According to one embodiment, a system includes a head, where the head includes: an optical signal source configured to emit a first optical signal, and a near-field transducer (NFT) configured to focus the first optical signal on a moving ferroelectric storage medium positioned below the head. The system also includes a detector operatively coupled to the head, where the detector is configured to detect a second optical signal generated in and reflected from the ferroelectric storage medium, and where the second optical signal has twice the optical frequency as the first optical signal.

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); an amorphous gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer.

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); an amorphous gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer.

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); an amorphous gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer.

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); an amorphous gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer.

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT); an amorphous gas barrier layer positioned on at least a portion of the NFT; and a wear resistance layer positioned on at least a portion of the gas barrier layer.