Abstract: An optical scanning device for scanning a multi-layer optical record carrier when positioned in a scanning location in the device, the device being adapted for scanning a first information layer at a first information layer depth within the record carrier and a second information layer at a second information layer depth within the record carrier. The device comprises: a radiation source for generating a radiation beam; an objective lens, located in an optical path between the radiation source and the scanning location, for converging a radiation beam to a spot on an information layer; and-an optical switching arrangement switchable between a first state, in which the device is arranged to scan a said first information layer, and a second state, in which the device is arranged to scan a said second information layer.

Abstract: An electrowetting cell including an expandable joint between a body section and an end section. Such an expandable joint could include a membrane or a flange-like portion.

Abstract: An optical scanning device for scanning an optical record carrier comprising an information layer. Crosstalk cancellation is provided using a phase modulating element (40, 140) for generating a phase profile providing an annular spot shape for a subsidiary beam which is coaxial with the main beam. The phase profile varies with an azimuthal angle measured about the optical axis of the beam portion. Further, a grating element (6, 106) is provided to generate two side beams. Each of the side beams and the subsidiary beam are focused to respective spots on the information layer along with the main beam spot. A radiation detector arrangement (25, 125) is provided for detecting information signals in each of the main beam, the two side beams and the subsidiary beam, and a signal processing arrangement (41, 42,43, 44,46,47,49) conducts crosstalk cancellation between the respective information signals to generate an output information signal.