Patent ID: 6166756
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A device for writing data to a target surface of a piece of media whose structure can be modified by impingement of light, comprising:a base element with a light source, light guides, optical switches, multiple output apertures, and at least one beam dump interconnected such that light from said light source is selectively conveyed to said multiple output apertures and to said at least one beam dump;said multiple output apertures being arranged relative to said target surface such that light emitted from said multiple output apertures impinges on said target surface;a controller connectable to receive data signals;said controller being connected to control said switches; andsaid controller being programmed to control said switches to selectively convey light to said multiple output apertures and said at least one beam dump such that said light is impinged on said target surface in such a way as to result in a modulation of said surface that represent said data signals.