Abstract: An apparatus for scanning bar code data recorded on a target includes a source emitting a beam of radiation, and optics for deflecting the beam of radiation along an axis normal to the beam. The apparatus further includes an electronic shutter element defining a plurality of adjacent regions, each region independently capable of assuming a substantially transparent state, and, digital logic, for causing the adjacent regions of the shutter element to assume substantially transparent states in a sequential, directional manner along the axis to affect directional transmission of less than all of the deflected beam onto the target. The apparatus further includes a detector for sensing the presence of radiation reflected from the target, and, optics for converting the radiation reflected from the target into a beam and for focussing the beam onto the detector.