Abstract: Apparatus for scanning an information medium, such as laser scanning apparatus, includes a light collector which has high light collection efficiency, which is easy and economical to manufacture, and which efficiently shades photodetectors from scattered transmitted light. The collector includes first and second members joined together to form a light collecting cavity, with diffusely reflecting surfaces facing the cavity. The members extend the length of the scanning region and are formed from longer lengths of extrudable material. The members have ends which form a slot adjacent to the light scanning region for receiving light transmitted through the information medium into the collection cavity and which have information medium guiding features.