Configurations for active and passive optical scanning are categorized and unified with the use of a conjugate image model. Topics include architecture of scanners whose optical apertures may be overilluminated or underilluminated by flux, which is (or is not) radially symmetric, providing scan magnification and possible image rotation. A scan locus theorem is introduced. Scanner-lens configurations include flat fielding, telecentricity, double pass, and beam expansion/compression. The resolution invariant reveals beam propagation and anamorphic beam-handling consequences.
The characteristics of a rotating polygon scanner in relation to its flat field lens are expressed as a function of relatively fixed system parameters. They include the desired resolution, number of facets,scan duty cycle, and desired pupil relief distance (to the flat field lens or to the first physical obstruction in the optical path). Account is taken of beam enlargement on the facet due to non-normal landing, and of provision to avoid excessive beam truncation at the ends of scan. Also, the location of the polygon with respect to the optical axis is determined from system parameters. Equations are provided which govern the polygon dimensions and its relationship to associated components, and application procedure is summarized.
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