Abstract: An object of the invention is to write-once record and reproduce, or only reproduce, a mark smaller than the resolution limit; obtain a high level of reproduction performance (CNR and the like); and realize a high level of reproduction durability. In the invention, between a signal reproducing functional layer composed of Sb or Te and a protecting layer there is introduced a thermally stable diffusion preventing layer, and thereby reactions between the signal reproducing functional layer and the protecting layer due to increased temperature can be prevented or suppressed while increasing reproduction durability.

Abstract: When a method for increasing density by providing a tracking guide such as a land/groove and introducing a plurality of strings of super-resolution pits into one track thereof is applied to a reproduction-dedicated optical disk, there are problems in that the production cost is increased, the structure is complicated, and the space which can be used for a recording pits is narrowed because of the land/groove structure. In the invention, a concept of group tracking is applied. One track is formed by a plurality of pit strings having a size not greater than the optical resolution limit in the radial direction and a size not less than or not greater than the optical resolution limit or only not greater than the optical resolution limit in the tangential direction.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to write-once record and reproduce, or only reproduce, a mark smaller than the resolution limit; obtain a high level of reproduction performance (CNR and the like); and realize a high level of reproduction durability. In the invention, between a signal reproducing functional layer composed of Sb or Te and a protecting layer there is introduced a thermally stable diffusion preventing layer, and thereby reactions between the signal reproducing functional layer and the protecting layer due to increased temperature can be prevented or suppressed while increasing reproduction durability.

Abstract: An optical near-field generating element is provided with: a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light; and a dielectric film placed in close contact with the micro opening. Alternatively, an optical near-field generating element is provided with a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of lights emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light, the shielding member equipped with: a main portion for defining a basic shape of the micro opening; and a protrusion portion protruding from the main portion toward the center of the micro opening.

Abstract: In an optical recording medium having a super-resolution layer structure using near-field light, comprising a readout layer 3 for forming a light scattering region 9 in the center portion of a laser spot, and a recording layer 5 for receiving near-field light 10 generated from the light scattering region 9 of the readout layer 3, scattering bodies 61 for increasing the generated near-field light are provided while enhancing a scattering effect of the near-field light 10 applied to a mark 51 of the recording layer 5.

Abstract: An optical near-field generating element is provided with: a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light; and a dielectric film placed in close contact with the micro opening. Alternatively, an optical near-field generating element is provided with a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of lights emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light, the shielding member equipped with: a main portion for defining a basic shape of the micro opening; and a protrusion portion protruding from the main portion toward the center of the micro opening.

Abstract: An optical near-field generating element is provided with: a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light; and a dielectric film placed in close contact with the micro opening. Alternatively, an optical near-field generating element is provided with a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of lights emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light, the shielding member equipped with: a main portion for defining a basic shape of the micro opening; and a protrusion portion protruding from the main portion toward the center of the micro opening.

Abstract: An optical near-field generating element is provided with: a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light; and a dielectric film placed in close contact with the micro opening. Alternatively, an optical near-field generating element is provided with a light shielding member, which is placed on an optical path of lights emitted from a light source, for defining a micro opening having a diameter equal to or shorter than a wavelength of the light, the shielding member equipped with: a main portion for defining a basic shape of the micro opening; and a protrusion portion protruding from the main portion toward the center of the micro opening.

Abstract: In an optical recording medium having a super-resolution layer structure using near-field light, comprising a readout layer 3 for forming a light scattering region 9 in the center portion of a laser spot, and a recording layer 5 for receiving near-field light 10 generated from the light scattering region 9 of the readout layer 3, scattering bodies 61 for increasing the generated near-field light are provided while enhancing a scattering effect of the near-field light 10 applied to a mark 51 of the recording layer 5.

Abstract: The optical recording medium includes: an information recording substrate; and pits formed on the information recording substrate, each of the pits corresponding to a recording information unit comprising a plurality of bits, and having one of predetermined patterns for respectively generating different optical characteristics by projecting a light spot onto the pits.