Abstract: Recorded information is reproduced based on the displacement of a domain wall using an optical system having a reproducing optical beam with the beam waist diameter thereof satisfying a condition of 2Wo<900 nm. A sharp temperature distribution is formed in the recording medium, and the speed of displacement of the magnetic wall is increased. Even when a disk rotational speed is increased, a reliable domain wall displacement reproduction is thus accomplished.

Abstract: On a disk-shaped substrate with pits and grooves, a first dielectric layer, a magnetic layer, and a second dielectric layer are formed. A data region used for recording/reproduction includes a plurality of tracks, and is divided into a plurality of segments. Each segment includes a pit region and a groove region. Recording/reproducing tracks are composed of the grooves. Magnetic anisotropy of a magnetic layer positioned on each of lands between the respective recording/reproducing tracks is reduced to a level lower than that of magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic layers positioned on the grooves, so that the recording/reproducing tracks are magnetically separated. On an inner side of an innermost recording/reproducing track and on an outer side of an outermost recording/reproducing track, at least one dummy track is provided, respectively.

Abstract: On a disk-shaped substrate in which a predetermined region ranging in a radial direction is used as a data region for recording/reproduction, a first dielectric layer, a magnetic layer, and a second dielectric layer are provided. The data region includes recording/reproducing tracks composed of a plurality of discontinuous grooves or lands ranging from an innermost track to an outermost track. Magnetic anisotropy of each of magnetic layers positioned between the respective recording/reproducing tracks is reduced to a level lower than that of magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic layers positioned on the recording/reproducing tracks, so that the magnetic layers are magnetically separated only between the recording/reproducing tracks and not magnetically separated in flat portions without grooves. Thus, reflectance is even in the flat portions, thereby allowing tilt detection.

Abstract: Information is recorded on an information recording medium such as a magneto-optical recording medium, having two recording tracks arranged alternately typically in a double spiral manner. The two recording tracks have different recording characteristics and information is firstly recorded on the recording track less liable to cross write, typically on a land section, and subsequently on the recording track more liable to cross write, typically on a groove section.

Abstract: Recorded information is reproduced based on the displacement of a domain wall using an optical system having a reproducing optical beam with the beam waist diameter thereof satisfying a condition of 2 Wo<900 nm. A sharp temperature distribution is formed in the recording medium, and the speed of displacement of the magnetic wall is increased. Even when a disk rotational speed is increased, a reliable domain wall displacement reproduction is thus accomplished.