Challenge of Near-Field Recording beyond 50.4 Gbit/in2

The possibility of an areal density over 50 Gbit/in2 was examined in near-field phase-change recording. The disk structure was optimized to maximize readout signals under the land-and-groove recording condition at a tracking pitch of 160 nm. We also evaluated the signal crosstalk from adjacent tracks. Eye diagrams of 50.4 Gbit/in2 areal density were demonstrated using 1.5 NA optics and a GaN laser diode. The track pitch and linear bit density are 160 nm and 80 nm/bit, respectively. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph of recorded amorphous marks at an areal density of 50.4 Gbit/in2 is also presented.