Recording method and medium for optical near-field writing and magnetic flux reading

Abstract

A recording method including a read/write optical assembly combining near-field optical writing and magnetic flux reading is invented. The multi-layer structure and properties of media suitable for this recording method is disclosed. Near-field optical writing (such as solid immersion lens, SIL) with/without external magnetic field can shrink the size of the recorded spot substantially. The GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive) or TMR (Tunneling Magneto-Resistive) device has the advantage of high-resolution for sensing magnetic flux. Taking advantage of both devices, a new high-density data recording system, which consists of near-field optical writing and magnetic flux detection, can be developed. Thus, areal recording density of the re-writable optical disk can be increased substantially.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.