Abstract: In a high resolution optical electronic imaging system to detect defects and dimensional changes in articles of manufacture for example, metal cutting tool inserts, a convergent blade-shaped laser light beam emitted by a laser passes through a focusing optical system and is then directed to a revolving head which contains a mirror system. The focusing and mirror system scans the apex of the blade beam along the cutting edges of an insert so that edge defects and dimensional changes cause reflection and refraction of the laser beam. High resolution and contrast television camera and optic system receives the reflections and refractions and creates an image of the device with sharply contrasted defects.