First and second phase function curves are respectively obtained based on
first and second phase functions with a wavelength having the same value
as a reference wavelength .lamda.1 of a first laser light being
determined as a designed wavelength .lamda., a phase shift element then
has an inner circular side tiered phase difference pattern portion formed
in annular shapes in an inner circular area on one surface thereof based
on the first phase function curve and an outer circular side tiered phase
difference pattern portion formed in annular shapes in an outer circular
area outside the inner circular side tiered phase difference pattern
portion based on the second phase function curve. A tier pitch of tiers
of the inner circular side tiered phase difference pattern portion is set
to a height corresponding to a phase difference of approximately 1.lamda.
and, on the other hand, a tier pitch of tiers of the outer circular side
tiered phase difference pattern portion is set to a height corresponding
to a phase difference of approximately m.lamda. (where m is a natural
number which does not include 0) or a height corresponding to a phase
difference of approximately m.lamda. by changing a value of m in
accordance with each tier.