An optical recording medium includes a recording and reading layer that is previously staked or formed afterward and has no concavo-convex pattern for tracking control, and a servo layer in which a concavo-convex pattern or a groove for tracking control is formed. The apparatus includes a quantum absorber that is irradiated by radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source. A make-up hydrogen stream may also be compressed in the recycle gas compressor. The broad band light source 10 can be pulse modulated 68 to provide temporally separate light pulses 92 94 through each of the narrow band filters 28 30, measured at separate times. As the first clamp member and the second clamp member are moved together, a distance between the conductive piercing member and the second clamp member is reduced.