A tape loading device for loading a tape from a first state, in which the tape is mounted on a chassis, to a second state, in which a tape running path is formed as a result of a tape guide post pulling out and winding the tape at a prescribed position is provided. A total sum signal of signals is generated at the photodetector for receiving signals reproduced from the optical information recording medium, and a radial position of the pickup is obtained from the number of pulses in the total sum signal to thereby allow the pickup to move to an arbitrary radial position. The precursor element may be over coated with a resilient material. Other embodiments are described and claimed. A defined drive pattern is memorized in the higher-order control. The first test material layer and the blocking layer are selectively removed from a second site isolated region followed by depositing a second test material layer as another blanket layer, which forms an interface with the base layer in the second region only.