Near-field Optical Data Storage Using a Plano-Convex Solid Immersion Mirror with a Small Aperture

Abstract

We developed a new solid immersion mirror (SIM) for near-field optical data storage. The SIM has plano-convex shape similar to a single lens. Through an aperture of ∼300 nm in diameter on the focal point of the SIM surface, bit-data recording onto a photochromic thin film was realized. Size of the written spot was ∼300 nm, the same as the aperture diameter. This was the first report of writing data using a SIM with a small aperture.