An optical drive system includes a computer that monitors the current in an improved bias coil assembly in conjunction with a magnetomotive field generator to determine when a predetermined current threshold is exceeded. The bias coil assembly includes a wire coil wrapped around a center bar contained by a bias coil housing. The bias coil assembly is positionable above an information storage medium so that the entire medium may be within the magnetic field thereby allowing writing of information to all portions of the medium. When the threshold is exceeded, a sufficiently strong magnetic field is generated to permit writing of information on the storage medium utilizing a laser. A laser pulse generator is then enabled. The device thereby achieves a substantially shortened write cycle while employing the improved bias coil assembly.