Illuminators and systems that permit the production of a beam of electromagnetic
radiation having selected peak wavelength, bandwidth, intensity, pulse frequency
and pulse duration for a variety of analytical and therapeutic applications. Multiple
beam illuminators use filter elements arranged into filter arrays, having characteristic
wavelength absorption properties. By providing a series of filter arrays formed
into tracks having defined wavelength offsets, radiation passing through a portion
of a track can be modified to include selected peak wavelength and bandwidth. Selection
of peak wavelength(s) and bandwidth can be accomplished using mechanical interrupters,
mechanical shutters, or electro-optical devices including liquid crystal device.
Multiple output beams permit the coordinated illumination of a target, and sensors
provide feedback regarding the effects of illumination on a target. Computer storage
devices, programs, and controllers can provide easy selection of the characteristics
of the output beams. Output beams can have a variety of different shapes and configuration.
