Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording medium for use in heat assisted magnetic recording comprises an electrically conductive heat sink layer and a plurality of discrete magnetic recording elements positioned adjacent to a first surface of the heat sink layer. Disc drives that include the patterned medium and a method of magnetic recording using the patterned media are also included.

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic device includes a nanoplasmonicly heatable layer having a heating side and a cooling side, the heatable layer including a plurality of localized energy receiving sites; and a cooling structure located adjacent to the cooling side, the cooling structure including a nanoscale structure to remove heat from the heated layer.

Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording medium for use in heat assisted magnetic recording comprises an electrically conductive heat sink layer and a plurality of discrete magnetic recording elements positioned adjacent to a first surface of the heat sink layer. Disc drives that include the patterned medium and a method of magnetic recording using the patterned media are also included.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a data storage medium including a magnetic recording element and an optically active material positioned adjacent to the magnetic recording element, an electric field source for applying an electric field to a portion of the data storage medium, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the data storage medium, and a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the portion of the data storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a data storage medium including a magnetic recording element and an optically active material positioned adjacent to the magnetic recording element, an electric field source for applying an electric field to a portion of the data storage medium, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the data storage medium, and a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the portion of the data storage medium.

Abstract: An optical transducer comprises an optical element for directing an electromagnetic wave to a focal region and a metallic nano-structure having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to an electric field of the electromagnetic wave, the metallic nano-structure being positioned outside of the optical element, wherein the electromagnetic wave produces surface plasmons on the metallic nano-structure. A cladding material having a refractive index differing from the refractive index of the optical element can be positioned adjacent to a surface of the metallic nano-structure. Magneto-optical recording heads that include the transducers and disc drives that include the magneto-optical recording heads are also included.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head comprises a write pole having a pole tip adjacent to an air bearing surface, a return pole, a near field transducer positioned adjacent to the air bearing surface for producing near field radiation for heating a portion of a magnetic storage medium, wherein a thermal profile of the portion of the magnetic storage medium has a maximum gradient at a location subject to a magnetic write field produced by the write pole. A disc drive that includes the magnetic recording head and a method of recording using the magnetic recording head are also provided.

Abstract: A patterned magnetic recording medium for use in heat assisted magnetic recording comprises an electrically conductive heat sink layer and a plurality of discrete magnetic recording elements positioned adjacent to a first surface of the heat sink layer. Disc drives that include the patterned medium and a method of magnetic recording using the patterned media are also included.