Apparatus for recording and reproducing optical information and prism coupler

摘要

An apparatus for recording and reproducing optical information includes an optical integration detecting element arranged on an optical path of light from a laser beam source to an optical information recording medium. The optical integration detecting element has an optical waveguide layer formed on a substrate; a photodetector connected to the optical waveguide layer; a first gap layer formed on the optical waveguide layer and having a refractive index lower than that of the optical waveguide layer; a second gap layer formed on the first gap layer and having an opening portion and a refractive index lower than that of the optical waveguide layer; an adhesive layer having a refractive index higher than that of the optical waveguide layer and adhered to the first gap layer such that the opening portion of the second gap layer is filled with the adhesive layer; and a prism adhesively fixed to an upper portion of the adhesive layer and constructed by a dielectric substance having a refractive index higher than that of the optical waveguide layer.