Abstract: A light beam scanning device and method comprises a first input source for providing a scanning light beam and a flat stationary scanning surface to be scanned by the beam. An f sine theta lens system focuses the light beam onto the flat stationary scanning surface. A galvanometer mirror provides for repetitively scanning the light beam across the flat stationary scanning surface in a first fast scan direction while a pivoting mirror provides for receiving the light beam and scanning it onto the galvanometer mirror in a second slow scan direction perpendicular to the first direction. The cooperative operation of the galvanometer mirror and the pivoting mirror raster scan the light beam onto the flat stationary scanning surface.

Abstract: A scanning device for causing a beam of light to be repetitively swept across a surface includes a laser source for providing a beam of laser light and a pentaprism assembly which redirects the beam of light to the surface. The pentaprism assembly includes a support member and a plurality of pentaprism elements positioned around the periphery of the support member. An arrangement is provided for rotating the support member such that successive ones of the plurality of pentaprism elements are brought into the path of the beam of light and redirect the beam of light to the surface. Movement of each pentaprism element while intersecting the beam of light causes the beam of light to sweep across the surface. The scanning device may also be used without a laser source to scan ambient light which is reflected from a surface and direct the light to a detector.