Abstract: An optical alignment system is provided for aligning an optical module of the type which is suitable for use in an optical device. The system includes a reference base having a registration feature that aligns with a registration feature of the optical module. An optical sensor senses an optical characteristic of the optical element and optical element manipulator moves the optical element relative to the registration features of the optical module. A controller operates the optical element manipulator.

Abstract: An optical device includes a fixed reference. A first optical module has a first optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the first optical module is subsequently mounted to a first predetermined location on the fixed reference. A second optical module has second optical component prealigned with respect to a reference feature, the second optical module mounted to a second predetermined location on the fixed reference.

Abstract: An optical module for use in an optical device is provided which includes an optical component. The optical component is bonded to a relative reference mount which can be attached to couple to a fixed reference mount. The bond is formed by solder.

Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modules. Each optical module includes an optical component fixedly coupled to a relative reference mount. The relative reference mount is configured to attach to a substrate. A plurality of optical modules mount on the substrate to form the optical device.

Abstract: An optical module for use in an optical device is provided. The module includes an optical component and relative reference mount. The optical component is fixed spacially relative to a registration feature. The registration feature is configured to couple to a fixed reference mount.

Abstract: An automated assembly apparatus for assembling opto-electronic devices includes a pick and place machine adapted to receive at least one opto-electronic component and place the component in one of a plurality of a nano-precision assembly cells. The nano-precision assembly cells are adapted to receive components from the pick and place machine, and position or align the components with sub-micron accuracy.

Abstract: In general, the mode field pattern of a single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber is symmetric. There are preferred axes for the polarization states, but the intensity pattern emerging from the fiber is rotationally symmetric. If a short piece of multi-mode fiber is spliced onto the end of a polarization-maintaining single-mode fiber, it is possible to change the apparent shape of the mode field. The use of a fusion splicer affects the stress pattern in polarization-preserving fiber, and introduces asymmetry into the shape of the fiber mode field. If the spliced fiber is cleaved near the splice, and the asymmetry of the fiber mode field is matched to the asymmetry of a laser diode beam, then the laser beam is coupled efficiently into the fiber without the use of additional beam-shaping optics. The asymmetric beam from the laser is brought to a focus, which is also asymmetric.

Abstract: A disc head slider (250,320) includes a slider body having a leading slider edge (40), a trailing slider edge (42) and a center line (48) extending from the leading slider edge (40) to the trailing slider edge (42). The slider body carries a recording head (56) along the center line (48). First and second longitudinal side rails (60,62) are positioned on the slider body and terminate prior to the trailing slider edge (42). A third longitudinal rail (63) is positioned between the first and second longitudinal side rails (60,62) and terminates prior to the head (56). A first raised side pad (252) is positioned between the first longitudinal side rail (60) and the trailing edge (42) and rearward of the head (56), relative to the leading slider edge (40). A second raised side pad (254) is positioned between the second longitudinal side rail (62) and the trailing edge (42) and rearward of the head (56), relative to the leading slider edge (40).

Abstract: An optical data storage system includes an optical disc which stores information in optically readable format on a data surface. A slider is provided proximate the data surface of the optical disc and is coupled to an actuator for selectively positioning the slider relative to the data surface. A Solid Immersion Lens couples to the slider and is arranged to couple light to the data surface of the optical disc. The Solid Immersion Lens is non-hemispherical.

Abstract: An optical data storage system includes an optical disc which stores information in optically readable format on a data surface. A slider is provided proximate the data surface of the optical disc and is coupled to an actuator for selectively positioning the slider relative to the data surface. A Solid Immersion Lens couples to the slider and is arranged to couple light to the data surface of the optical disc. The Solid Immersion Lens is non-hemispherical.

Abstract: A system for determining a height of a sensor includes a first triangle, a second triangle, a first rectangle, and a second rectangle. The sensor is positioned in a first plane and has a lapping surface. The first triangle, the second triangle, the first rectangle, and the second rectangle are each positioned in the first plane. A first point of the first triangle is positioned below the lapping surface of the sensor and a second point and a third point of the first triangle are positioned above the lapping surface of the sensor. A first point and a second point of the second triangle are positioned below the lapping surface of the sensor and a third point of the second triangle is positioned above the lapping surface of the sensor. A first portion of the first rectangle is positioned above the lapping surface of the sensor and a second portion is positioned below the lapping surface of the sensor. The second rectangle is positioned below the lapping surface of the sensor.

Abstract: A soft adjacent layer (SAL) vertically biased magnetoresistive (MR) sensor is disclosed. The SAL biased sensor includes at least three permanent magnet (PM) tabs (hereafter referred to as tabs). An MR sensor layer is disposed in relation to the tabs such that each of the tabs is spaced apart along a width of the MR sensor layer such that each of the tabs is in electrical and magnetic contact with the MR sensor layer to thereby stabilize the MR sensor layer. Preferably, a SAL is disposed in relation to the tabs such that each of the tabs is also spaced apart along a width of the SAL such that each of the tabs is in electrical and magnetic contact with the SAL. A spacer layer is formed between the MR sensor layer and the SAL.

Abstract: An optical disc data storage system includes an optical disc for storing information in an optically readable format on a data surface. The slider is positioned proximate the data surface of the optical disc. An actuator coupled to the slider selectively positions the slider relative to the data surface. An optical waveguide having a radially graded index of refraction extends between a first end positioned proximate the light source and a second end coupled to the slider and positioned proximate the data surface. The optical fiber carries light therebetween.

Abstract: An optical data storage system includes an optical disc which stores information in optically readable format on a data surface. A slider is provided proximate the data surface of the optical disc and is coupled to an actuator for selectively positioning the slider relative to the data surface. A Solid Immersion Lens couples to the slider and is arranged to couple light to the data surface of the optical disc. The Solid Immersion Lens is non-hemispherical.

Abstract: An optical storage system includes an optical disc for storing information in an optical reading format. An optical transducer is carried on a slider proximate a data surface of the optical disc and is used for transducing information on the disc surface. A mesa is provided on an air bearing surface of the slider and electrical conductors are provided which extend around the mesa.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a change in a magnetic field is disclosed. The apparatus includes a giant magnetoresistive element positioned adjacent to the magnetic field. First, second, and third electrical contacts are spatially positioned on the giant magnetoresistive element forming a first current path having a first variable resistance between the first and second electrical contacts and a second current path having a second variable resistance between the first and third electrical contacts. The movable magnetic field causes a change in the first variable resistance in the first current path when the field becomes positioned substantially underneath the first current path, and the magnetic field causes a change in the second variable resistance in the second current path when the field becomes positioned substantially underneath the second current path.

Abstract: The present invention includes a magnetoresistive type sensor having a first sensor layer of NiFe and a first layer of antiferromagnetic material, preferably NiMn. Portions of the first NiFe layer are deposited directly on top of the first layer of antiferromagnetic material such that the portions of the first NiFe sensor layer are in contact with the first layer of antiferromagnetic material. The first layer of antiferromagnetic material exchange couples with the first NiFe sensor layer to thereby provide domain stabilization of the first NiFe sensor layer. The first layer of antiferromagnetic material is deposited directly on top of a first baselayer of molybdenum to enhance the exchange coupling between the first NiFe sensor layer and the first antiferromagnetic layer.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a height of a sensor is disclosed. The sensor has an air bearing surface. The method includes determining a pre-processing width of a base of a first triangle, a top of a second triangle and a first and a second rectangle, all formed of the same material which forms the sensor. The air bearing surface of the magnetoresistive sensor, the base of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles are then processed and simultaneously lapped. A post-lapping width of the base of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles are then determined. The height of the sensor is then calculated through use of the pre-processing and post-lapping widths at the air bearing surfaces of the bases of the first triangle, the top of the second triangle and the first and second rectangles.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dual magnetoresistive (DMR) sensor with improved sensor-to-sensor match is disclosed. A first Mo conductor layer and a first NiMn antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top of a first gap layer in wing regions of the DMR sensor. The first NiMn layer is formed on top of the first Mo layer. A first NiFe sensor layer, a first spacer layer and a second NiFe sensor layer are deposited on top of the first NiMn layer in the wing regions and on top of the first gap layer in the active region. The first NiFe sensor layer, the first spacer layer and the second NiFe sensor layer are all deposited in a single vacuum deposition run to minimize material mismatches, and are simultaneously patterned to the desired geometry to minimize misalignment between the two sensor layers. A second conductor layer and a second antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top the second NiFe sensor layer in the wing regions.

Abstract: A disc drive recording head which senses magnetic flux from a storage medium includes an MR sensor positioned on a trailing surface of a disc drive slider. First and second electrical contacts connect the MR sensor to first and second pads positioned on the trailing surface of the MR slider and minimizes an inductive voltage induced from the storage medium during the sensing of the magnetic flux.