Abstract: An apparatus for producing an optical spot on the order of 25 nm in a recording media. The apparatus includes an optical transducer comprising a waveguide which defines an aperture adjacent to an air bearing surface of the transducer adjacent a recording media. The transducer includes a protrusion extending beyond the plane of the air bearing surface extending toward the recording media.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a condenser for directing electromagnetic radiation to a focal point, the condenser comprising a first interface on a first side of a longitudinal axis for directing a first plurality of rays of the electromagnetic radiation to a focal point and a second interface on a second side of the longitudinal axis for directing a second plurality of rays of the electromagnetic radiation to the focal point, wherein the first and second interfaces are shaped such that at the focal point, the second plurality of rays are about 180° out of phase with respect to the first plurality of rays.

Abstract: A device for writing data to a recording medium and a method for fabricating the device is presented. According to one embodiment, the device includes an electrical conductor having a cross-track portion, wherein the cross-track portion includes first and second opposing surfaces, and wherein the cross-track portion defines an aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface. The device also includes a dielectric portion disposed in the aperture such that the dielectric portion defines a ridge waveguide having a lowest-order mode cut-off frequency that is less than the frequency of incident optical energy used to heat the recording medium.