Directly overwrite information by using two radiation beams onto a single magneto-optical recording

摘要

Apparatus is disclosed for the direct overwriting of an optical storage medium having a magneto-optical recording layer. The apparatus includes a condensing lens for focusing radiation from first and second radiation sources on a first and a second region respectively of the recording layer, wherein a region illuminated by the first radiation source is thereafter illuminated by the second radiation source. First and second magnets are provided. The first magnet is proximate the first radiation beam and has a first magnetic pole proximate the first region without contacting the storage medium. The second magnet is proximate the second radiation beam and has a magnetic pole opposite the first magnetic pole proximate the second region. The first magnet and the first radiation beam are selected to provide a first orientation of magnetic domains in the magneto-optical recording layer. The second magnet and the second radiation beam are selected to provide a second orientation of magnetic domains in the storage medium.