Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for recording optical information by means of laser machining of holes on a recording medium. The optical components include a solid state laser, means for converting the light emanating from the laser into a circular beam, and an optical fiber with a graded index of refraction for focusing the light onto the recording medium. The components are mounted on a support arm which is deflected at a rate sufficient to achieve line scan of the medium, while frame scan is achieved by translating either the support arm or the film in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of deflection. Means may also be included for displaying the printed information on a screen.