Abstract: A system for confined optical power delivery and enhanced optical transmission efficiency includes a waveguide defining an aperture, a focusing element, and a coupling layer positioned between the waveguide and the focusing element. The waveguide may be, for example, in the form of a ridge waveguide. The focusing element is formed of a material having a refractive index that is greater than a refractive index of the coupling layer. The focusing element may be, for example, a solid immersion lens or a solid immersion mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self lubricating magnetic recording system that delivers lubricant molecules from a gas phase to the surface of recording media at a sufficient rate to cover the exposed media before it can interact with the writing transducer. The environment around the media surface includes lubricant vapor, and when the lubricant film is removed from the disc surface, e.g., upon heating of the medium, it is replaced by adsorption from the surrounding vapor. The lubricant is thus replenished by delivering lubricant from the vapor phase.

Abstract: A bit patterned magnetic recording medium for use in HAMR, which is optimized for optical coupling efficiencies and improved magnetic read-back coupling. The medium comprises bit-patterned magnetic recording elements, each corresponding to a magnetic data bit, and each comprising a cluster of discrete and separated magnetic grains. The desired packing fraction may be obtained by defining the number of grains within a bit, while bit-patterning provides efficient optical transmission. The grains have an effective packing fraction that enhances magnetic read-back signals, and the bits are distributed in a pattern having a packing fraction that enhances the optical coupling efficiency. The bits and/or the grains may be substantially thermally and optically isolated.

Abstract: An optical transducer comprises means for directing an electromagnetic wave to a focal region and a metallic nano-structure having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to an electric field of the electromagnetic wave, the metallic nano-structure being positioned outside of the means for directing an electromagnetic wave, wherein the electromagnetic wave produces surface plasmons on the metallic nano-structure. A cladding material having a refractive index differing from the refractive index of the means for directing an electromagnetic wave can be positioned adjacent to a surface of the metallic nano-structure. Magneto-optical recording heads that include the transducers and disc drives that include the magneto-optical recording heads are also included.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head comprises a write pole having a pole tip adjacent to an air bearing surface, a return pole, a near field transducer positioned adjacent to the air bearing surface for producing near field radiation for heating a portion of a magnetic storage medium, wherein a thermal profile of the portion of the magnetic storage medium has a maximum gradient at a location subject to a magnetic write field produced by the write pole. A disc drive that includes the magnetic recording head and a method of recording using the magnetic recording head are also provided.