During recording operations, decay processing is performed with regard to
reflected light information signals (I1 and I2) during periods wherein
the laser output is recording power which is comparatively high level, i.e., wherein
data pits are being formed on the disk, and during recording operations, decay
processing is not performed with regard to reflected light information signals
during periods wherein the laser output is reproducing power which is comparatively
low level, i.e., wherein the pits are not being formed on the disk. Accordingly,
address information can be extracted in a stable manner while recording.