Linear optical scanner

Abstract

A linear optical scanner adapted to receive light rays from object space, the light rays passing through the linear optical scanner in image forming relation, the linear optical scanner being adapted to periodically and reciprocally deflect the collimated light rays through a predetermined angle. The periodically and reciprocally deflected collimated light rays leave the linear optical scanner and passing through an objective lens system to an image plane. The objective lens system has an optical axis incident on the image plane and is adapted to focus the periodically and reciprocally deflected collimated light rays to form a periodically and reciprocally displaced image on the image plane. The linear optical scanner comprises: a first and second wedge prism, each wedge prism having: a first surface, an optical axis, and a second surface, each respective optical axis passing through a respective first and second surface, a pivot axis, means for pivoting each respective wedge prism on a respective pivot axis and for positioning each respective wedge prism optical axis to direct the collimated light rays passing through the linear optical scanner to the objective lens system, and means for periodically and reciprocally counter-rotating each respective wedge prism through a predetermined angle on each respective pivot axis. The wedge prisms have prescriptions adapted to produce reciprocal lateral displacement of the collimated light rays; whereby, the linear optical scanner and the objective lens cooperate to produce a focused image on the focal plane. The focused image is periodically, reciprocally and laterally displaced on the focal plane.