Aspects of the embodiments are directed to a time-of-flight imaging system and methods of using the same. The time-of-flight imaging system includes a light emitter comprising at least one one-dimensional array of laser diodes; a photosensitive element for receiving reflected light from an object; and a light deflection device configured to deflect light from the light emitter to the object. In embodiments, the time-of-flight imaging system includes a lens structure to deflect emitting light from the laser diodes at a predetermined angle towards a light steering device.