, we designed two types of PCTAIs for generating an array of line and hollow spots, respectively. Some experimental results revealing the phase contrast effect and demonstrating the feasibility of the PCTAIs are also given.