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Abstract

An optical recording medium includes: a substrate on which information is recorded as phase pits, and a polarization state varying layer for rotating a polarization state of a light beam irradiated thereon in accordance with a temperature distribution caused by irradiation of the light beam. A device for reproducing information recorded on the optical recording medium includes: light irradiation unit for irradiating a read-out light beam to produce a light spot on the optical recording medium so that a light intensity of the light beam at a first portion of the light spot is higher than a predetermined level, separation unit for separating a component of light beam having a predetermined polarization state from a light beam reflected by the optical recording medium, light receiving unit for receiving the light beam separated by said separation means and generating read-out signal, and reproducing unit for reproducing information recorded on the optical recording medium on the basis of the read-out signal.

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First Claim