Abstract: An optical head for optical recording and reproducing system comprising a light source, a first optical means for introducing a light beam from the light source into a guide groove formed in a recording surface of an information carrier, and a second optical means for separating a reflected light beam reflected from the guide groove from the light beam from the light source. The optical head also comprises an optical element having formed thereon at its center a cylindrical surface and on both sides slanted surfaces for dividing the reflected light beam into three, and a light receiving element having at least three light receiving units for receiving the respective light beams divided into three by the optical element.