Handheld bar code scanners are typically used as inventory or point of sale devices. They are manually passed over bar codes to read data, and function in a near or noncontact capacity.  A wand is typically made from 1/2" stainless steel tubing or from plastic; the optics are in the front with a cord out the back. The wand scanner must be moved by the user's hand across and in contact with the bar code. While the wand is moving across the bar code, the reflected light is converted to electrical signals through a photocell in the wand.  A gun type can be non-contact or near-contact scanner, which generally uses a beam of focused light to read the bar code. The most common form of active non-contact scanner uses a laser beam that is automatically scanned back and forth across the symbol at a high rate. Near-contact scanners utilize a CCD device. Active non-contact or near-contact scanners may be stationary as an option.  Gun type readers can also be equipped with optional fixed mounting.