Abstract: A composite micro-lens for use in an optical or magneto-optical information storage system, made up of one or more lens elements which, when coupled in assembly, provide a desired numerical aperture. The design may provide, if necessary, a photo resist lens, a shaped ball lens, or one or more contoured surfaces within the composite construction to correct for aberrations. The composite lens designed in this manner allowing for the use of wafer-level assembly processes to provide high volume production capabilities. It is further intended that this micro-lens design support integration in an optical or magneto-optical head design.

Abstract: A magneto-optical flying head utilizes a steerable mirror in combination with a light source and a lens to write and read data onto a magneto-optical storage disk. A beam of laser light transmitted from the light source to the optical head is reflected onto a steerable micro-machined folding mirror. The reflected light from the folding mirror is directed through an embedded micro-objective GRIN lens. Fine tracking and short seeks to adjacent tracks are performed by rotating the mirror about an axis of rotation. In this way a focus spot is scanned back and forth in a direction which is approximately parallel to the radial direction of the storage disk.