Abstract: Various types of optoelectronic components are housed inside a standard TO-can package. In a first exemplary embodiment, a sub-assembly is mounted on a substrate of a TO-can package such that a major surface of the sub-assembly is oriented orthogonal to a major surface of the substrate. The sub-assembly includes a light emitter and a light directing element that is arranged at a fixed distance from the light emitter prior to mounting of the sub-assembly on the substrate. The fixed distance is based on a first mounted distance formed between the light directing element and an optical window of the TO-can package when the sub-assembly is mounted on the substrate. In a second exemplary embodiment, a planar lightwave circuit incorporating an optical waveguide combiner, is mounted on the substrate of a TO-can package. The planar lightwave circuit includes two light emitters emitting light at different wavelengths into the optical waveguide combiner.

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: An optical data storage system including an optical disc with a data surface. A transducing mechanism includes an objective lens. A slider is positioned adjacent the data surface of the optical disc. An adjustable lens mount couples the objective lens to the slider. The lens mount is adjusted to focus light through the objective lens onto the data surface and the adjustable mount is fixed in this position.

Abstract: A storage device for retrieving data stored on a medium includes a lens having a focal axis. The storage device also includes a light source capable of generating light having a direction of propagation that is substantially parallel to the focal axis of the lens as the light passes through the lens. A support assembly supports the lens over the medium and a lens actuator coupled to the support assembly is capable of moving the lens relative to the light while maintaining the focal axis of the lens substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of the light through the lens.

Abstract: A disc drive for performing data operations relative to a disc includes a head positionable near the disc. The head is optically coupled to a light source by optics that direct a light beam from the light source to the head. The optics include a tracking position sensor that has first and second light detectors and a reflective surface. The first and second light detectors are capable of providing first and second electrical signals indicative of the amount of light incident on the respective light detectors. A third light detector is coupled to the optics and is receptive of light reflected from the disc.

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: A slider assembly for an optical disc drive comprises a slider body having an aerodynamic surface arranged to fly a design distance from a recording surface of a recording medium when the recording medium is rotated at its operating velocity. An objective lens is supported by the slider and defines a focal point at a fixed position relative to the lens. A microactuator is mounted to the slider body to selectively alter the position of the objective lens relative to the slider body. When the slider is flown the design distance from the recording surface, the objective lens may be selectively moved by the microactuator to selectively alter the position of the focal point relative to the recording surface.