Abstract: The present invention provides for the enhancement of the storage capacity of a data disk drive while reducing optical path optics, electronics and/or the mass and complexity of associated read/write heads. The system utilizes light transmitted by optical elements to servo track a data disk and to heat the data disk during reading and writing of data, and magnetic elements for actual reading and writing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the enhancement of the storage capacity of a data disk drive while reducing optical path optics, electronics and/or the mass and complexity of associated read/write heads. The system utilizes light transmitted by optical elements to servo track a data disk and to heat the data disk during reading and writing of data, and magnetic elements for actual reading and writing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the enhancement of the storage capacity of a data disk drive while reducing optical path optics, electronics and/or the mass and complexity of associated read/write heads. The system utilizes light transmitted by optical elements to servo track a data disk and to heat the data disk during reading and writing of data, and magnetic elements for actual reading and writing.

Abstract: An optical head for performing optical data operations relative to a medium includes a slider body and at least one lens. Positioned between the slider body and the lens is an aperture stop for blocking the transmittance of light. The aperture stop includes an opaque layer that circumscribes a transparent region.

Abstract: Wafer-scale integration in gallium phosphide (GaP) is used to overcome the assembly difficulties of current optical heads, resulting in significantly improvements in optical performance as well as reduced cost.

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: A slider for an optical read head includes a liquid-immersion-lens between an objective lens and an optically transparent base of the slider. The liquid-immersion-lens includes a high index of refraction liquid, thereby eliminating a lens-air interface at the lower surface of the objective lens. The liquid-immersion-lens provides for the production of a small light spot at the surface of the optical disc.

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.