A method and apparatus for receiving and processing a DS-CDMA signal in accordance with a two-stage process. If authentication of the user is successful, the user is enabled to perform the operation. In one position, the glass fiber core of the section of the fiber is protected from damages by a fiber sheathing. The first and second prism members are cemented together with a holographic element interposed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. Base metal plating or noble metal plating 33 exhibiting etching solution resistance is provided as a lowermost layer of the plating mask 38, 39.