An optical recording device includes: a light source for emitting light of
plural wavelengths; an optical waveguide formed by a crystal defect in a
photonic crystal, into which light emitted from the light source is
launched; an information recording/erasing unit for changing the shape of
the photonic crystal near the optical waveguide; and a light detecting
unit for detecting the light emitted from the optical waveguide. A
contact probe of the information recording/erasing unit applies pressure
to one of a plurality of periodically arranged columnar holes of the
photonic crystal to widen its diameter, thereby capturing light of a
wavelength .lamda..sub.k corresponding to the information to be recorded.
Since the optical waveguide extends parallel to the crystal surface, the
optical recording device can be integrated with an optical circuit.