Electromagnetic radiation beam scanning system and method

A system for scanning an electromagnetic radiation (EMIR) beam, comprising:

• an EMIR source configured to generate an EMIR beam;
• a focus optic down beam the EMIR source that is configured to focus the EMIR beam to a focal region substantially along an optical axis;
• a linear rail and carriage configured to allow the focus optic to translate linearly along a first scan axis substantially orthogonal to the optical axis;
• a reciprocating mechanism configured to convert a rotational movement having a constant rotational speed to a reciprocating movement imparted on the focus optic, the reciprocating movement comprising a plurality of strokes, wherein the reciprocating movement maintains a constant speed that is characterized as being within a tolerance of 50 percent of a predetermined desired speed over at least 10 percent of one stroke of the plurality of strokes;
• and
• a motor operatively coupled to the reciprocating mechanism and configured to generate the rotational movement with the constant rotational speed selected to cause the predetermined desired speed of the reciprocating movement to be no less than 200 millimeters per second.