Exchange-Coupled Multilayer Films for Direct Overwrite in Magneto-Optical Disk

Direct overwriting techniques are essential to improve the data transfer rates of magnetooptic disk systems. Overwrite methods employing light-intensity modulation using exchange-coupled multilayer film media in particular have been intensively investigated in the last few years because of the many advantages they offer. This paper reviews exchange-coupled multilayer films enabling direct overwriting ofbstract magnetooptic disks. The principle mechanism employed, and conditions required to achieve direct overwriting of exchange-coupled multilayer films, including the effects of intermediate film layers, are described. Some experimental results on overwrite characteristics are then presented, and the possibility of high-density recording is discussed. Finally, the stability of bits recorded in exchange-coupled multilayer films is also considered.