An exposure process is executed by multi-beams divided by polarizing and
combining laser beams (La, Lb) modulated based on an image signal so as
to be emitted by a light source side optical system by using a polarized
light beam splitter, and by converting the laser beams (La, Lb) emitted
as right circular polarized light and left circular polarized light into
mutually orthogonal linear polarized light by using a quarter wave plate
arranged on a light path of a scanning portion, and thereafter
transmitting through an optical element of uniaxial crystal. An
appropriate image can be formed by setting a division width of beam spots
on a scanning surface set by the optical element of uniaxial crystal such
that scanning unevenness of an image formed on a scanning surface is
within an allowable range even when changing resolution of the inner drum
exposure apparatus.