Abstract: A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a main pole, a plasmon generator and a heat sink. The main pole includes a first narrow portion and a first wide portion. The plasmon generator includes a second narrow portion and a second wide portion. The first narrow portion has a first side surface and a second side surface. The second narrow portion has a third side surface and a fourth side surface. The heat sink includes a first portion adjacent to the first side surface and the third side surface, and a second portion adjacent to the second side surface and the fourth side surface.

Abstract: The disk-shaped information recording medium having an outer diameter and an inner diameter comprises a substrate having a predetermined thickness, a first side that is one side of the substrate, a second side that is the other side of the substrate, a cylindrical portion forming a through hole formed at a center of the substrate, and a thin portion formed so as to surround an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion. The thin portion is thinner than the predetermined thickness and includes a non-inclined surface and an inclined surface formed on an outer diameter side of the non-inclined surface. The inclined surface is inclined at an angle greater than or equal to 25 degrees and less than or equal to 35 degrees with respect to the non-inclined surface.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion and having multiple heads disposed at a working surface. The system also includes a tape drive unit configured to move a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface. As the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, a first head is configured to write a data track to the tape and a second head is configured to thereafter read the data track, where data read by the second head is for use in verifying data integrity and performing error correction.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a head carriage unit having a working surface and multiple heads disposed at the working surface. The head carriage unit is adapted for rotational motion about an axis oriented substantially normal to the working surface. The system also includes a tape drive unit for moving a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit. The multiple heads are configured to record multiple data tracks on or retrieve multiple data tracks from the tape media as the head carriage unit rotates while the tape media moves past the working surface of the head carriage unit.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system includes a head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion and having multiple heads disposed at a working surface, the head carriage unit adapted for rotational motion. The system also includes a tape drive unit configured to move a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit. As the head carriage unit rotates and the tape moves past the working surface, a first head is configured to write a data track on the tape and a second head is configured to thereafter read the data track, where data read by the second head is for use in verifying data erasure.

Abstract: Provided is a reliable optical pick-up which can prevent deterioration of a performance of a component, shortening of a service life or malfunctioning due to heat generation of an laser driver IC, wherein a metallic pattern is provided on a flexible printed board, having an area wider than the external shape of the laser driver IC and having an exposed outer surface, and made of the same material as that of a wiring pattern. It is preferable to bend the flexible printed board in a mounting part for the laser driver IC so that the metallic pattern is faced to and superposed with a surface of the flexible printed board on the side remote from the surface on which the laser driver IC is mounted.

Abstract: Provided is a surface plasmon resonating optical system emitting near-field light (NF-light) with a higher light density. The system comprises: a waveguide through which a light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; a plasmon generator that couples with the light in a surface plasmon mode and emits NF-light from its NF-light generating end surface; and a resonator mirror that reflects the excited surface plasmon, provided on the side of the plasmon generator opposite to the NF-light generating end surface. In the system, the excited surface plasmon can be amplified by using a resonator structure while reducing the length of the plasmon generator to reduce absorption of surface plasmon and prevent overheating of the plasmon generator.

Abstract: A head carriage unit in a data storage and retrieval system and method has a substantially planar working surface and multiple heads disposed at the working surface. The head carriage unit is adapted for rotational motion about an axis oriented substantially normal to the working surface. A tape drive unit moves a tape media past the working surface of the head carriage unit, the tape media having a width approximately equal to a width of the working surface of the head carriage unit. The multiple heads record multiple data tracks on or retrieve multiple data tracks from the tape media as the head carriage unit rotates while the tape media moves past the working surface of the head carriage unit.

Abstract: An exemplary method of controlling an optical storage apparatus includes: driving a first mechanical mechanism of the optical storage apparatus by applying a first control signal to the first mechanical mechanism, wherein a second mechanical mechanism of the optical storage apparatus is inactive while the first mechanical mechanism is operating in response to the first control signal; adjusting the first control signal applied to the first mechanical mechanism when the second mechanical mechanism is requested to be active; and driving the second mechanical mechanism by applying a second control signal to the second mechanical mechanism while the first mechanical mechanism is operating in response to the adjusted first control signal.

Abstract: An optical disk apparatus is disclosed which includes a first printed circuit board, on which a first circuit pattern is formed; a rotor, on which an optical disk may be placed, and which is electrically connected with the first circuit pattern; a second printed circuit board, which is stacked adjacent to the rotor on a surface of the first printed circuit board, and on which a second circuit pattern is formed; a sensor unit, which is mounted on the second printed circuit board in electrical connection with the second circuit pattern, and which is configured to sense a rotation of the optical disk; and a support plate, which supports the first printed circuit board and the rotor. In this optical disk apparatus, a separate printed circuit board can be utilized to support the sensor unit, whereby manufacturing costs can be reduced and working efficiency can be improved.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a photo detector configured to receive light reflected from a medium; a housing mounted with the photo detector; and a projecting portion projecting from the housing, the projecting portion including a displacement preventer configured to prevent displacement of the photo detector or an adhesive relative to the housing, the displacement preventer including a fixing portion formed to extend along a plurality of directions, the photo detector being provided on the housing by applying the adhesive to the displacement preventer.

Abstract: A data writing system includes an array of cells for storing data and a write transducer that moves over a selected cell in the array of cells. The write transducer includes a writer producing a write magnetic field that intersects the selected cell. The write transducer also includes a plasmon resonator that is adjacent the writer. The plasmon resonator is shaped to receive lower power density radiation and to provide plasmon radiation at a higher power density to an optical spot intersecting with the selected cell. The plasmon radiation heats the selected cell above a write temperature.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field generating element restrains magnetic field attenuation or magnetic field delay in a high frequency recording/reproducing head for thermally assisted magnetic field recording/reproduction using a near field. An information recording/reproducing head and an information recording/reproducing apparatus carry out high frequency magnetic recording/reproduction. The electromagnetic field generating element includes: (i) a substrate, (ii) conductors each provided on the substrate and each serving as a supporting section, (iii) a plate-like-shaped conductor provided on the conductors and (iv) a semiconductor laser element provided on the substrate. The semiconductor laser element irradiates laser light to the plate-like-shaped conductor substantially parallel to an extending flat surface of the plate-like-shaped conductor. This causes generation of a near field in the plate-like-shaped conductor.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus comprises a photo detector that receives light reflected from a medium; and a housing that is mounted with the photo detector. The photo detector is fixed to the housing with the use of an adhesive to mount the photo detector on the housing. The housing is provided with a displacement preventer that prevents displacement of the photo detector or the adhesive relative to the housing. The displacement preventer has fixing portions that extend along a plurality of directions. The photo detector is mounted on the housing by applying the adhesive to the displacement preventer.

Abstract: A pickup head transmitting mechanism of a disc drive is provided. The pickup head transmitting mechanism has at least a guide rod, a thread rod, and a transmitting unit. The guide rod is utilized for supporting the pickup head of the disc drive. The thread rod is utilized for driving the pickup head along the guide rod. The transmitting unit is assembled between the pickup head and the thread rod and has a seat and a movable element. Wherein, the seat is fixed on the pickup head and has at least a sliding way extending toward the thread rod, and the movable element is slidably assembled in the sliding way and has a rack located on a surface thereof facing the thread rod. The rack is engaged with the thread rod.

Abstract: A data writing system includes an array of cells for storing data and a write transducer that moves over a selected cell in the array of cells. The write transducer includes a writer producing a write magnetic field that intersects the selected cell. The write transducer also includes a plasmon resonator that is adjacent the writer. The plasmon resonator is shaped to receive lower power density radiation and to provide plasmon radiation at a higher power density to an optical spot intersecting with the selected cell. The plasmon radiation heats the selected cell above a write temperature.

Abstract: An optical element position control mechanism includes an optical element holding member which holds an optical element of a photographing system; an advancing/retracting movement guide member which guides the optical element holding member in an optical axis direction of the photographing system to be movable in the optical axis direction; and a biasing device including an arm, the arm being swingable about a swing axis which is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis and being engaged with the optical element holding member. The biasing device simultaneously exerts via the arm both a biasing force in a direction of movement of the optical element holding member that is guided by the advancing/retracting movement guide member and a biasing force in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the optical element holding member on the optical element holding member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic field generating element, an information recording/reproducing head, and an information recording/reproducing apparatus. The electromagnetic field generating element makes it possible to restrain magnetic field attenuation or magnetic field delay in a high frequency recording/reproducing head for use in thermally assisted magnetic field recording/reproduction using a near field. The information recording/reproducing head and the information recording/reproducing apparatus can carry out high frequency magnetic recording/reproducing. The electromagnetic field generating element of the present invention includes: (i) a substrate, (ii) conductors each provided on the substrate and each serving as a supporting section, (iii) a plate-like-shaped conductor provided on the conductors and (iv) a semiconductor laser element provided on the substrate.

Abstract: An optical member driving apparatus comprising: a holding member configured to have an optical member mounted thereon; a driving unit assembly configured to be capable of driving the holding member; a connecting member configured to connect the holding member and the driving unit assembly; and a jointing member configured to joint the connecting member and either or both of the holding member and the driving unit assembly.

Abstract: A data writing system includes an array of cells for storing data and a write transducer that moves over a selected cell in the array of cells. The write transducer includes a writer producing a write magnetic field that intersects the selected cell. The write transducer also includes a plasmon resonator that is adjacent the writer. The plasmon resonator is shaped to receive lower power density radiation and to provide plasmon radiation at a higher power density to an optical spot intersecting with the selected cell. The plasmon radiation heats the selected cell above a write temperature.

Abstract: A media drive is disclosed. In one embodiment, a media drive can comprise: a disk holder, a drive laser, a disk reader, and a luminescence detector. The disk holder can be capable of applying a rotational force to a media disk. The drive laser is disposed so that light from the laser will be incident on the media disk when it is disposed in the disk holder. The disk reader is disposed to receive data from the media disk. A method for authenticating a media disk is also disclosed. The method can comprises: disposing the article in a reader, illuminating at least a portion of the article with the information reader, monitoring a luminescence emission of the illuminated article, and determining if the luminescence emission is consistent with an authentic article. If a luminescent material is present, the information reader excites the luminescent material to create a luminescence emission.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond element having a convex surface is disclosed, the convex surface including a spherical segment for which the maximum peak to valley deviation from a perfect spherical surface is less than about 5 ?m. Alternatively or in addition, the RMS deviation from a perfect spherical surface may be less than about 500 nm, or the RMS roughness less than about 30 nm. A single crystal diamond element with a radius of curvature less than about 20 mm is also disclosed. In one aspect a single crystal diamond element having a conical half-angle greater than about 10° is described. The invention also provides a method for forming a rotationally symmetrical surface on a single crystal diamond element, comprising rotating the element about a first axis, applying a laser beam to the element in a direction perpendicular to the first axis, and translating the laser beam in two dimensions in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the beam.

Abstract: A disk drive data storage system. The system comprises a data storage disk, a movable member positioned near the data storage disk, and a sensor assembly, supported and movable by the movable member, for writing data to and reading data from the data storage disk. The system also comprises an integrated circuit that is electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and that moves with the movable member when the movable member moves the sensor assembly. The integrated circuit comprises a face and a backside, and the integrated circuit is in a fixed physical position relative to the movable member such that the backside is oriented toward the movable member.

Abstract: A common optical pickup can be mounted in any of disc drive units having respective pairs of oppositely disposed guide shafts that are separated from each other by different distances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus capable of optically recording information onto an information medium (1) by converging a light beam which is emitted from a first light source (6) and passes through a first beam-splitter (8) and a collimating lens (10) onto the information medium (1) using a convergence lens (12) and converging a light beam which is emitted from a second light source (7) and passes through a second beam-splitter (9) and a collimating lens (10) onto the information medium using a convergence lens (12). When visual information such as a title and an image relating to information recorded in the information layer (2) of the information medium (1) is recorded onto the visual information layer (5) of the information medium (1), the first light source (6) and the second light source (7) emit light simultaneously, thereby improving emission intensity.

Abstract: An optical disk drive which decreases unit costs and reduces the size of a product. The optical disk drive includes a frame, a base chassis rotatably installed on the frame, a spindle motor and a pick-up device installed on the base chassis, a tray moving into and out of the frame when a disk cartridge is mounted on the tray, a loading device for operating the tray and the base chassis, and a disk cartridge recognizing device for sensing whether or not recognition holes formed through a disk cartridge case are opened or closed to display data of the disk cartridge. The disk cartridge recognizing device includes switches fixed to a front part of the frame, and a switch operating portion for operating the switches according to whether or not the recognition holes are opened or closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a disc device capable of offering good SATA interface performance by optimizing the placement of the SATA connector relative to the control board, solving problems concerning noise or unnecessary radiation. A driver IC and DSP for executing main processing concerning disc recording or reproduction processing are installed in a main printed circuit board. A SATA connector having a power supply terminal and signal terminal is fixed to the main printed circuit board. The SATA connector is placed on the board opposite the DSP. Patterns each connecting the power supply terminal to the driver IC and connecting the signal terminal and DSP are formed on the board. The SATA connector and DSP are placed on the driver IC side relative to the central line of the board, the power supply terminal is placed on the driver IC side, and the signal terminal is placed on the DSP side.

Abstract: An optical disk device of the present invention has a main PC board carrying a semiconductor element and attached at the rear of a drawer to efficiently dissipate a heat generated from the semiconductor element. The drawer is formed of a material having good thermal conductivity. A thermal conductive member having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the IC desired to be dissipate heat and the drawer.

Abstract: A disc chucking apparatus for seating a disc on a turntable in the rotatable state and a disc player having such a disc chucking apparatus is provided. The disc chucking apparatus includes a chuck bracket having a clamper for clamping a disc to a turntable; and a lifting/lowering unit for lifting or lowering the chuck bracket to move the disc to a clamping position where the disc is seated on the turntable in the rotatable state or to a clamping standby position where the disc is separated from the turntable.

Abstract: An information playback apparatus is provided to obtain editing effects using an optical disc in the same sense as an analog record disc is manipulated. An audio editing apparatus for playing back an optical disc such as a CD is provided with a rotatable jog dial, detecting device for detecting the amount of rotation of the jog dial, and sensing device for sensing the presence or absence of a pressing force on the jog dial. When the jog dial is rotated while being depressed with a predetermined pressing force, processing for providing sound effects is performed on the playback data to be played back from the optical disc in response to the amount of rotation detected by the detecting device. It is thereby possible to provide the same feeling of operation as provided by rotating an analog record disc through hand operations to produce playback sounds.

Abstract: A disk drive fastening mechanism includes a computer chassis, a first disk drive rack and a second disk drive rack. The computer chassis has a top cover and a base that are connectable to each other. The first disk drive rack including a first retaining set and second retaining set is located on the base for housing a first disk drive. The second disk drive rack is movably mounted onto the top surface of the first disk drive rack for housing a second disk drive, confined in the first dimension and second dimension by the first retaining set and the second retaining set, and confined in the third dimension by the top cover and the first disk drive rack. Hence the second disk drive can be installed on the computer chassis without using tools so as to save installation time and simplify operation.

Abstract: A chuck portion provided to keep a fixed positional relation with respect to a housing, holds a light source unit detachably. This chuck portion is displaced from an advanced position to a retracted position to displace the light source unit which is in a provisional position with respect to the housing, in a direction being away from the housing along a reference axis and the light source unit is retracted from the housing. In a state where the light source unit which is in this position is held by the chuck portion, the light source unit is slid and displaced in a direction crossing the reference axis with respect to the housing, angularly displaced about the reference axis and an axis crossing the reference axis, and then fixed to the housing.

Abstract: A chucking method of a disk apparatus comprising a chassis outer sheath including a base body 10 and a lid 130, in which a front surface of the chassis outer sheath is formed with a disk inserting opening 11 into which a disk is directly inserted, a traverse 30 provided on the base body 10 holds a spindle motor 31A and a pickup 32, a slider mechanism 51 is disposed on one end side of the traverse 30, the slider mechanism 51 includes a cam mechanism which moves one end of the traverse 30 toward and away from the base body 10, and a slider cam mechanism 51 which moves the traverse 30 in an inserting/discharging direction of the disk, the other end of the traverse 30 is supported on the base body 10 by a fixing cam 34A, 34B, 36A, 36B, and the traverse 30 is moved by the slider cam mechanism 51 in the inserting/discharging direction of the disk and with this, the fixing cam moves the other end of the traverse 30 toward and away from the base body 10.

Abstract: An optical disk device of the present invention has a main PC board carrying a semiconductor element and attached at the rear of a drawer to efficiently dissipate a heat generated from the semiconductor element. The drawer is formed of a material having good thermal conductivity. A thermal conductive member having good thermal conductivity is interposed between the IC desired to be dissipate heat and the drawer.

Abstract: A step movement mechanism is provided, which comprises a driven member and driving means, which drives the driven member. The driven member is formed with a plurality of equally spaced first concave cambered surfaces and a plurality of equally spaced force-bearing surface pairs. The two surfaces of each surface pair face each other. The driving means comprise a drive source to rotate a cam gear. The cam gear carries a rotation pin and stop means both rotating with the cam gear. The stop means are in contact with one of the first concave cambered surfaces when the step movement mechanism is in a stop position so as to prevent the driven member from moving. The rotation pin is temporarily in contact with one surface of the force bearing surface pair so as to move the driven member by one step when the cam gear rotates one revolution in either direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating electromagnetic energy comprises a metallic transducer including a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is wider than the second section and has a width to length aspect ratio greater than or equal to a width to length aspect ratio of the second section, and a condenser for directing electromagnetic radiation onto the transducer. A magnetic storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An optical head device includes a base member having an attachment surface passing a laser beam of light reflected by an optical disk, a block in the form of a wedge having an attachment surface adjacent to that of the base member and an attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface, and a photodetector arranged on the block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface to receive a laser beam of light having passed through the base member's attachment surface. The block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface inclines relative to the base member's attachment surface. The optical head device further includes adhesive fixing the block on the base member's attachment surface at a desired position and adhesive fixing the photodetector on the block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface at a desired position.

Abstract: An optical disk drive includes an optical pick-up unit having a fixed part with at least a light source, and a movable part mounted on a guide. The movable part includes a mirror, a focusing lens, and lens-moving elements. The movable part is adapted to move a focused beam along the disk. A single PCB is provided having a signal connection to the lens-moving elements on the movable part of the pick-up unit though flexible wires. The PCB serves as a mounting base for the fixed part of the optical pick-up unit, the guide, and the drive motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical head, which comprises a semiconductor laser, a collimator lens for converting a beam emitted from the semiconductor laser light into parallel beam, a lens frame holding the collimator lens, a beam shaping prism for shaping the parallel beam passing through the collimator lens from an elliptic section into a circular section, an objective lens for converging the parallel beam passing through the beam shaping device on an optical recording medium formed with a track, and a photodetector for detecting a reflected light or transmitted light from an optical disk. The collimator lens is adhesively fixed to the lens frame at two positions opposed to one another along a radial direction corresponding to the minor axis direction of the cross section of the incoming parallel beam into the beam shaping prism. The optical head can suppress the displacement of detected-light spots in an photodetector caused by the displacement of an optical axis due to change in ambient temperature.

Abstract: A magneto-optic head includes a magnetic layer formed to have a substantially stabilized magnetic domain configuration. The magnetic layer includes a set of magnetic domains that includes one or more magnetic domains that are oriented such that they are substantially parallel to a major axis of the magnetic layer. In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic layer is deposited over a non-magnetic substrate and patterned, e.g., etched, in such a way that ordered magnetic domains form within the magnetic layer. For example, the magnetic layer may be patterned to have a height and width-to-height aspect ratio that yields one or more magnetic domains that are oriented such that they are substantially parallel to a major axis of the magnetic layer. In some embodiments, two magnetic layers are antiferromagnetically exchange coupled such that each magnetic layer includes a magnetic domain that is oriented substantially parallel to the major axis of that magnetic layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical head, which comprises a semiconductor laser, a collimator lens for converting a beam emitted from the semiconductor laser light into parallel beam, a lens frame holding the collimator lens, a beam shaping prism for shaping the parallel beam passing through the collimator lens from an elliptic section into a circular section, an objective lens for converging the parallel beam passing through the beam shaping device on an optical recording medium formed with a track, and a photodetector for detecting a reflected light or transmitted light from an optical disk. The collimator lens is adhesively fixed to the lens frame at two positions opposed to one another along a radial direction corresponding to the minor axis direction of the cross section of the incoming parallel beam into the beam shaping prism. The optical head can suppress the displacement of detected-light spots in an photodetector caused by the displacement of an optical axis due to change in ambient temperature.

Abstract: An optical head device includes a base member having an attachment surface passing a laser beam of light reflected by an optical disk, a block in the form of a wedge having an attachment surface adjacent to that of the base member and an attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface, and a photodetector arranged on the block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface to receive a laser beam of light having passed through the base member's attachment surface. The block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface inclines relative to the base member's attachment surface. The optical head device further includes adhesive fixing the block on the base member's attachment surface at a desired position and adhesive fixing the photodetector on the block's attachment surface opposite that adjacent to the base member's attachment surface at a desired position.

Abstract: A communication hole (55) is provided in a pickup base (51). A laser light source (61) is provided at an end of the communication hole (55). A grating (71) is provided at another end of the communication hole (55). The communication hole (55) is provided with a heat radiation path (81) which connects the inside of the communication hole (55) with the outside of the pickup base (51). Heat generated from the laser light source (61) is radiated from the heat radiation path (81).

Abstract: A storage system comprising a magneto resistance sensor for reading and writing information to a storage disk is provided. The storage disk is comprised of multi-layer media or optically assisted media. The storage disk includes an overcoat and lubricant disposed on a top surface of the media.