A magnetic recording device is provided according to the present invention for magnetic recording on a recording medium. The magnetic recording device includes a magnetic pole and a C-aperture structure disposed adjacent the magnetic pole. A focusing element receives light from a light source and focuses the received light onto the C-aperture structure, such that the light incident upon the C-aperture structure and a magnetic flux flowing through the magnetic pole are co-locatable on a recording medium disposed adjacent to the magnetic recording device. The focusing element may include a planar waveguide receiving and focusing the light onto the C-aperture structure.