Optical recording/reproducing apparatus

摘要

An optical recording/reproduction apparatus records and reproduces information onto and from an associated recording medium by use of light from a light source. The apparatus includes a lens capable of generating an evanescent wave which is disposed in a light path from the light source to the recording medium, and a partial beam light intercepter for intercepting at least part of the light passing through the lens without contributing to generation of the evanescent wave. The light intercepter blocks the center part of a laser beam incident to the evanescent wave generating lens, thus reshaping it into a beam of hollow annular cross-section. This improves the optical resolution of the record/reproduction apparatus.