A barcode scanner incorporates a subdivided exit window with a top portion and a bottom portion placed at different positions along a z-axis. An aiming source emits light from the top portion of the exit window and is positioned from a receiving sensor such that obstruction of the receiving sensor's field of view by the aiming source is avoided. An illumination source emits light from the bottom portion of the exit window and the receiving sensor received reflected light at the bottom portion of the exit window. The illumination source is positioned such that light from the illumination source reflected by the exit window is not received by the receiving sensor.