Abstract: A laser recording apparatus for optically recording information on a medium. A laser radiates a beam through an off-center lens. The lens deflects and focusses the beam onto a recording medium at a slight angle. The reflected beam returns through the lens on the opposite side of the optic axis from the incident beam. A mirror in the optical path directs the beam to a photodetector. The apparatus has broadband capabilities and is particularly useful at eliminating unwanted optical feedback when recording onto media having a birefringent protecting layer. Recording errors due to dirt and scratches may be detected by a second embodiment that has two lasers emitting light of different frequencies which upon reflection are detected and compared.