A laser waveform generation function is provided in a laser driving waveform
generator
2 near a laser 3. A recording clock generator 9 is included
in the laser driving waveform generator 2 to generate a clock with a frequency
higher than that of a synchronizing clock 202. This allows a recording laser
current (waveform) to be generated without transmission of a high frequency signal
from the modulator 6. Further, because the synchronizing clock 202 is
stopped upon a reproduction operation including reproduction operation in an ID
unit, undesired effects on a reproduction operation such as ID reproduction can
be reduced. Because the response speed of the recording clock generator 9 can
be changed, a high precision clock can be generated. Thus, a high-precision recording
laser current (waveform) can be generated.