1. A synthetic optical image system, comprising an array of focusing elements including focusing elements having an effective base diameter of less than 50 microns, and an array of icon elements, wherein the system operates as an authentication system in which the array of focusing elements is separate from the array of icon elements and is used to read information contained in the array of icon elements, the array of focusing elements and the array of icon elements cooperating to form at least one synthetically magnified optical image of at least a portion of the icon elements when the array of focusing elements is disposed in proximity to the array of icon elements, wherein the array of icon elements is formed as a sheet that is secured to or incorporated into an object as an authentication or security device.