Optical scanner for use in confined areas

摘要

An optical scanner for use in a confined or restricted location having a movable prism assembly which utilizes cylindrical or spherical mating joints between a pair of flat input/output surfaces. The mating surfaces are spaced less than one wavelength apart, preferably by an air bearing. The cylindrical members can be used for line scanning while spherical members provide two degrees of freedom of movement. Optical refraction through this movable prism assembly provides a small "exit pupil" scanning with a laser beam.