Patent ID: 6483650
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An integrated optical element used for an optical pickup for carrying out recording and/or reproduction of signals by irradiating a signal recording surface of an optical disc with a light beam, comprising:a light source for emitting the light beam; a photodetector having a light-receiving section for receiving a return light beam reflected by the signal recording surface of the optical disc; a package member for housing the light source and the photodetector therein; an optical member arranged on the package member for transmitting the light beam emitted from the light source and for transmitting the return light beam directed toward the photodetector; and optical path branching means integrally formed with the optical member for separating the optical path of the light beam emitted from the light source and the optical path of the return light beam directed toward the photodetector; the optical path branching means having at least two diffraction areas for diffracting the return light beam reflected by the signal recording surface of the optical disc, into different directions, respectively, the boundary between the diffraction areas being inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction corresponding to the direction of radius of the optical disc; at least one light-receiving section of the photodetector being divided into a portion for receiving a return light beam diffracted by one diffraction area of the optical path branching means and a portion for receiving a return light beam diffracted by the other diffraction area.