Near-field magneto-optics and high density data storage

• Published in: Applied physics letters Vol. 61; no. 2; pp. 142 - 144
• Main Authors: BETZIG, E, TRAUTMAN, J. K, WOLFE, R, GYORGY, E. M, FINN, P. L, KRYDER, M. H, CHANG, C.-H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melville, NY American Institute of Physics 13-07-1992
• Subjects: Conventional optical microscopes; Exact sciences and technology; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Optical instruments, equipment and techniques; Physics; Near field; Scanning microscope; Optical microscopy; High density; Magnetooptical recording; Magnetic domain; Data storage
• ISSN: 0003-6951; 1077-3118
• DOI: 10.1063/1.108198

Near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) has been used to image and record domains in thin-film magneto-optic (MO) materials. In the imaging mode, resolution of 30–50 nm has been consistently obtained, whereas in the recording mode, domains down to ∼60 nm have been written reproducibly. Data densities of ∼45 Gbits/in.2 have been achieved, well in excess of current magnetic or MO technologies. A brief analysis of speed and other issues indicates that the technique may represent a viable alternative to these and other methods for anticipated high density data storage needs.