A laser scanner system for removing a coating from a surface. The system includes a laser source for generating a laser beam; a focusing optic operative to receive, focus and re-direct the laser beam; a rotating multi-faceted mirror for receiving and reflecting the focused laser beam, wherein the rotating multi-faceted mirror repeatedly translates the reflected focused laser beam in one direction along an arc path and through a first focal point, and wherein passage of the laser beam through the first focal point results in divergence of the beam; a reimaging mirror for receiving and reflecting the divergent laser beam toward a work surface, wherein the reimaging mirror produces an image of the first focal point and its path; and wherein the rotating multi-faceted mirror and the reimagining mirror cooperate to produce a beam cross-over region having a minimal cross-sectional area relative to other points along the beam path, and wherein the beam cross-over region is located between the reimaging mirror and the work surface.