A horseshoe includes a thin, resilient member, embedded in a moldable material such as plastic or composite. Embodiments of the present method and apparatus may be utilized to overcome photodetector and post-detection electronic noise to permit near quantum-limited receiver sensitivity with simple focal plane technologies. The forward drive gear train transmits the rotation of an input drive gear 31 on the primary shaft 1 through an idler gear 32 to a LOW driven gear 33 on a secondary shaft 2, and the forward output transmission gear train transmits the rotation of the secondary shaft 2 to the countershaft 3. The mirrored end-face optically folds the light-guide, effectively extending the length over which the light is advantageously homogenized inside the light guide.