Nanofocusing recording probe for an optical disk memory

We discuss the optical aspects of nanofocusing recording probes. In this paper we also consider the aberration conditions for a higher-density disk memory. Optical modules, comprising a micro-lens with a nano-probe, have been designed. The obtained design configurations are shown using ray trace modelling and wave-optics analysis. The optical recording head discussed in this paper is a module of convex micro-lenses aligned with a pyramidal prism probe array which is under fabrication on both sides of a thin GaP substrate using the same production method. We present the technological and residual aberrations with computed tolerances. The results obtained in this research are intended for near-field optical heads. These nanofocusing data are quite similar to the published values of the previous optical memory system.