Nobuyuki Kanto

An optical flying head system that features a dual-stage tracking mechanism for use in high-density MO recording

Much research work has recently been carried out on increasing the recording density on a first-surface optical disk using the combination of a blue-violet laser diode and high-NA lens. In order to achieve higher recording densities for removable magneto-optical (MO) disks, an optical flying head (OFH) with an integrated magnetic field modulation (MFM) coil and high-NA lens has been developed. The combination of the OFH and high-density media technology is expected to lead to an areal density of 100 Gb/in/sup 2/ and a data-transfer rate of 100 Mbps. In this paper, we give an overview of an optical disk system using an OFH that is suitable for use with removable MO media. We also present the structure of a mechanism for high-precision tracking by this system.

Optical Flying Head System that Featuring Dual-Stage Tracking for Use in High-Density Magneto-Optical Recording

An optical flying head having an integrated magnetic field modulation coil and high-numerical aperture (NA) lens has been developed. This component can be used for first-surface magneto-optical (MO) recording with a NA of 0.9 and a wavelength of 405 nm. To achieve highly precise tracking with this system, we developed a track-access mechanism that has a sled positioner and a galvano mirror. The experimental use of a dual-stage control technique resulted in a tracking error of 10 nm.