Abstract: A micromechanical device is described as having a stationary element (100) and a deflectable element. The invention relates to a light source that is situated on the deflectable element. Also described is a micromechanical scanner including a micromechanical device having a movable element with a light source disposed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and devices to generate a multiple-channel audio recording are disclosed. An example method includes initiating a registration of a first device in response to determining that the first device is in a physical location of an event, sending first registration information to register the first device for the event, recording first audio via the first device, and sending the first audio for combination with second audio recorded via a second device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a magnetic write head including a media facing surface and a surface opposite the media facing surface. The magnetic write head further includes a reflector extending from the surface opposite the media facing surface toward the media facing surface. A semiconductor laser diode gain region protrudes out of the surface opposite the media facing surface, and the reflector helps optimizing the optical energy generated in the semiconductor laser diode gain region to be a single mode over a large current and temperature range.

Abstract: There is provided an optical disc drive comprises an optical pick-up including a laser diode (LD) and a laser diode driver (LDD) for driving the laser diode, a digital signal processor (DSP) including a write strategy circuit and low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) drivers for transmitting a produced write strategy signal, a circuit board having the DSP mounted thereon and including a line for transmitting the write strategy signal, a transmission line connecting the circuit board and the LDD and transmitting a write strategy signal, and differential resistors connected between differential lines of outputs of the LVDS drivers. Especially, a resistor having a resistance value in a range of 80 to 500? is inserted between the differential lines of outputs of the LVDS driver inside the DSP.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a laser irradiation apparatus being able to irradiate the irradiation object with the laser beam having homogeneous energy density without complicating the optical system. The laser irradiation apparatus of the present invention comprises a laser oscillator, an optical system for scanning repeatedly a beam spot of the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillator in a uniaxial direction over the surface of the irradiation object, and a position controlling means for moving the position of the irradiation object relative to the laser beam in a direction perpendicular to the uniaxial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical scanner system for scanning of an optical sound track with a beam of light, comprising a light emitter for emission of a light beam, a device for scanning the light beam across an optical sound track, the light beam forming a scanning spot on the optical sound track, an optical detector for detection of the light beam upon interaction of the light beam with the optical sound track and generating an electronic signal representing the sound recorded in the optical sound track.

Abstract: An optical disc device includes a recording power acquiring unit that finds an optimum recording power when data is written in a data area by writing data for calibration in a power calibration area, and a data writing unit that writes data in a data area to be written by using an optimum recording power found by the recording power acquiring unit. A method for acquiring an optimum recording power used by the recording power acquiring unit when an area to be written is a not-yet-recorded area is different from a method for an already recorded area. When an area to be written is a not-yet-recorded area, the recording power acquiring unit finds an optimum recording power. When an area to be written is an already recorded area, the recording power acquiring unit writes preliminary data in a power calibration area and finds an optimum recording power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to manipulating audio and/or video recordings, particularly music recordings, by giving a user access to individual master tracks and/or channels that make up the recording, that he or she previously did not have access to. The master tracks and/or channels can be manipulated in a variety of ways, such as by adjusting the volume levels and adding special effects.

Abstract: A mirror actuator includes a piezoelectric element having a thickness in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the mirror, and a circular surface bonded to a circular rear surface of the mirror such that the center of the circular surface of the piezoelectric element and that of the circular rear surface of the mirror match. The piezoelectric element receives a potential to cause the circular surface bonded to the mirror to expand/contract radially around 360 degrees by a uniform ratio to allow the mirror to have a surface modified in geometry. The piezoelectric element is adjusted in thickness so that as the piezoelectric element expands/contracts, the piezoelectric element allows the mirror to have a surface with a ratio of a radius of curvature in a radial direction of the mirror to that of curvature in a tangential direction of the mirror of (cos(2?)+1)/2, where ? represents an angle of incidence on the surface of the mirror.

Abstract: An optical head of a type useable in a optical disk reader/writer is provided. The optical head has a low profile, e.g., in a vertical direction parallel to the disk spin axis, such as less than about 5 mm preferably less than about 3 mm. Substantially all components of the optical system, including a laser source, objective lens, intervening optics and photo detector are provided in the optical head and mounted in a fixed position with respect to one another. Substantially all optical components of the optical head are moved as a unit, e.g., during tracking and/or focusing. Preferably, the optical head is fabricated using wafer scale and/or stacking technologies, e.g., stacking substantially planar components to achieve the final optical head configuration.

Abstract: A Microelectromechanical (MEMS) device and method of fabrication that can minimize derailing of an actuable element of the MEMS device during fabrication can include a MEMS actuator to selectively generate displacement forces to displace an actuable element along a path between sidewalls of a channel. The sidewalls can have stops formed therein that can interact with surfaces on the actuable element to limit displacement of the actuable element during fabrication. One of the sidewalls can be indented to form the stops and the actuable element can have an arm portion that extends between the stops. The sidewalls can be offset to form the stops on spaced apart faces on opposite sides of the channel and the actuable element can be offset between the spaced apart faces to form offset faces in an opposing relationship with the spaced apart faces on the sidewalls. In addition, the actuable element and the sidewalls may be so shaped as to maintain a generally constant width between them.

Abstract: A Microelectromechanical (MEMS) device that can minimize the effects of fabrication tolerances on the operation of the device can include a MEMS electromagnetic actuator to selectively generate displacement forces to displace an actuable element along a path. A cantilever can apply an opposing force to the actuable element to control the amount of displacement. Coil ends of the actuator can be shaped to vary a gap distance between the coil ends, and/or the magnetic portion of the actuable element may be shaped, so as to vary the force applied to the actuable element along the displacement axis. One or more pins located in the deflection path of the cantilever can contact the cantilever at one or more points so as to change the bending resistance of the cantilever. The cross-section of the cantilever can also be varied along its length so as to change the bending resistance of the cantilever.

Abstract: An optical data storage system utilizes optical fibers for transfer of information to and from storage media. The storage media includes magneto-optical storage disks. The optical fibers are single-mode polarization maintaining optical fibers. A single frequency laser diode provides a source of polarized light. Accordingly, a polarization state conveyed by the polarization maintaining optical fiber is accurately reproduced with reduced noise, as compared to use of a Fabry-Perot laser diode.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices that use MEMS electromagnetic actuators to selectively generate displacement forces are disclosed herein. According to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a MEMS device may include a substrate having a surface, an actuable element at least partially formed from the substrate, and an electromagnetic actuator disposed on the substrate for selectively applying a first force to the actuable element to displace the actuable element along a path. The actuable element may have a base and an arm coupled to the base. The base may include a portion comprised of a magnetic material. The electromagnetic actuator may comprise an electrically conductive coil, and the path of the actuable element may pass through a coil gap in the coil. The electromagnetic actuator may also comprise a magnetic core about which the electrically conductive coil may be wound.

Abstract: An optical head utilizes a micro-machined element in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a storage disk. The micro-machined element may include a steerable micro-machined mirror or a micro-actuator. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head and a reflected light from the storage disk is altered by a movement of the micro-machined element. In this manner a focused optical spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices that use MEMS electromagnetic actuators to selectively generate displacement forces are disclosed herein. According to one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a MEMS device may include a substrate having a surface, an actuable element at least partially formed from the substrate, and an electromagnetic actuator disposed on the substrate for selectively applying a first force to the actuable element to displace the actuable element along a path. The actuable element may have a base and an arm coupled to the base. The base may include a portion comprised of a magnetic material. The electromagnetic actuator may comprise an electrically conductive coil, and the path of the actuable element may pass through a coil gap in the coil. The electromagnetic actuator may also comprise a magnetic core about which the electrically conductive coil may be wound.

Abstract: An optical head includes (1) a stationary optical unit fixed to a body of the optical disk drive, (2) a rotary arm rotatable along a surface of the optical disk, which carries an object lens which converges the light on the optical disk, and (3) a light-introducing system which directs the light from the light source module to the rotary arm so that the light proceeds in the rotary arm to reach the object lens.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus includes a light source, an objective lens, a slider to hold the lens, a suspension to support the slider, a mirror located below the slider, and a seek mechanism to move the mirror and the slider in the tracking direction of an optical disk to be used. The mirror upwardly reflects light traveling in a predetermined horizontal direction, thereby causing the reflected light to enter the objective lens arranged above the mirror. The mirror is rotatable about a prescribed axis for causing the reflected light to shift in the above-mentioned horizontal direction.

Abstract: An optical data storage system that includes an optical source and an optical storage medium. The system includes a plurality of armatures positioned adjacent to the optical storage medium. Mounted on each armature are elements that perform functions such as beam-splitting, beam-shaping, relaying and fine tuning to collectively form an armature-mounted optical coupling system. An optical switch couples the optical source to each of the armature-mounted optical coupling systems. This configuration of an optical data storage system ensures that one optical source can be utilized for a plurality of optical detection systems.

Abstract: An optical pickup device, which records/reproduces information on/from at least one optical medium having a plurality of recording surfaces or a plurality of optical media each having at least one recording surface, comprises a light source for emitting a beam of light, a plurality of optical heads for focusing the beam on a plurality of different recording surfaces, an optical path switching device, positioned between the light source and the optical heads, for changing an optical path for guiding the beam alternatively to one of the optical heads, a first relay lens, positioned between the light source and the optical path switching device, for changing the beam into a convergent beam, second relay lenses, positioned individually between the optical path switching device and the optical heads, for changing a divergent beam, obtained after the convergent beam from the first relay lens is temporarily converged, back into a parallel beam, and a lens drive unit for driving the first relay lens along the its opt

Abstract: An actuator of the present invention includes a set of generally planar assemblies comprising cross-hinges that are disposed between a set of extended arms and a rigid mounting base. The hinges of the present invention flex to about a pivot axis to replace the pivot and bearing assembly of prior art actuators. In an exemplary embodiment the hinges are used in conjunction with a voice-coil motor (“VCM”).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical system for an optical disc drive. The head is provided with a laser source, an objective optical system, and a deflection mirror provided between the laser source and the objective optical system. As the deflection mirror is rotated, the angle of incidence of the beam incident of the objective optical system changes so that a fine tracking is performed. When the deflection mirror is rotated, based on the rotation amount and a distance between the deflection mirror and the objective optical system, the deflection mirror is moved in a direction along which the laser beam is incident so that the laser beam deflected by the deflection mirror is incident on the objective optical system substantially at the same position regardless of rotation amount of the deflection mirror.

Abstract: There is provided a head of an optical data recording/reproducing device. The head is provided with a laser source, a deflector, a relay optical system and an objective lens system. The laser beam emitted by the laser source is incident on the objective lens system via the deflector and the relay optical system. The head is further provided with a rotation angle detecting system which includes a beam splitter provided between first and second relay lenses of the relay lens system, and a detector. The beam splitter divides the incident beam into a first beam directed to the second relay lens and a second beam directed to the detector. The detector has two light receiving areas, and a controller determines an amount of rotation of the deflector based on the amounts of light received by the two light receiving areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a head of an optical data recording and/or reproducing device. The head is provided with a laser source, an objective optical system, a deflector for deflecting the laser beam emitted by the laser source towards the objective optical system. A relay optical system provided between the deflector and the objective optical system. Further, a detector is provided between the deflector and the relay optical system. The detector has a first and a second light receiving portions and an opening. The two light receiving portions are arranged in a first direction in which the laser beam is deflected by the deflector. A part of the laser beam incident on the detector is received by the first and second light receiving portions, the other passes through the opening. An amount of rotation of the deflector is detected in accordance with amounts of light received by the two light receiving portions.

Abstract: A disk of the present invention includes a first storage area for reproducing data and a second storage area for recording and reproducing data, the number of sectors in each track in the first and second storage areas close to each other is larger in the first storage area than in the second storage area, and leading edges of sectors in each track in the first storage area are aligned in at least one line in a radius direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical disc drive for reading/writing data from/on an optical disc. The disc drive is provided with a laser source, an objective lens system, a deflection mirror between the laser source and the objective lens system. An incident angle of the laser beam incident on the objective lens system is changed by rotating the deflection mirror. Further, a relay lens system is provided between the deflection mirror and the objective lens system. A diffraction grating is provided between the laser source and the deflection mirror. The diffraction grating divides an incident beam into at least 0th order beam and ±1st order diffraction beams having predetermined diffraction angles. Further provided is a detecting system that receives the ±1st order diffraction beams deflected by the deflection mirror and determines a rotational position of the deflection mirror in accordance with the received ±1st order diffraction beams.

Abstract: A device for reading from and/or writing to optical recording media, including a beam generator, a focus device, which focuses the beam generated onto the optical recording medium at a focal point, a displacement device, which displaces the position of the focal point on the recording medium in accordance with a first direction of movement in dependence on an actuating signal, and a detector, which detects a beam reflected from the optical recording medium and outputs a regulating signal to a regulator. The regulator generates an actuating signal for the displacement device. The invention allows a higher data transfer rate to be achieved with an acceptable outlay. This is achieved by a beam influencing device arranged in the beam path and, in dependence on a further actuating signal of the regulator, influences the position of the focal point on the recording medium in accordance with the first direction of movement.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus to expose a photo-sensitive layer formed on a substrate of a recording media is disclosed which comprises an exposure light source; a first means of focusing a light from the light source; an acousto-optic modulator disposed off the focal plane of the first focusing means to modulate the light focused by the first focusing means according to a signal to be recorded; and a second means of focusing the light modulated by the acousto-optic modulator onto the photo-sensitive layer formed on the substrate of the recording media.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a micro machined mirror assembly (.mu.MM) having a plate layer defining a surface micro machined mirror supported at a central axis by two opposed torsional frame members connected to inner edges of a surrounding frame.

Abstract: An optical head for transmission of light between a source of light and a storage location along an optical path that includes at least one offset optical element.

Abstract: A head for a disk drive for reading data from and/or writing data to an optical recording medium, having a slider with a channel surface and an air-bearing surface, an optical clear path through the slider, a solid immersion lens mounted at least partially within the slider, and an objective lens mounted to the slider, such that the distances between the air-bearing surface, the objective, and the solid immersion lens are substantially constant.

Abstract: An optical pickup comprises a semiconductor laser for emitting a light beam, a galvano-mirror for deflecting the light beam, a relay lens interposed between the laser and the mirror, and a condensing optical system for converging the light beam from the galvano-mirror on a storage medium. The condensing optical system includes a parallel flat plate, an imaging lens for changing the light beam from the galvano-mirror into a parallel light beam, a riser mirror for reflecting the parallel light beam, and an objective lens for converging the reflected light beam. The reflective surface of the galvano-mirror and the front focus of the objective lens are associated with each other in conjugate relative positions, which are adjusted by providing the parallel flat plate. The parallel flat plate is selected among prepared ones that have the same refractive index and different thicknesses.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.

Abstract: An optical head emits a plurality of light beams onto an information record medium to perform a recording operation and/or a reproducing operation. The optical head is provided with: a plurality of light source, each outputting one of the light beams; an objective lens for collecting the light beams outputted from the light sources onto the information record medium; an optical element located on the optical path of only one of the light beams; a detector for receiving the light beam from the information record medium and outputting a detection signal; and a generating circuit for generating a drive signal based on the detection signal. The optical head is further provided with a dual-axis actuator for actuating the optical element in an optical axis direction of the light beam and in a substantially perpendicular direction to the optical axis direction in accordance with the drive signal.

Abstract: The objective lens has a numerical aperture NA=0.6 when reproducing a DVD having a thickness of 0.6 mm and NA=0.42 when reproducing a CD having a thickness of 1.2 mm. At a boundary of NA 0.42, a slight stepped portion is formed so as to establish a phase difference. In this case, a designed wavelength is 0.635 .mu.m, and an optimum designed substrate thickness of a central portion is approximately 0.8 mm. While the DVD is reproduced, wave front aberration is on the order of 0.025.lambda., and jitter contained in the reproduction signal of the CD is equivalent to the present jitter. As a consequence, such an objective lens and an optical head with employment of this objective lens are provided, which precisely reproduce signals from the CD having the substrate thickness of 1.2 mm, and the DVD having the substrate thickness of 0.6 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for correcting positional deviation of the light source emitting light beams in an image recording apparatus is disclosed which corrects change of the image size (dimensions of the image) on the photosensitive member due to positional deviations of beam spots on the photosensitive member on account of physical distortions caused by external vibration, temperature change, and the like. Changes in the diameter of detective light beams are measured by photodetecting portions 5.sub.R and 5.sub.L and piezoelectric devices 6a and 6b are driven based on the results of the detection, whereby the semiconductor laser array 1 is moved so that the multiplication b/a for the image size may be kept constant.

Abstract: A head for a disk drive for reading data from and/or writing data to an optical recording medium, having a slider with a channel surface and an air-bearing surface, an optical clear path through the slider, a solid immersion lens mounted at least partially within the slider, and an objective lens mounted to the slider, such that the distances between the air-bearing surface, the objective, and the solid immersion lens are substantially constant.

Abstract: A process and arrangement for tracking and eliminating disturbances which occur in particular while scanning optical information carriers. The invention avoids the inconvenience of disturbance elimination using time-delayed auxiliary beam signals by influencing the auxiliary beams of a scanner working according to a three-beam principle in such a way that they hit the information carrier to be scanned as two auxiliary beams which lie next to each other on the track radius, so that disturbances due to subtraction between the auxiliary light spot signals formed by the auxiliary light spots are eliminated. A birefringent crystal is preferably used in order to direct the auxiliary beams in this manner. The invention is preferably suitable for optical information carrier scanning devices.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface.

Abstract: An optical disk drive has a drive unit for driving a disk and an optical head for focusing a laser beam onto the disk. The optical head has a light source for emitting the laser beam, a galvanomirror for correcting a light passage of the emitted laser beam, and a lens for focusing the laser beam from the galvanomirror onto the disk. The galvanomirror has a rocking portion being electrically chargeable, and one surface of the rocking portion having a reflection surface for reflecting the laser beam. The rocking portion is rockably supported by first end portions of supporting portions. Second end portions of the supporting portions are connected to a second plate (fixing portion). The second plate has an opposed portion opposed to the other surface of the rocking portion with a predetermined gap interposed. Electrically chargeable electrodes are provided on the opposed portion of the second plate, for electrostatically driving the rocking portion thereby reflecting the laser beam at a desired angle.

Abstract: A compact disk read-only-memory (CD-ROM) data handling system for reading data from a CD by employing a CD drive which is controlled by a computer through an CD-interface to operate at several reading speeds. The CD-ROM data handling system includes a read-error management program executed by the computer for managing a read error. The read-error management program issuing a speed control command through the CD-interface for reducing the CD drive to a lower speed for reading the CD-ROM again at a lower speed whereby the read error is more likely to be prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the read-error management program is provided to automatically issue the speed control command to reduce the CD drive to a lower speed when a read-error occurs. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the read-error management program is provided to receive a user input for issuing the speed control command to reduce the CD drive to a lower speed when a read-error occurs.

Abstract: In an optical head unit, a reflection mirror for reflecting a light beam emitted from a laser element to an optical disk is rotated about a predetermined point which is on one of an extended portion of a first optical axis extending between the laser element and the mirror and an extended portion of a second optical axis extending between the mirror and the optical disk. A center of gravity of a movable section of the mirror is located closer to the optical disk than a reflection point of a reflection surface of the mirror, which intersects the first optical axis and the second optical axis and at the same time is located more remote from the laser element than the reflection point. Alternatively, the center of gravity of the movable section is located closer to the laser element than the reflection point and more remote from the optical disk than the reflection point.

Abstract: An optical beam recording device for performing image recording by focusing a plurality of light beams modulated according to an image signal through a focusing optical system onto a photosensitive member, including a light source having a plurality of arrayed light emitting portions for emitting the plurality of light beams; a light detecting device located at a given position for detecting a detecting light beam of the plurality of light beams; and a control device for controlling a focused condition of the plurality of light beams on the photosensitive drum according to a result of detection of the detecting light beam by the light detecting device. With this arrangement, shift of a focal position can be detected with high accuracy without increasing a response speed of the light detecting device and inviting the complication of configuration.

Abstract: An optical reading device has projection optics which have an optical axis and focus light emitted by a light source present in a reading head, and having light receiving optics, arranged horizontally with respect to the optical axis, for receiving light focused by the projection optics and reflected back from an object. The light source can be displaced along the optical axis, relative to the projection optics, in order, during the scanning of pattern originals, to be able to change the size of the scanning light point in accordance with the original structure, without a displacement of the light receiving optics being necessary.

Abstract: An optical beam scanning apparatus comprises: an beam source emitting an optical beam; a deflector deflecting the optical beam around a center line with a deflection angle .theta. radians in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the center line at a constant angular velocity d.theta./dt; a lens system, having a focal length f in the main scanning direction, for focusing the optical beam on a recording plane perpendicular to the center line to form and scanning a beam spot on the recording plane at a constant speed in the main scanning direction, wherein the lens system refracts the optical beam from the deflection means such that the constant speed is larger than f.multidot.d.theta./dt. An emitting angle from the lens system is larger than the deflection angle by the deflector. The deflector comprises a polygon mirror unit. The lens system may have a function to compensate a surface inclination in the polygon mirror unit.

Abstract: An imaging system for forming multiple image exposure frames on a photoconductive member moving in a process direction including a raster output scanner forming a plurality of scanlines in a transverse direction across the width of the member by reflecting modulated beams from a plurality of facets of a rotating polygon. Hall effect magnetic sensors mounted with respect to a motor driving the polygon provide a first speed control of the polygon with the laser in a not ready or an off state and start of scan signals detecting the beginning of a scan line provide a second speed control of the polygon with the laser in an on or ready state. Circuitry or control code responds to the SOS signals and the magnetic sensors to dynamically switch between the first speed control and the second speed control.

Abstract: A scanning device for repeatedly scanning a scanning surface of a record carrier (e.g., a tape) by means of a first and a second scanning spot produced by respective scanning beams. The scanning spots perform synchronous movements along a first and a second scanning path, respectively, having different given scanning directions, as a result of which, the distance, viewed in a direction transverse to the scanning paths, between the first and the second scanning spot changes during scanning. The scanning device can be used in a recording and/or read apparatus which further includes a detection system for converting radiation emanating from the second scanning spot into a corresponding detection signal, and a measurement circuit which derives a position measurement signal indicative of deviation of track pitch based on a deviation in a relationship between the detection signal and a reference signal indicative of the position of the first scanning spot on the first scanning path.

Abstract: A linearly polarized light beam emitted from a first coherent light source is focused, as a primary beam, onto a preparation via an objective lens. A subsidiary beam emitted from a second coherent light source is a linearly polarized light beam having a plane of polarization perpendicular to that of the primary beam. The subsidiary beam is focused onto the above preparation as a double-humped beam having a center in the same position as that of the primary beam. The principal portion of the subsidiary beam is equal in size to that of the primary beam. The preparation is scanned with the two beams being superimposed on each other. After transmitted by the preparation, the two beams are separated into the primary beam and the subsidiary beam again upon passing through a second polarizing beam splitter so that they are detected individually by first and second optical detectors.

Abstract: In an optical pickup using a three beam tracking method a laser light source generates laser beams of a main beam for reading out data from a data recording medium, a movable first guide beam and a movable second guide beam. These three pre-separated laser beams are incident upon the data recording medium and then reflected therefrom. The beam passes through a lens group to read out information recorded in the data recording medium. A light-receiving element receives a part of the reflected beam from the data recording medium for detecting tracking errors. According to this optical pickup having the laser light source generating three separated laser beams, when an azimuth angle in the three beam tracking method changes continuously, phases of the first and the second guide beam with respect to the track are maintained constantly, so that an amplitude of the tracking error signal can be maintained uniformly.

Abstract: A rotary actuator utilizing a magnetically biased bearing. A magnetized rotor is held in close proximity to a ferromagnetic mount. The magnetic flux created by the magnetic rotor through the ferromagnetic mount creates a magnetic bias force on the rotor bearing surface. The rotary actuator with the magnetically biased bearing rotates a mounted mirror to direct a reading laser beam to act as a fine tracking actuator within an optical data storage system.