Abstract: A magnetic recording device is provided according to the present invention for magnetic recording on a recording medium. The magnetic recording device includes a planar waveguide having a propagation axis. The planar waveguide allows light received thereby to propagate along the propagation axis. The magnetic recording device further includes a magnetic pole having a yoke disposed adjacent the planar waveguide and a pole tip extending into the planar waveguide along the propagation axis. By extending the pole tip into, and incorporating it with, the planar waveguide, the light propagating through the planar waveguide and a magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic pole are co-locatable on a recording medium disposed adjacent the magnetic recording device.