Proposal of a near-field optical head using a new solid immersion mirror

A new near-field optical head using a hemi-paraboloidal solid immersion mir ror (PIP-SIM) is proposed. The possibility of diffraction-limited focusing with the HP-SIM is ascertained with a simulation. The elimination of the me chanical servo from the head is demonstrated, which makes it possible for t he height and weight of the head to be less than 1 mm and 1 g, respectively and comparable to the magnetic head of HDDs. The succeeding generations of optical heads with slits or apertures are also proposed for higher density recording. These heads are especially suitable for optically assisted magn etic recording.