Abstract

Simple, nondestructive observation of grooves and magnetic domain structures is important to improved MO disk quality control, performance evaluation, and development of novel disk systems. Direct observation is difficult because groove and domain dimensions are on the order of one wavelength of visible light and, therefore, at the diffraction limit of optical microscopy. Complicating the matter further are the facts that illumination is somewhat non-uniform, contrast is low, and observations must be made through the substrate. A conventional metallurgical microscope has been modified to allow observation of grooves and domains on standard MO disks, using digital image processing to enhance otherwise obscure features.

© 1994 Optical Society of America