A simple realization of a spatial integrator array is constructed by
using individual units composed of two thin lenses. The spatial integration
feature depends on the value of the focal distance of one of the lens. This focal
length and its relation with the thickness of the individual element are related
with the lateral magnification defining the synthetic image given by the array.
Although the focal length of the other lens can be arbitrarily selected, we have
analyzed the optimum range of focal distances that increases the amount of
energy falling on the synthetic image. This analysis has been done for spatial
integrator arrays having spherical dome configuration and planar
configuration. Numerical analysis of the behavior of the optimized units,
performed in a meredional plane, is presented. The level the total irradiance
reaching the synthetic image plane and the uniformity of the irradiance
distribution on it have been measured. The coefficient of uniformity as well as
the image width have been evaluated and compered. The results clearly
demonstrate that the performance of the optimized unit is largely improved
relative to the non-optimized one. The study has been done both in the paraxial
range and by using real ray-tracing tools. Comparison of the paraxial
calculation of the spatial integrator array and those obtained by real raytracing
enables the practical choice of the upper limits of the focal length range
in order to avoid aberrations effects and significant deviation from the paraxial
behavior situation.