Abstract: A system for providing a vertically and horizontally defined continuous linear scan of predetermined length of an incident light source output, such as from a coherent light source, such as a laser, in a predetermined focal plane, wherein the incident light source is initially focused to form a scanning spot before deflection with the inherently curved scan locus associated with this deflected scanning spot being straightened to provide the continuous linear scan by means of a non-planar reflecting compensator, such as a spherical reflecting surface chordal segment.