First Order Beams Main Beam

(Tracking) (Data Readout & Focus)

disc A,B,C,D

Label Side Track direction in/out of diagram

E F 1.2 mm

Readout Side
Objective Focus Coil
Information Lens
Layer (Pits) Tracking Coil moves
Permanent
side-side, not shown
N N Magnets
(T+,T-)
S S
Sled Movement F+
(S+,S-) F-
Quarter Wave Plate

Diffraction Grating
Laser Diode Package Collimating
Lens

LD
PD
COM
Turning Mirror

Laser Diode
Photodiode
Polarizing Beam Splitter
(Laser Power Return Beams
Control) Cylindrical Lens (at 45 degree angle)

Phododiode Array
Note: Commercial pickups may (Data Readout,
Focus, Tracking)
combine required functions into
fewer components. Focus Error = (A+D)-(B+C)
A B
E F Tracking Error = E-F
C D

General Three-Beam Optical Pickup Organization