Abstract: An apparatus which inspects disc-shaped information recording media, such as optical disks and magnetic disks, in a single reproduction. The apparatus detects the type of defect and classifies the defects into defect clusters by the defect position in the radial and circumferential directions. Type of defect or defect cluster, position and size are memorized.

Abstract: In an optical pick-up apparatus, light beam from a laser beam source is reflected by an optical element and is incident onto a disk. The optical pick-up apparatus comprises a support structure disposed in the optical element and making a deforming direction of the optical element caused by the support structure parallel or perpendicular to a track direction of the disk mirrored on the optical element. The support structure supports end edge portions of the optical element approximately opposed to each other in the parallel or perpendicular direction with respect to the track direction of the disk mirrored on the optical disk.