Composite magnetic and optical head

Abstract

A composite magnetic and optical head comprises a magnetic sensor including a magnetic core which is adapted to detect a magnetic pattern recorded on a record medium; an optical sensor including a nonmagnetic light transmitting member located along a distal gap of the magnetic sensor and an optical fiber bundle having one end connected to the light transmitting member, and adapted to detect an optical pattern recorded on the record medium; and a holder containing the magnetic and optical sensors in the internal space thereof, the holder having two opposite side walls extending at right angles to the distal gap of the magnetic core and one end face from which the distal gap projects outward. The magnetic core of the head includes a wide portion, situated close to the distal gap and projecting outward from the one end face of the holder, and a narrow portion surrounded by the holder so as to be located inside the one end face, the wide portion being at least wider than the distance between the opposite side walls. If a plurality of such composite heads are arranged side by side to form a multihead, the respective distal gaps of the adjacent cores can be arranged intimately in contact with one another without being hindered by the holders of the heads. Thus, the medium identifying accuracy of the head is improved.