This family of patents relates to an improved beam splitting device. Existing beam splitters employ partially mirrored surfaces or compound prisms, which are relatively bulky and are designed to function efficiently only when the two exit beams diverge at a relatively high angle (often 90°). This patented invention overcomes many of the limitations of the existing systems. This patent also covers embodiments with a laser diode attached to the end of a scanning mechanism. Examination is proceeding in USA and Germany.
