Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium is disclosed in which magnetic layer has a multi-layer structure consisting of an artificial lattice film constituted by a Co layer and a Pt layer and/or a Pd layer stacked together and a rare earth-transition metal layer. High coercivity may be achieved by the rare earth-transition metal film whilst a satisfactory Kerr rotation angle in the short wavelength range may be assured by the artificial lattice film. The magneto-optical recording medium may cope with the next-generation high density recording employing a short wavelength laser.

Abstract: A super-resolution magneto-optical recording medium has a reproducing layer, an in-plane magnetization layer and a recording layer. The reproducing layer and the recording layer are magnetostatically coupled, and each of the layers is made of a rare-earth transition-metal alloy which has a greater transition-metal sublattice moment than the compensation composition, and exhibits perpendicular magnetization, if it exists alone. At a temperature not more than the Curie temperature, the in-plane magnetization layer is exchange-coupled with the reproducing layer so as to allow the reproducing layer to exhibit in-plane magnetization. Since the reproducing layer is allowed to exhibit in-plane magnetization by the in-plane magnetization layer, it is not necessary to use a material containing a greater rare-earth metal sublattice moment as the reproducing layer.

Abstract: An optical recording medium, optical recording method with use of it, and optical recording device for it comprise at least one magnetic layer on a substrate, the magnetic layer having a temperature Tco at which sizes of domains of the magnetic layer is sharply shrunk or expanded with temperature, thereby being capable of writing and reproducing high-density information formed of smaller domains than an optical spot diameter in a high signal quality.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium comprises: a readout magnetic film which is perpendicular magneto-anisotropy in a temperature range higher than room temperature and less than a second temperature Tsw2, and is in-plane magneto-anisotropy in a temperature range equal to or more than the second temperature Tsw2; an intermediate magnetic film which is in-plane magneto-anisotropy in a temperature range higher than the room temperature; and a recording magnetic film which is perpendicular magneto-anisotropy for holding recording magnetic domains. When the coercive force of the readout magnetic film is Hc, the exchange coupled force between the readout magnetic film and the recording magnetic film is Hs, and the readout magnetic field is Hr, in a temperature range equal to or higher than room temperature and less than a first temperature Tsw1 which is higher than room temperature and is lower than the second temperature Tsw2, a first relation .vertline.Hr.vertline.>.vertline.Hs+Hc.vertline.

Abstract: A sensing section reads the dot codes by optically scanning a recording medium on which multimedia information has been recorded in the form of optically readable dot codes. The thus obtained dot codes are processed and restored to the original multimedia information by a scanning conversion section, a data string adjusting section, an error correction section, a reproducing section and a controller. An output unit reproduces each piece of information and outputs them. In this case, on the basis of the dot codes thus read, the scanning conversion section and controller sense information reproduction parameters, such as the dot size. The sensed parameters are then stored in a parameter memory. According to the parameters stored in the parameter memory, the dot codes are then subjected to a reproducing process.

Abstract: A long time optical recording and repeated reproduction of multimedia information is possible. Using a printer system or printing process system, on a recording medium such as a sheet, the so-called multimedia information in the form of dot codes (36) together with images (32) and characters (34) is recorded. The multimedia information includes audio information such as voices, image information obtainable from a camera and others, and digitally coded data obtainable from a personal computer and other. A pen-like information reproducing device (40) is manually moved to scan the dot codes (36) and to take in the dot codes. The original sound is generated by a voice output device (42) such as an earphone, the original image information is outputted on a display such as a CRT, and the digitally coded original data to a page printer or the like.

Abstract: A rotary type pickup apparatus adopting a light modulation system, is capable of over-writing and suitable for miniaturization. In the optical pickup apparatus constituted by a stationary optical part and a rotary optical part which comprises an objective lens and a light beam guiding device, a recording magnet and an initialization auxiliary magnet are provided in the rotary optical part, the recording magnet being disposed close to the objective lens and the initialization auxiliary magnet being positioned over a rotation circumference where the objective lens rotates. Further provided are a recording magnet and an initialization auxiliary magnet which are disposed so as to pinch a magnetooptical recording medium together with the objective lens, the initialization auxiliary magnet being positioned behind the recording magnet in a sending direction of an optical card.

Abstract: A data storage apparatus excelling in portability by enabling data to be transferred between a detachable first recording medium having a relatively small capacity and an undetachable second recording medium having a large capacity. In particular, as a memory card using no special card is employed as first recording medium, and there is no need to specially provide a head elevating mechanism or a medium loading mechanism for the second recording medium, the size and thickness of the apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: An information recording medium wherein the key information is recorded by arrangement of a unit area recorded irreversibly and a unit area not recorded irreversibly to effect the truth judgment of the medium in accordance with the result of whether or not the reproduction of the key information can be effected, the information recording medium where the illegal usage of the medium is adapted to be prevented without inputting the information on to the medium truth judgment into the processing apparatus by provision of the medium firm information, a reproducing method for the same, a truth judging method for the same, and a recording/reproducing apparatus for the same.

Abstract: An improved digital optical compact disc is disclosed which incorporates a further information storage element or area for storage and retrieval of track play selection information. The further storage area is comprised of defined information containing regions whose shading or alteration by the user indicates whether a corresponding track is to be skipped or played. An improved compact disc player reads the information containing defined regions and is capable of automatically selecting particular tracks for play. The information contained in the defined regions is stored in a format which is at-once visually-recognizable, machine-readable and manually-alterable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a data storage medium having raised and lowered portions indicative of data stored on the medium. Energy is supplied to a sensor which is moved relative to, and in close proximity to, a surface of the medium on which the data in the form of raised and lowered portions is stored. The sensor and the storage medium are moved in relation thereto, such that the sensor remains at a substantially constant fly spacing therefrom. A decrease in temperature of the sensor is detected when it is in proximity to a variation, i.e., a raised portion on the medium. This detected decrease in temperature associated with a raised variation, e.g., asperity, can be used as the basis upon which to detect the data on the data storage medium. The data storage medium may also contain magnetically stored data, such that the surface variations and the magnetic characteristics of the data storage medium can both be utilized to store data thereon.

Abstract: An optical system and method for transmission of light between a RF modulated source of light and a magneto-optical storage location along an optical path including: orthogonally aligned first and second single-mode polarization maintaining optical fibers, a flying magneto-optical head, and a quarter-wave plate positioned on the flying magneto-optical head.

Abstract: Storage, retrieval and erasure of optical information in bacteriorhodopsin (bR) films by alteration of the bR's absorption spectrum by photo-induction and by application and switching of an electrical field.

Abstract: A mass storage drive removably supports a mass storage element and includes a data head having an output for reading tracks of main data elements. The data head, which can be an optical head, is movable in a predetermined auxiliary path relative to the substrate for scanning a unique machine-readable serial identifier in auxiliary data containing at least 200 bits of information in one or more tracks being exclusive of main data tracks. The mass storage drive includes a head circuit connected to the data head output and having a main amplifier with an output for signaling main data elements in response to the data head, the circuit having a separate auxiliary put for signaling the auxiliary data elements in response to the data head output. The head circuit can include an auxiliary amplifier for driving the auxiliary output.

Abstract: An optical recording medium in which a medium identification code is recorded as a nonvolatile mark which is formed through irreversible change of a recording film, such as magnetization characteristic change, deformation and formation of a hole, so as to prevent illegal copying of the optical recording medium, and a recording/reproducing method for the same.

Abstract: A magnetic recording and optical readout apparatus and method, wherein a recording and readout head member records and reproduces a signal while moving relatively to a magnetic recording medium. The head member has a magnetic recording head and a readout head in a body. The head member is supported by a suspension so as to contact the medium or to keep a slight distance from the medium by a lifting-up force being generated by air flow, while moving relatively to the medium. A laser beam is radiated from a laser emitting element through a light transmitting hole formed in a light intercepting layer, whose diameter is smaller than the laser beam wavelength of the laser emitting element. By radiating the laser beam through the hole, localized near field electromagnetic waves are generated and reflected at the medium. The reflected electromagnetic waves bear changes of a polarization angle corresponding to the recorded information, which are detected by the readout head to reproduce the signal.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for scanning a tape-shaped record carrier, which apparatus uses a mirror polygon for scanning tracks extending perpendicularly to the tape travel direction. Since at least one facet, or a part thereof, of the mirror polygon extends at a different angle to the axis of rotation, the scanning spot is periodically moved transversely to the track direction, so that a tracking signal can be generated.

Abstract: A recording medium has a user recordable area in which two types of information may be recorded, such as audio data and user data, and a control area having a first area for management information regarding the first type of information and a second area for management information regarding the second type of information. A reproducing apparatus uses the first management information to reproduce the first type of information and to avoid reproducing the second type of information as the first type of information, and uses the second management information to reproduce the second type of information and to avoid reproducing the first type of information as the second type of information. A recording apparatus generates the first management information when the first type of information is recorded and generates the second management information when the second type of information is recorded.

Abstract: A code pattern of an information recording medium contains processing information necessary for editing data according to a restoration processing procedure for restoring multimedia information. The restoration processing procedure has a hierarchical structure of layers 1 to 5. The layer 5 has a file management function. The layer 4 has a function of collecting subset elements to create a subset and converting the same to create a data transfer unit or sector which the layer 5 deals with. The layer 3 or lower layer has a function of reading the code pattern from the information recording medium, subjecting the code pattern to a preset restoration process and outputting the subset elements.

Abstract: A magnetic disk has optical servo grooves formed at specified intervals along data tracks so that variations in reflected light of light applied to the grooves are detected so as to allow a magnetic head to perform tracking servo. A level difference between a regenerative signal and a fundamental wave of modulation noise during reads of data recorded on the data tracks (4A, 4B) is set to 28 dB or more. Thus, comb-shaped modulation in a regenerative signal due to optical servo grooves is reduced so that output drop of the regenerative signal is suppressed and deterioration of window margin and the like is lessened.

Abstract: A multiple-recording-layer optical recording medium has a plurality of recording layers to be initialized by exposure to light, with a transparent layer interposed between the recording layers. Light is applied simultaneously to the to the recording layers to initialize the recording layers simultaneously.

Abstract: A character and/or graphics pattern area for recording specific data is provided on a CD-ROM. When an original disk is prepared, a specific pit pattern corresponding to the specific data is recorded at a first predetermined tracking linear velocity controlled by a specific tracking linear velocity control system for each track so that a character and/or graphics pattern cannot be identified. When a copy disk is produced from the original disk, if data is recorded at a second tracking linear velocity controlled by a specific tracking linear velocity control system, the character and/or graphics pattern of visible size appears on the copy disk because of an optical reflection factor difference between areas caused by placement of the specific pit pattern corresponding to the specific data.

Abstract: A second generation CD provides improved sound quality over that provided by a first generation CD while remaining compatible with it has a higher sampling rate and has a data format of 1-bit .DELTA..SIGMA. modulation. The higher sampling frequency is an integer multiple of the standard sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz used in the first generation CD to thereby simplify the clock signal generation circuitry. The recording system uses decimation filters to lower the sampling frequency of the 1-bit .DELTA..SIGMA. modulation signal so that the same signal can be used to manufacture both a first generation CD and a second generation CD. The playback apparatus is compatible and the kind of disk is determined based on the table of contents information, so that the appropriate clock signals can be provided to the decoders. In the case of the first generation CD being played back, the data is converted by an oversampling filter and a .DELTA..SIGMA. modulator before being digital to analog converted.

Abstract: A master optical disk recording apparatus forms a train of pits on a recording layer of a master optical disk by a laser beam which is emitted from the laser light source and is modulated by an acousto-optic modulator. An objective lens in the recording apparatus consists of a finite conjugate type lens and a convergence point on the acousto-optic modulation element where the laser beam is converged by a convergence lens is positioned outside of the focal point of the objective lens at the incidence side thereof.

Abstract: An ultraviolet laser beam emitted from a laser beam source 1 is subjected to on/off control at an AOM 3, is linearly scanned at an equal speed by a polygon mirror 5 and an f.THETA. lens 6, is collected by an object lens 7, and is selectively spot-irradiated to a memory cell array of a semiconductor chip 8 on an XY stage 9 two-dimensionally moved by a control device 10 so as to write a pattern corresponding to desired data, whereby a custom ROM can be supplied in flexible production on a timely basis meeting market trends.

Abstract: In an optical recording apparatus for performing optical recording by guiding a plurality of beams of light from semiconductor lasers into single-mode optical fibers and sweeping the beams of light injected from the optical fibers with a rotary polygonal mirror, a transparent member is closely attached to an end of the optical fibers on a light injecting side.

Abstract: A bias coil assembly for use in combination with a magnetomotive generator such as employed in a magneto-optical disc drive. The assembly includes a return yoke having a body portion and a tip having a predetermined thickness and extending beyond the body portion. A winding for receiving electric current is wound around the body portion of the yoke so that the winding is contained below the tip. A first plate is disposed on the winding and includes at least one heat-radiating finger extending substantially around the winding without increasing the vertical height of the assembly. A second plate is disposed on the winding in a magnetic circuit with the first plate and the return yoke so that when the winding is connected to a source of power, the tip receives lines of magnetic flux that are channeled through the body portion while the at least one flange radiates thermal energy thereby produced.

Abstract: An information retrieval system in which information is stored in digital form in a serial access device such as a digital VCR, the information being organized as a library of successive albums, each album having successive tracks of individually identifiable items of information, such as audio performances, subjects or events. A random access device, such as a compact disc player or magnetic hard disc drive, has stored therein a portion of a preselected track of each album and a brief introductory portion of each of the remaining tracks in each album. Both devices are coupled to a common data bus and are controlled by a programmable processor so that during search intervals of the serial access device to access a selected album or track read-out thereof is initiated by the random access device. When the serial access device is ready to access selected track or album, read-out is switched over thereto.

Abstract: A magneto-optic recording system employing near-field optics which includes a read/write head having a pair of crossed tapered optical waveguides closely adjacent to the recording medium to provide light coupling between the tapered ends of the waveguides and the recording medium. The length of the waveguides being greater than one-half the wavelength of the light transmitted by the waveguides to transmit all light entering the waveguide to the tapered end and the width being a fraction of a wavelength of the light.

Abstract: A recording medium has a user recordable area in which two types of information may be recorded, such as audio data and user data, and a control area having a first area for management information regarding the first type of information and a second area for management information regarding the second type of information. A reproducing apparatus uses the first management information to reproduce the first type of information and to avoid reproducing the second type of information as the first type of information, and uses the second management information to reproduce the second type of information and to avoid reproducing the first type of information as the second type of information. A recording apparatus generates the first management information when the first type of information is recorded and generates the second management information when the second type of information is recorded.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium with wide operating margins is disclosed.The magneto-optical recording medium includes a vertical magnetic films of exchange-coupled liminated structure composed of a first magnetic layer with a high coercive force H.sub.H and a low Curie temperature T.sub.L and a second magnetic layer with a lower coercive force H.sub.L and a higher Curie temperature T.sub.H in comparison with those of the first magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer has a gradient of the Curie temperature along the direction of thickness of the layer so that the Curie temperature is higher at a position closer to the second magnetic layer.The recording method utilizing the recording medium according to the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical tape including an optical recording layer for permitting information to be optically recorded thereon and a light-reflective magnetic layer; the light-reflective magnetic layer which reflects light projected onto the recording layer, also permits magnetic recording or magneto-optical recording to be performed thereon, thereby increasing a storage capacity of the optical tape remarkably; further, the optical tape is provided with a layer to form guiding grooves for tracking control, which layer to form guiding grooves is made up of ultraviolet-hardening resin, photo-resist, or a photochromic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magneto-optical media. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for assuring a high S/N ratio by controlling the optical phase difference of the media by optimizing the film structure of a multi-layered thin film. The structure of the multi-layered thin film is such that the first protective film of a thickness between 400 .ANG. and 700 .ANG., a recording film of a thickness between 150 .ANG. and 300 .ANG., the second protective film of a thickness between 150 .ANG. and 250 .ANG., and a reflecting film of a thickness between 400 .ANG. and 800 .ANG., are successively laminated on a substrate. The first protective layer and the second protective layer are both suitably made of AlSiN, SiN, or SiO.sub.2 having refractivity between 1.95 and 2.05. The recording layer has a composition:Nd.sub.x Dy.sub.y (FeCo).sub.100-x-y,orNd.sub.x (DyTb).sub.y (Fe.sub.1-z Co.sub.z).sub.100-x-y,where25 at %.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.30 at %,0 at %.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.8 at %, and0.07 at %.

Abstract: Magnetic disk unit 1 is connected to personal computer 400 through recording mode selecting means 2, and recording mode selecting means 2 can select one of 3 recording modes (high reliability, large capacity, and high speed) and magnetic disk unit 1 records information with the recording method selected by recording mode selecting means 2. The controllability of the magnetic disk unit 1 and personal computer 400 is improved significantly by selecting the most suitable recording method according to the characteristics of information to be recorded.

Abstract: A magneto-optical recording medium includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer and a third magnetic layer respectively made of rare-earth-transition metal alloys which are laminated in this order. The first magnetic layer has a perpendicular magnetization in a temperature range between room temperature and its Curie temperature. The second magnetic layer made of GdFeCo is set such that its Curie temperature is higher than the Curie temperature of the first magnetic layer, coercive force thereof at room temperature is nearly zero, and that it has an in-plane magnetization at room temperature and a transition occurs therein from the in-plane magnetization to the perpendicular magnetization at above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An optical recording medium in which a medium identification code is recorded by using a nonvolatile mark which is formed through irreversible change of a recording film, such as magnetization characteristic change, deformation and formation of a hole, so as to prevent illegal copy of the optical recording medium, and a recording/reproducing method for the same.

Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for retrieving information in a data storage medium. The retrieval apparatus includes a decision function for deciding the longest character train corresponding to an inputted character train which exists on the storage medium and a correction function for converting the inputted retrieval character train into the longest character train existing on the storage medium. In the case that the item corresponding to the inputted retrieval character train does not exist within the storage medium, the decision function detects the maximum effective portion of the retrieval character train and the correction function changes the retrieval character train to the longest character train in response to a correction instruction by the operator.

Abstract: An improved digital optical compact disc incorporates a further information storage element or area for storage and retrieval of track play selection information. The further storage area is comprised of defined information containing regions whose shading or alteration by the user indicates whether a corresponding track is to be skipped or played. An improved compact disc player reads the information containing defined regions and is capable of automatically selecting particular tracks for play. The information contained in the defined regions is stored in a format which is at-once visually-recognizable, machine-readable and manually-alterable.

Abstract: An audio data recording/reproduction system including an independent, portable camera for respectively recording still image data on a silver salt region of a film and audio data on a magnetic recording region of the film. A silver salt film developing/printing device is provided for developing the still image data recorded in the silver salt region of the film, and for printing the developed still image data on a front surface of a photographic paper as visible data. A conversion device is provided for reproducing the audio data recorded in the magnetic recording region of the film, and for converting the reproduced audio data into an optically readable code. And a recording device is provided for printing the optically readable code produced by the conversion device on a rear surface or a blank section of the front surface of the photographic paper.

Abstract: An optical data storage system comprises an optical disk drive and a multiple data surface magneto-optical medium. The medium comprises a substrate, a first dielectric layer, a first magneto-optical data layer, a second dielectric layer, a transmissive member, a third dielectric layer, a second magneto-optical data layer, a fourth dielectric layer, and a reflector layer. The thicknesses of the magneto-optical and dielectric layers are selected to maximize the magneto-optical read out signal received from the data layers. The disk drive includes a phase retarder for improving the signal from the magneto-optical data layers.

Abstract: A CD player, including an improved controller circuit, is capable of displaying a plurality of photo quality images together with audio snippets which correspond to the individual visual presentations on a series of sequential CDs. The controller circuit includes a detector circuit for detecting the presence and absense of an audio signal, providing an audio signal to the controller for appropriate processing. Timing signal generators operate to sequence CHANGE DISC, PLAY and STOP functions to achieve automatic and continuous photo CD presentations for a plulality of Photo CDs being played.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a magneto-optical recording medium comprising a substrate and a magnetic layer comprising at least a readout layer, a cut-off layer and a memory layer disposed on said substrate in order,said magnetic layer having the properties that when said magnetic layer is heated by irradiation of readout beams for readout of information, a sub-lattice magnetization direction of at least the layer concerned with readout in said magnetic layer at the high-temperature region is reversed relative to the magnetization direction at the low temperature of said region, andwhen the temperature of the magnetic layer lowers after passage of the readout beams, the sub-lattice magnetization direction is restored; and a recording and readout method of the magneto-optical recording medium.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus of the present invention forms, in a first embodiment, two laser beams for erasure of data and irradiates the two laser beams from a single erasing head 102 so that focuses 207 and 208 thereof may be disposed on a same track of an optical disk 206. In order to construct the erasure head so as to provide two beams, either a two beam semiconductor laser 201 may be used or a beam from a semiconductor laser 215 may be divided into two beams. For the means for dividing the beam into two beams, a Wollaston polarizing prism 216, a Bragg diffraction grating 218, a Foucault prism 219 or some other suitable element can be used. Meanwhile, in a second embodiment, data are reproduced by an optical equivalence method using an optical disk 82, 100 or 206 of a phase change medium which exhibits a phase difference smaller than 180 degrees in reflected light therefrom based on recorded data. The phase difference preferably ranges from 120 degrees to 150 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic recording medium of a disk shape having a magnetic layer containing a magnetic material formed on a non-magnetic support and having, between the non-magnetic support and the magnetic layer, a layer containing a dye, of which the optical property changes by irradiation of energy rays, wherein in the above-mentioned layer containing a dye, continuous servo-signals based on the change of the optical property of the dye by irradiation of energy rays, are recorded on concentric tracks, and a recording/reproducing method therefor as well as an information processing apparatus. The magnetic recording medium of the present invention can be produced at a low production cost, has a large magnetically-recordable area and permits accurate tracking by a single detector.

Abstract: An optical recording system writes data on an optical disk that has a user data area having a plurality of sectors and that has a map having first and second indicators corresponding to a portion of the plurality of sectors. The first indicator has a first logic state indicating that a corresponding sector contains data and has a second logic state indicating that the corresponding sector does not contain data. The second indicator has a first logic state indicating that the corresponding sector is to be erased. A recorder is coupled to the optical disk for erasing data and the indicators from the sectors and the map, respectively, in response to an erase command. The recorder writes data and the indicators on the sectors and the map, respectively, in response to a write command.

Abstract: This specification discloses a magneto-optical recording medium in which on the opposite side of a second magnetic layer having a relatively low curie temperature and a relatively great coercive force, there are laminated a first magnetic layer and a third magnetic layer each having a relatively high curie temperature and a relatively small coercive force as compared with the second magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer has its curie temperature varying in the direction of film thickness thereof and has a curie temperature T.sub.L1 near the interface thereof with the first magnetic layer and has a curie temperature T.sub.L3 near the interface thereof with the third magnetic layer, and T.sub.L1 .noteq.T.sub.

Abstract: In a magneto-optical recording disc of the magnetic field modulation recording mode, recording of information for the first time is carried out in an optical modulation mode at a linear velocity which is higher than a reading linear velocity. The time required for recording is reduced while the recorded disc produces satisfactory outputs on playback.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magneto-optical recording medium having a magneto-optical layer which is composed of a quaternary alloy of Nd.sub.x Tb.sub.y Fe.sub.z Co.sub.m, the quantitative proportions of the alloying elements x, y, z and m being selected as follows:x=4-16 at. %y=20-30 at. %m=36.5.+-.4.5+x-y at. %z=100-x-y-m at. %.

Abstract: A record blank for use in optical recording is formed by disposing in laminate form on a substrate a recording layer and a supplementary record layer, optionally with a separating layer interposed between the recording layer and the supplementary record layer. On irradiation with a recording light beam having a prescribed wavelength, in accordance with recording information, the recording layer and supplementary record layer locally form a co-melted mixture state (optically through breakage of the separating layer, if present) thus resulting in an optically detectable change in the record blank detectable by a reproducing light beam which has a wavelength the same as or different from the wavelength of the recording light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively inverting an external magnetic field in a magneto-optic recording system so that information can be selectively recorded on or erased from a magneto-optic recording element of the system moving through the field, the apparatus comprises a first and second magnet operatively connected to each other both having a north and south pole oriented along their cross-sectional dimension, and each magnet having a pole, which is of opposite polarity from the other magnet, positioned adjacent the recording element.