Hybrid recording on bit-patterned media using a near-field optical head

We have demonstrated hybrid recording on magnetic bit-patterned media by a near-field optical head with plasmon probe. The near-field plasmon probe "nanobeak" that uses a triangular metallic plate with a three-dimensionally tapered apex can provide a highly efficient optical spot as small as 16 nm x 20 nm. The bit-patterned media consist of a Co (0.3 nm)/Pd (0.7 nm) multilayer of 20-nm-thick magnetic nanodots each with a diameter of 20 nm and a period of 30 nm. We confirmed magnetic single-dot recording on the Co/Pd bit-patterned media. Hybrid recording simulation results suggest that hybrid recording on bit-patterned media can achieve significant data-density recording, even when the magnetic dot size is less than 5 nm. For practical use, we made a prototype of nanodot circularly aligned Co/Pd bit-patterned media, and also demonstrated light delivery method using either solid immersion optics or an optical fiber.