Abstract: When manufactured, an optical data carrier is provided with digital information, which is written and stored in accordance with at least one previously defined encoding method for error correction and which may be read and decoded at a later stage by means of an optical reader with correction of errors in accordance with said encoding method. A predetermined number of logical symbols or bits are selected at predetermined positions in the digital information to be stored on the data carrier. A set of logical errors are intentionally created by replacing the selected symbols with corresponding symbols in a predetermined code sequence representing the identity of the data carrier. The logical errors are of such a type as to be normally corrected by the optical reader, when the data carrier is read and/or copied.

Abstract: A device for measuring birefringence in an optical data carrier has a laser light source with a polarization modifier, a beamsplitter, a polarizer, a photodetector, and a controller operatively connected to the photodetector. The laser light source illuminates various spots on the optical data carrier by means of a laser beam. The photodetector receives a reflected laser beam, converts it into an electric signal and supplies this signal to the controller, which determines a value for the birefringence in the illuminated spot on the optical data carrier. Furthermore, the device is provided with a transparent reference element with known birefringence properties, a mirror, and for directing the laser beam towards the reference element in a first calibration position; directly towards the mirror in a second calibration position; and towards the optical data carrier during non-calibration time.