Patent ID: 8351306
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
1. A near field optical head for generating near field light from an introduced light flux to heat a magnetic recording medium rotating in a fixed direction and for causing magnetization reversal by giving a recording magnetic field perpendicular to the magnetic recording medium to record information, the near field optical head characterized by comprising: a slider provided so as to face a surface of the magnetic recording medium; a recording element having a main magnetic pole for generating the recording magnetic field and an auxiliary magnetic pole and fixed to a top end surface of a slider so that the both magnetic poles would be in line in a longitudinal direction of the slider with the auxiliary magnetic pole being located on a top end surface side of the slider; a light flux transmission element having a core formed from a flat surface and a curved surface into the shape of a half column for reflecting the light flux introduced from one end side in the core to transmit the light flux to the other end side and a cladding closely adhered to the core for confining therein the core with the other end side of the core being exposed at least to the outside, the light flux transmission element being fixed adjacently to the main magnetic pole so that the other end side would be faced to the magnetic recording medium while the flat surface would be faced to the main magnetic pole; a metal film formed at least on the curved surface in the vicinity of the other end side for generating near field light from the light flux having been transmitted in the core and localizing the generated near field light on a field surface between the metal film and the curved surface; and a light flux introducing means fixed to the slider so as to be provided parallel to the slider for introducing the light flux having a polarizing direction adjusted into a straight direction substantially perpendicular to the flat surface from the one end side into the core, wherein the main magnetic pole has a top end bending toward a core side and is exposed to the other end side while being embedded in the core.