An apparatus for illuminating a document includes an optical element
formed of a light-transmissive material of a predetermined refractory
index that defines a curved entry surface and an exit surface opposite
the entry surface in which light enters the optical element via the entry
surface and light exits the optical element via exit surface. A first
substantially parabolic surface is defined between a first edge of the
entry surface and first edge of the exit surface and a second
substantially parabolic surface is defined between a second edge of the
entry surface and a second edge of the exit surface such that the first
and second substantially parabolic surface are spaced apart more at the
exit surface than at the entry surface.