Apparatus and method for producing a small spot of optical energy

An apparatus comprising:

• a pyramidal structure having four substantially flat sides converging to a point;
• a first material lying adjacent to an exterior of each of the sides and having a first index of refraction;
• a second material lying adjacent to an interior of each of the sides and having a second index of refraction;
• and
• a metallic pin positioned adjacent to the point.

An apparatus comprising:

• a conical structure having a first refractive index;
• a layer of material on a surface of the conical structure, the material having a second refractive index, lower than the first refractive index;
• a metal layer positioned on the layer of material;
• and
• a metallic pin positioned adjacent to a point of the conical structure.

A recording head comprising:

• a magnetic write pole;
• a planar waveguide positioned adjacent to the magnetic write pole, the planar waveguide being shaped to direct a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave to a focal point within the waveguide;
• and
• a metallic pin positioned at the focal point.

A disc drive comprising:

• means for rotating a storage medium;
• and
• means for positioning a recording head adjacent to a surface of the storage medium;
• wherein the recording head comprises a magnetic write pole, a planar waveguide positioned adjacent to the magnetic write pole, the planar waveguide being shaped to direct a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave to a focal point within the waveguide, and a metallic pin positioned at the focal point.