| We develop an integrated software environment, the Virtual Optical Recording SYStem (VORSYS), to model an optical data storage system. VORSYS models the optical delivery to an optical disk, the optical heating of the disk, the magnetic thermal dynamics in the disk medium, and the optical read-back. It is general as it can also model optical delivery through waveguide lenses and near field apertures, the optical heating due to arbitrary temporal and spatial optical profiles, and the magnetic thermal dynamics for sophisticated techniques such as MAMMOS (Magnetic Amplifying Magneto-Optical System).; The theory for mode index refraction in waveguide structures is also developed. This theory indicates that the Fresnel relations in bulk optics cannot be applied to mode index refraction. This work is significant to waveguide mode index lens modeling.; We also develop an understanding of the optics of near field sub-wavelength metallic apertures. We show the significance of metal properties and surface effects in the optical characteristics of the apertures. The problem of coupling light from the apertures to a medium is also discussed. While optical apertures might not play an important role in optical read-back, this work is invaluable to optical delivery in hybrid recording systems and to optical microscopy. |
