Fundamental architecture of optical scanning systems.

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.