Essential Guide to Computer Data Storage: From Floppy to DVD, The

Magnetically Induced Super Resolution (MSR)

MSR is another critically important technology for MO storage and it is also unique to magnetic storage technology and cannot be used in purely optical storage devices. The reason for using MSR is the desire to achieve higher recording density by going with smaller written marks—smaller than is allowed by the diffraction limit of the system (see explanation in Chapter 4). The diffraction limit of the optical system is the function of the numerical aperture (NA) of the objective lens and the wavelength of the laser. The MSR uses a kind of “masking” complete area of the laser spot using the principles of thermomagnetic recording.

There are two parts to MSR: recording of small densely packed bits, and ...