Improved magneto-optical recording using short pulses from laser diodes

This paper describes recording experiments on magneto-optical media using nanosecond laser pulses for writing data. By reducing the length of the write pulses the effects of thermal diffusion are diminished. It is further shown that user bit lengths of 0.8 μm under pulse length modulation coding can be achieved without having to resort to a special write strategy. Some other beneficial effects of this method are pointed out for media as well as for laser requirements. Tests with commercially available laser diodes give insight into the possibilities of implementing short pulsed lasers in applications.