New Magnetic Recording Method Using Laser Assisted Read/Write Technologies

Abstract

We have developed a new magnetic recording method which is kind of a fusion technology of optical recording and magnetic one. Ferrimagnetic rare-earth transition metal (RE-TM) alloys whose magnetic compensation temperatures are around room temperature are employed for magnetic recording materials. Their unique temperature dependence of the magnetic properties is essential to the new method. Laser assisted writing brings about a narrow track width, compared with a magnetic head width. Laser assisted reading is capable of detecting leakage flux from only the heated area with less crosstalk of neighboring tracks. We found that this new magnetic read/write method is functioning successfully.