Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2-5.5 inches (3-14 cm).