Optical reproducing and recording method, recording medium, and optical device

An optical reproducing and recording method comprising the steps of:

• emitting a light beam onto a mask layer which is formed on a substrate containing a sample having information and which increases free electrons due to light or heat;
• and
• reproducing or recording the information by interaction between said sample and a near field which appears around an area of said mask layer, said area having more free electrons.

An optical device comprising:

• a substrate containing a sample having information,
• an optical system for recording or reproducing said information being disposed so as to emit a light beam to said sample, and
• a mask layer, in which transmittance of light is reduced by said light beam, is disposed so as to form a near field in said sample by using said light beam, the mask layer being made of a material showing a thermo-optical effect in which transmittance of light is reduced in accordance with an increase in temperature, or a material showing a thermo-optical effect in which transmittance of light is reduced only in an area receiving a large amount of light.

An optical device comprising:

• a substrate containing a sample having information,
• an optical system for recording or reproducing said information being disposed so as to emit a light beam to said sample, and
• a mask layer, in which free electrons are increased by said light beam, is disposed so as to form a near field in said sample by said light beam.