A system including spatial light modulators with multiple one-dimensional (1D) diffractor arrays and methods of operating the same are provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a spatial light modulator (SLM) assembly including a plurality of one-dimensional (1D) diffractor arrays to modulate light from a light source, the plurality of 1D diffractor arrays integrally formed on a die; illumination optics disposed in a light path between the plurality of 1D diffractor arrays and the light source to illuminate a substantially linear portion of at least one of the plurality of 1D diffractor arrays; and imaging optics disposed in a light path between the SLM assembly and an image plane on a target-substrate, the imaging optics adapted to transmit modulated light from the SLM assembly to a substantially linear portion of the image plane. Other embodiments are also provided.