Abstract: An optical recording head is provided which includes a slider body having a leading edge. A void is formed in the slider body to receive a sphere of optically transparent material. The sphere is inserted into the void such that a portion of the sphere protrudes from the slider body. The protruding portion is lapped to be coplanar with a surface of the slider body to form a near-field lens. A mesa may be formed onto the lapped portion and may include a coil. The slider body, mesa, near-field lens, and coil may be formed in one batch process.

Abstract: An apparatus which holds an optical fiber in alignment to an optical device includes a fiber holder having a first plurality of indentations, an optical fiber held within one of the first plurality of indentations, a base substrate having a second plurality of indentations formed in a top surface of the base, a plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers held within one of the second plurality of indentations and an optical device mounted on the base. The fiber holder is mounted on the base with the plurality of spacers within the first plurality of indentations.

Abstract: An optical assembly method in which one or more stabilizing elements (e.g., a balls) are positioned between the module and the base plate after it has been optimally positioned by active alignment, but before it is permanently attached to the base plate. While the stabilizing elements are absent, there is a space between the module and the base plate to permit active alignment. After the active alignment is complete, the stabilizing elements are positioned to stabilize the position of the module and reduce the impact of external forces associated with permanently attaching the module to the base plate (e.g., adhesive shrinkage).

Abstract: An optical switching element for use in an optical cross-bar array, includes a magnetically responsive curtain that switches between an extended state and a deflected state in response to an applied switching-field. The switching element includes a curtain that moves in response to a magnetic field. The curtain has a fixed edge attached to a substrate and a free edge opposite the fixed edge. A first magnetic-field source magnetically coupled to the curtain generates a first magnetic field that urges the curtain into an extended position in which the curtain intercepts the optical beam. A second magnetic-field source, also magnetically coupled to the curtain, generates a second magnetic field that urges the curtain into a deflected position in which the curtain avoids intercepting the optical beam.

Abstract: Optical heads having a monolithic layer for interfacing storage media and methods for manufacturing such heads. In one embodiment, the substrate has first and second surfaces to define a through hole which forms an optical path and a lens with a spherical surface and a flat surface opposing the spherical surface is disposed in the optical path in the through hole. The flat surface is coplanar with a flat portion of the second surface. The optical head also includes a transparent layer contiguously formed over both the flat surface of the lens and the second surface of the substrate to form a monolithic layer. The refractive index of the additional layer may match that of the lens. In addition, the additional layer may have a material hardness greater than that of the lens to protect the lens and to reduce wear.

Abstract: An optical recording head is provided which includes a slider body having a leading edge. A void is formed in the slider body to receive a sphere of optically transparent material. The sphere is inserted into the void such that a portion of the sphere protrudes from the slider body. The protruding portion is lapped to be coplanar with a surface of the slider body to form a near-field lens. A mesa may be formed onto the lapped portion and may include a coil. The slider body, mesa, near-field lens, and coil may be formed in one batch process.

Abstract: An apparatus which holds an optical fiber in alignment to an optical device includes a fiber holder having a first plurality of indentations, an optical fiber held within one of the first plurality of indentations, a base substrate having a second plurality of indentations formed in a top surface of the base, a plurality of spacers, each of the plurality of spacers held within one of the second plurality of indentations and an optical device mounted on the base.

Abstract: An optical recording head is provided which includes a slider body having a leading edge. A void is formed in the slider body to receive a sphere of optically transparent material. The sphere is inserted into the void such that a portion of the sphere protrudes from the slider body. The protruding portion is lapped to be coplanar with a surface of the slider body to form a near-field lens. A mesa may be formed onto the lapped portion and may include a coil. The slider body, mesa, near-field lens, and coil may be formed in one batch process.

Abstract: An actuator for controlling a pitch angle and a yaw angle of a mirror in a fiber-optic switch includes a piezoelectric strip having a first and second arm. The first arm extends from a substrate in a first direction. The second arm, which is for attachment to the mirror, extends from the first arm in a second direction different from the first direction. A pitch-electrode, in electrical communication with the first arm, controls pitch angle by causing deflection of the first arm. A yaw-electrode, in electrical communication with the second arm, controls the yaw angle by deflecting the second arm.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for placing and bonding identical elements to holes in a substrate where spacer balls and a reference surface are used to achieve the desired accuracy.