Abstract: An optical system for guiding a read beam and a magneto-optical storage which utilizes a single beam splitter inserted in the beam path of a linearly polarized light beam directed onto a storage disk for splitting the reflected beam into a deflected beam path and onto photo detectors. This optical arrangement includes a polarizer and an astigmatic imaging system. One of the two photo detectors is a four-quadrant detector and the other of the two detectors can be split into two regions with each of these detectors being positioned in one of the two sub-beams. Data signals derived from the intensity differences between the sub-beams and control signals for both a focusing control and for tracking control are derived from the detectors. Preferably, the photo detectors and the integrated circuits are part of an integrated circuit which also includes electrical circuits for the arrangements for obtaining the raw data, the tracking signal and the focusing signal.

Abstract: A positioning device for optical data storage which has an optical system for generating a polarized, parallel laser light beam and for receiving gated out reflected light beams for evaluation and a sensing head which is radially displaceable relative to a storage disk characterized by the optical system being contained in a rigid frame mechanically decoupled from the sensing head. The system includes a pivotably mounted deflection mirror which enables fine positioning. The sensing head will include an imaging system for focussing the laser beam onto the storage disk which is resiliently hinged to the sensing head so that it is deflectable in a vertical direction for readjustment of the focussing independent of radial motion of the sensing head.

Abstract: A write/read head comprises a laser whose resonator faces are formed by the storage medium and by a curved reflective surface which is positioned at a nominal distance from the medium and has a described residual radiant transmittance and a radius of curvature which is greater than the nominal distance. A mode diaphragm is provided between the active medium of the laser and the storage medium. Optical detector elements for the acquisition of position control signals and data read-out signals are arranged outside of the reflective surface and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the optical axis of the laser.

Abstract: A positioning device for optical disk storage having a laser light source for creating a light beam, a scanning arrangement including an arrangement to focus the light beam onto a selected information track of the optical storage, a control unit, an arrangement for coarse positioning of the beam and an arrangement for fine positioning of the beam, which include a regulating loop in cooperation with a detector arrangement to produce track error signals and focus error signals characterized by the storage disk being divided into a plurality of concentric track zones with each zone comprising an plurality of information tracks, the scanning arrangement being sub-divided into a plurality of scanning units with one scanning unit for each of the concentric track zones and the units being arranged next to each other on a line which is preferably a segment of an arc, an arrangement for displacing each of the units relative to the line with the coarse positioning arrangement comprising a rotatable reflector mounted in