Patent ID: 8174749

Claim:
A system for scanning a light beam comprising: a first wheel rotatable in a first rotational direction about a first rotational axis; plural first prisms mounted on said first wheel, each first prism adapted to deflect said beam by a respective first predetermined angle; a second wheel rotatable in a second rotational direction about a second rotational axis; plural second prisms mounted on said second wheel, each second prism adapted to deflect said beam by a respective second predetermined angle and each respective one of said second prisms forming a pair with a respective one of said first prisms, whereby in relative alignment each said pair of first and second prisms deflects said beam by a respective total angle in elevation and azimuth relative to a point of interest; and first means for rotating said first wheel in said first rotational direction about said first rotational axis and said second wheel in said second rotational direction about said second rotational axis, such that each said pair of first and second prisms is successively aligned with said beam, thereby scanning said beam over each said total angle of deflection.