a bar code scanner and method for scanning a bar code symbol that splits a light beam using a liquid crystal device and directs the split light beams toward a bar code symbol using a moveable mirror . the light reflected by the symbol from each of the split light beams is summed and converted to an electrical signal indicative of the bar code symbol . the electrical signal is processed to decode the bar code symbol , but , if decoding is unsuccessful , the liquid crystal device is changed to affect the number of split light beams incident on the bar code symbol .