Patent ID: 6104687
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
An optical recording system for recording on an optical recording medium, which processes light from a light source, the system comprising:a focusing lens that focuses light generated by the light source to form a focused beam of light directed toward the recording medium;a first coupling medium disposed between the focusing lens and the optical recording medium, the first coupling medium having a refractive index greater than one; and a second coupling medium disposed between the first coupling medium and at least one portion of the optical recording medium, the second coupling medium being transparent and having a refractive index greater than one, the second coupling medium being separable from both the recording medium and the first coupling medium; whereinthe first coupling medium is a solid lens, and wherein the second coupling medium includes a fluid bearing that is disposed between and in physical contact with the solid lens and the recording medium; and whereinthe solid lens includes means for maintaining the integrity of the fluid bearing despite relative movement between the solid lens and the recording medium.