<p>An optical pickup device for reproducing and recording information from and in an optical information recording medium is disclosed which comprises a light source for emitting a light flux having wavelengths of 200-700 nm and a light intensity distribution that is generally a Gaussian distribution, a light intensity distribution converting device for changing the light flux incoming from the light source into one having a desired light intensity distribution wherein the intensity of the outgoing light passing through the outermost portion of the effective diameter is within 45-95% of the intensity of the outgoing light passing through the light axis portion, and an objective optical device for focusing the light flux coming out of the light intensity distribution converting device on the information recording surface of the optical information recording medium.</p>
