Abstract: An optical reader including a plurality of fixed mirrors disposed on an imaginary circumference, a light source for emitting a light beam, a rotating mirror receiving the light beam from the light source and directing the reflected light beam to the plurality of fixed mirrors successively so as to form a plurality of retarded scanning light beams projecting on an object, and photo-electric converter means for receiving lights reflected by the object and generating an electric signal. The optical reader does not require mechanical synchronization. Cleaner means may be provided to brush off dust from the surfaces of the fixed mirrors.