Abstract:To overcome high energy loss, bulky structure, and limited real-time tracking in conventional short-range laser systems, we present a compact off-axis reflective common-aperture design. Optimized for rapid identification and targeting of aluminum plates in industrial micromachining and defense, the system uses a two-mirror configuration without central obscuration, with the tracking camera and laser emitter sharing an optical path. It features a 25 mm aperture, a 5× beam expansion ratio, and achieves a 5.56 mrad fine-tracking field of view, distortion below 0.2%, and a modulation transfer function above 0.5 at 120 lp/mm at 10 m. Simulations in Zemax and experiments in a darkroom confirm near-diffraction-limited performance and a fine tracking accuracy better than 10 μrad. Compared to existing systems, this design significantly improves optical efficiency, compactness, and dynamic targeting capability, offering strong potential for real-world applications.