Magnetic reorientation for high-density magneto-optical recording

We describe a magnetic super-resolution readout process based on a change of the magnetization orientation at high temperature. To realize this process we propose a double layer him composed of a memory layer with perpendicular anisotropy and a readout layer with in-plane magnetization. By heating this him, magnetization in readout layer rotates from in-plane to perpendicular position by the effect of exchange coupling with the memory layer. This transition occurs in a very short temperature range where the readout process is possible. In other temperatures the readout layer magnetization keeps in-plane and prevents any domain detection. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.