Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method for in-situ inspection and processing of an object including providing a pulsed laser source during the in-situ inspection of a surface of the object for modifying at least one of an optical, mechanical, or chemical property of a first region of the surface, directing the laser source through an optics path to shape, position and focus a pulsed laser beam at the first region, directing a probe illumination light beam to the optics path to produce a combined and collinear optical light path of the probe illumination light beam and the pulsed laser beam to focus and deliver the combined and collinear optical light path at a same region on the surface, superimposing a first focus spot of the probe illumination light beam over a second focus spot of the pulsed laser beam on an illuminated region of the surface.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method for in-situ inspection and processing of an object including providing a pulsed laser source during the in-situ inspection of a surface of the object for modifying at least one of an optical, mechanical, or chemical property of a first region of the surface, directing the laser source through an optics path to shape, position and focus a pulsed laser beam at the first region, directing a probe illumination light beam to the optics path to produce a combined and collinear optical light path of the probe illumination light beam and the pulsed laser beam to focus and deliver the combined and collinear optical light path at a same region on the surface, superimposing a first focus spot of the probe illumination light beam over a second focus spot of the pulsed laser beam on an illuminated region of the surface.

Abstract: A method for forming a seal for hermetically sealing a hard disk drive assembly. The method includes forming a solder channel within a top cover of a disk drive enclosure and disposing a solder preform on a base of the disk drive enclosure such that the solder preform aligns with the solder channel when the top cover is positioned on the base.

Abstract: Beam soldering involves using a beam of light emitted from a source to reflow adjoining pairs of solder pads on components being joined. In some scenarios, material between adjacent solder pads on at least one of the components is absorptive of a certain spectrum of light and, consequently, can be damaged by such spectrum of light. A beam soldering tool is configured with a filter through which the light from the light source travels to a plurality of adjoining pairs of solder pads. The filter filters out a certain spectrum of light which could otherwise be damaging to material between adjacent solder pads.

Abstract: A laser-beam device for laser-soldering connection pads of a head-stack assembly (HSA) for a hard-disk drive (HDD). The laser-beam device includes a laser configured to provide a first beam of light, a rectangular flat-top beam-shaping (RFTBS) optic, and a focusing lens. The RFTBS optic is configured to shape the first beam of light into a second beam having a rectangular shape, and a substantially flat-top intensity profile in a far-field region. The focusing lens is configured to transform the second beam into a third beam aligned with connection pads of the HSA. The third beam of light has a substantially flat-top intensity profile and a rectangular beam shape matched to cover the connection pads, and is configured to generate heat about uniformly to reflow solder of the connection pads. A laser-soldering tool and a method, for laser-soldering connection pads of the HSA are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the calibration and use of test glide head gimbal assemblies are disclosed. Calibration is performed by pulse laser adjustment of the flexure mounted to the glide head, while the head is flying above a media test disk having asperities of known dimensions. The calibration process normalizes the fly heights of glide heads used to measure defects on both upper and lower surfaces of disk drive media, allowing upper and lower surfaces to be scanned simultaneously.

Abstract: A method for forming a seal for hermetically sealing a hard disk drive assembly. The method includes forming a solder channel within a top cover of a disk drive enclosure and disposing a solder preform on a base of the disk drive enclosure such that the solder preform aligns with the solder channel when the top cover is positioned on the base.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a solder reflow channel in the formation of a hard disk drive is disclosed. The method provides a first hard disk drive component having at least one solder reflow channel, the at least one solder reflow channel for retaining a predeposited solder material. The solder reflow channel is utilized to provide a solder location for coupling the first hard disk drive component and a second hard disk drive component to the predeposited solder material.

Abstract: UV curing of adhesives with light beam shaping utilizes a spot curing process that focuses a limited amount of UV light onto a target area, such as glue dots. A focusing lens may be used to direct the UV light beam to the target area. The target areas have different geometrical shapes, and the UV light is advantageously concentrated in a more efficient manner. Beam-shaping optics or lenses are used to facilitate re-shaping and re-defining the UV-light beam. The UV beam may be defined and limited to a rectangular spot to improve the spot process quality and efficiency.

Abstract: UV curing of adhesives with light beam shaping utilizes a spot curing process that focuses a limited amount of UV light onto a target area, such as glue dots. A focusing lens may be used to direct the UV light beam to the target area. The target areas have different geometrical shapes, and the UV light is advantageously concentrated in a more efficient manner. Beam-shaping optics or lenses are used to facilitate re-shaping and re-defining the UV-light beam. The UV beam may be defined and limited to a rectangular spot to improve the spot process quality and efficiency.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a solder reflow channel in the formation of a hard disk drive is disclosed. The method provides a first hard disk drive component having at least one solder reflow channel, the at least one solder reflow channel for retaining a predeposited solder material. The solder reflow channel is utilized to provide a solder location for coupling the first hard disk drive component and a second hard disk drive component to the predeposited solder material.

Abstract: Beam soldering involves using a beam of light emitted from a source to reflow adjoining pairs of solder pads on components being joined. In some scenarios, material between adjacent solder pads on at least one of the components is absorptive of a certain spectrum of light and, consequently, can be damaged by such spectrum of light. A beam soldering tool is configured with a filter through which the light from the light source travels to a plurality of adjoining pairs of solder pads. The filter filters out a certain spectrum of light which could otherwise be damaging to material between adjacent solder pads.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the calibration and use of test glide head gimbal assemblies are disclosed. Calibration is performed by pulse laser adjustment of the flexure mounted to the glide head, while the head is flying above a media test disk having asperities of known dimensions. The calibration process normalizes the fly heights of glide heads used to measure defects on both upper and lower surfaces of disk drive media, allowing upper and lower surfaces to be scanned simultaneously.

Abstract: UV curing of adhesives with light beam shaping utilizes a spot curing process that focuses a limited amount of UV light onto a target area, such as glue dots. A focusing lens may be used to direct the UV light beam to the target area. The target areas have different geometrical shapes, and the UV light is advantageously concentrated in a more efficient manner. Beam-shaping optics or lenses are used to facilitate re-shaping and re-defining the UV-light beam. The UV beam may be defined and limited to a rectangular spot to improve the spot process quality and efficiency.

Abstract: A method for forming a seal for hermetically sealing a hard disk drive assembly. The method includes forming a solder channel within a top cover of a disk drive enclosure and disposing a solder preform on a base of the disk drive enclosure such that the solder preform aligns with the solder channel when the top cover is positioned on the base.

Abstract: A magnetic disk is provided which comprises a nonmetallic glass or glass ceramic substrate having one or more under layers, a magnetic layer applied over the under layers, and a hard carbon layer applied over the magnetic layer. A plurality of bumps are formed on the magnetic disk by applying a beam from a near infrared wavelength laser to the surface of the carbon layer.

Abstract: A magnetic disk is provided which comprises a nonmetallic glass or glass ceramic substrate having one or more under layers, a magnetic layer applied over the under layers, and a hard carbon layer applied over the magnetic layer. A plurality of bumps are formed on the magnetic disk by applying a beam from a near infrared wavelength laser to the surface of the carbon layer.

Abstract: A magnetic disk is provided which comprises a nonmetallic glass or glass ceramic substrate having one or more under layers, a magnetic layer applied over the under layers, and a hard carbon layer applied over the magnetic layer. A plurality of bumps are formed on the magnetic disk by applying a beam from a near infrared wavelength laser to the surface of the carbon layer.