A device for reading and/or writing a record carrier (13), the device comprising converging means (35, 45, 47, 106, 108) for focusing a radiation beam (27, 101) originating from a radiation source (25) on the record carrier (13). The converging means comprises polarization means (103) and a diffraction grating (107) of birefringent material. Dependent on the direction of polarization, the radiation beam (101) is focused on one of two possible surfaces corresponding to DVD and DVR, respectively. A diffraction grating (107) is present in a central area of the radiation beam (101) and causes diffraction of a first order for one direction of polarization of the radiation beam (101) and diffraction of a second, higher, order for a second direction of polarization of the radiation beam (101). The diffraction grating (107) is made of birefringent material.