Abstract: A magneto-optic recording system includes a scanning wheel head around which is wound a magneto-optic recording tape in spiral fashion. A first magnetic pole piece surrounds the tape outward of the wheel. A second pole piece extends between an aperture on the wheel opposite the tape to a point proximate the first pole piece and is coupled to source of magnetic flux. A light source is directed from inside the wheel toward the aperture and thus to the tape. The wheel, second pole piece, flux source and light source rotate together relative to the tape to direct a magnetic field to successive points of incidence on the tape.

Abstract: A magneto-optic disc recording system includes an E-shaped electromagnet for providing magnetic biasing selectively for the recording and erasing processes. The middle arm of the E comprises a first pole piece and is positioned radially with respect to the disc rotation, on the opposite side of the disc from, but aligned with, the path of radial motion of the focused recording/erasing light beam. The other arms of the E, parallel to the middle arm, comprise second pole pieces opposite in polarity from the first pole piece, and are positioned adjacent the disc recording surface on the opposite side of the disc from the middle arm. Two shoes of a magnetic material, coupled to the optical translation stage, provide a magnetic circuit between the respective second pole pieces and the area surrounding the objective lens focusing light on the disc recording surface, relaying a substantially vertical magnetic field through the disc at the point of incidence of the focused light beam.