Information recording/reproducing method, recording carrier and apparatus for recording and/or reproducing information on information recording carrier by use of probe electrode

An information recording/reproducing apparatus for effecting, through a probe electrode, at least one of recording of information on and reproducing information from an information recording medium, an electrical characteristic of which varies by applying a voltage, said apparatus comprising:

• a probe electrode;
• an elastic member for supporting said probe electrode;
• adjusting means for adjusting a spacing between said probe electrode and the recording medium so as to produce a repulsive force between said probe electrode and the recording medium;
• means for effecting a relative movement between said probe electrode and the recording medium such that said probe electrode scans a surface of the recording medium under a state in which said elastic member is elastically deformed by said repulsive force;
• voltage applying means for applying, between said probe electrode and the recording medium, voltages different upon recording the information and upon reproducing the information;
• and
• current detection means for detecting current generated between said probe electrode and the recording medium,
• wherein the recording of information is effected by applying the voltage for recording in accordance with the information and forming a region on the recording medium in which the electric characteristic is changed, and the reproducing of the information recorded on the recording medium is effected by detecting a variation of the current on the basis of the region on the recording medium in which the electric characteristic is changed by said current detection means while applying the voltage for reproducing which is smaller than the voltage for recording.