A method and apparatus for reproducing signals stored on a carrier in the form of undulations corresponding to the signals, the undulations generally being formed as a spiral groove. The undulations on the carrier are moved past a suitable radiation source, such as a light source, and the density of the radiation emanating from the undulations, which is a function of the curvature of the undulation, is detected by a suitable radiation detecting means after it passes through a suitable slit aperture arranged at a predetermined distance from the carrier surface, so that variations in the density are a function of the undulations. The undulations may be either frequency or phase modulated with respect to the signal and their amplitude can be modified as a function of their recorded wavelength in such a manner that the curved surface portions of the undulations have nearly the same focal length for all occurring wavelengths. The carrier can have at least one recording surface in which is formed a groove having a trapezoidal cross section and having its bottom surface provided with the undulations.
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