Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording/reproducing device includes a housing which accommodates a magnetic recording medium, and a magnetic head which records or reproduces magnetic data relative the magnetic recording medium, and a synthetic adsorbent provided in the housing and containing a polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer.

Abstract: The magnetic recording medium includes a non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including a ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support, in which a difference (S0.5?S13.5) between a spacing S0.5 measured by optical interferometry regarding a surface of the magnetic layer under a pressing force of 0.5 atm after n-hexane cleaning and a spacing S13.5 measured by optical interferometry regarding the surface of the magnetic layer under a pressing force of 13.5 atm after n-hexane cleaning is equal to or smaller than 3.0 nm, and a magnetic recording and reproducing device including this magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: A memory system may perform a first read retry operation using at least one read bias of multiple read biases in a priority read bias group, among a plurality of read biases; and perform, according to a result of the first read retry operation, a second read retry operation using one or more remaining read biases, not in the priority read bias group, in the read retry table. At this time, the read biases in the priority read bias group may be selected prior to the remaining read biases when performing the read retry operation on the target memory area. As a result, the memory system is able to minimize degradation of reading performance due to the read retry operation and reduce the number of unnecessary reads when performing the read retry operation.

Abstract: Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT) the NFT includes a bulk of at least one plasmonic material and at least one sacrificial metal; and a surface layer that includes an oxide of the at least one sacrificial metal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a spindle to rotate a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic field generator to expose a track of the medium to a DC magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is configured to saturate the track during an erase mode and reverse the DC magnetic field impinging the track during a writing mode. A laser arrangement heats the track during the erase mode and, during the writing mode, heats the track while the track is exposed to the reversed DC magnetic field so as to write a magnetic pattern thereon. A reader reads the magnetic pattern and generates a read signal. A processor is coupled to the reader and configured to determine an anisotropy parameter using the read signal. The apparatus can further comprise a Kerr sensor that generates a Kerr signal using the magnetic pattern.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein are directed to reducing or eliminating latency caused by data zone switches in a rotating magnetic storage device. More specifically, some embodiments described herein are directed to storing parameters associated with different zones in a parameter register in response to one or more received commands.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) is provided. The method includes forming an underlayer on a substrate, the underlayer including a precursor material, epitaxially depositing an interlayer on the underlayer, forming a recording layer over the interlayer, and converting the precursor material to a converted material having a thermal conductivity that is higher than a thermal conductivity of the recording layer. According to further embodiments of the present invention, another method for manufacturing a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) and a recording medium for heat-assisted-magnetic-recording (HAMR) are also provided.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose at least one predetermined patterned layer configured to eliminate a physical path of lateral thermal bloom in a recording device, at least one gradient layer coupled to the patterned layer and configured to use materials with predetermined thermal conductivity for controlling a rate of dissipation and a path coupled to the gradient layer and configured to create a path of least thermal conduction resistance for directing dissipation along the path, wherein the path substantially regulates and prevents lateral thermal bloom.

Abstract: A flex circuit including a dual sided interconnect structure to connect electrical components on a head or suspension assembly to head circuitry is described. The dual sided interconnect structure described has application for providing an electrical connection to one or more transducer elements on a slider and one or more elements of a heat assisted magnetic recording HAMR unit. In an illustrated embodiment, a flexible structure or insulating base layer includes one or more slider and heat assisted magnetic recording traces coupled to one or more slider or HAMR bond pads on an interconnect portion. As disclosed, the slider bond pads are on the obverse side of the flexible structure and the HAMR bond pads include a reverse side bonding surface to form reverse side bond pads to connect to one or more electrical or heating elements on the HAMR unit.

Abstract: A plasmon-generator of the invention is configured to include a first configuration member including a near-field light generating end surface; and a second configuration member joined and integrated with the first configuration member and not including the near-field light generating end surface. The first configuration member is configured to contain Au as a primary component and to contain any one or more elements selected from a group of Co, Fe, Sb, Nb, Zr, Ti, Hf, and Ta, and is configured so that a content percentage X1 of the contained element is within a range between 0.2 at % or more and 2.0 at % or less. Thereby, thermostability, optical characteristic, and the process stability are satisfied. Also, heat dissipation and heat generation suppression effect are extremely superior.

Abstract: The magnetic recording medium is a particulate magnetic recording medium for heat-assisted recording, as well as includes a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic organic material support and a heat-diffusing layer of higher thermal conductivity than the magnetic layer between the nonmagnetic organic material support and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: In an example, a method comprises aligning a central axis of a paddle portion on a write pole circuit to be substantially perpendicular to an adjacent magnetic surface, and bending a central axis of an extended tip portion relative to the central axis of the paddle portion. In another example, a transducer head comprises a write pole circuit having a paddle portion with a central axis, and an extended tip portion with a central axis, the central axis of the extended tip portion angled from the central axis of the paddle portion. In another example, a magnetic circuit comprises a write pole circuit having a paddle portion and an extended tip portion, the extended tip portion bending away from a central axis of the paddle portion, and a coil wrapping around the extended tip portion.

Abstract: A near-field light generator includes a multilayer structure having a front end face. The multilayer structure includes a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer, a first metal layer, and a second metal layer. The first metal layer is interposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer. The second metal layer is interposed between the second dielectric layer and the third dielectric layer. Each of the first to third dielectric layers and the first and second metal layers has an end located in the front end face. The dielectric material used to form the first dielectric layer, the dielectric material used to form the second dielectric layer, and the dielectric material used to form the third dielectric layer have the same permittivity.

Abstract: A TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) write head uses the energy of optical-laser excited surface plasmons in a plasmon generator to locally heat a magnetic recording medium and reduce its coercivity and magnetic anisotropy. The optical radiation is transmitted to the plasmon generator by means of a waveguide, whose optical axis (centerline) is tilted relative to either or both the backside surface normal and ABS surface normal in order to eliminate back reflections of the optical radiation that can adversely affect the properties and performance of the laser. Variations of the disclosure include tilting the plasmon generator, the waveguide and the laser diode.

Abstract: A plasmon generator of a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head has a first configuration member having a near-field light generation end surface at an ABS, and a second configuration member being in contact with main magnetic pole, and terminating at a front end portion of a slope positioned at the position recessed from the ABS. An end part of a separator layer, which is interposed between the main magnetic pole and the first configuration member, on a side opposite to the ABS is at a position more recessed from the air bearing surface than the front end portion of the slope of the second configuration member.

Abstract: A microwave-assisted magnetic recording system configured to perform magnetic recording with high density, including a high-frequency magnetic field generation element whose width is narrower than a track width of a main pole. A magnetic field vector from the main pole is perpendicularly incident on a film surface of the high-frequency magnetic field generating unit, by a shield material arranged to have a high magnetic permeability so that the main pole magnetic field is corrected and induced, and a hard bias layer to which a desired static magnetic field is added. Areas having high magnetic field gradients overlap each other by performing an offset of the high-frequency magnetic field generating unit of the magnetic head from the central line of the main pole.

Abstract: The magnetic recording medium is a particulate magnetic recording medium for heat-assisted recording, as well as includes a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic organic material support and a heat-diffusing layer of higher thermal conductivity than the magnetic layer between the nonmagnetic organic material support and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a write element, a read element, and a laser operable to heat the disk while writing data to the disk. The disk is magnetized by writing a first test pattern to the disk using the write element and a first power applied to the laser. The magnetization of the first test pattern is destabilized by heating the disk using a second power applied to the laser, wherein the second power is less than the first power. After destabilizing the magnetization of the first test pattern, the first test pattern is read with the read element to generate a read signal, and the read signal is evaluated to detect a defect on the disk.

Abstract: A polarization microscope optically detects the effect of the magnetic field from a sub-optical resolution magnetic structure on a magneto-optical transducer. The magneto-optical transducer includes a magnetic layer with a magnetization that is changed by the magnetic field produced by the magnetic structure. The saturation field of the magnetic layer is sufficiently lower than the magnetic field produced by the magnetic structure that the area of magnetization change in the magnetic layer is optically resolvable by the polarization microscope. A probe may be used to provide a current to the sample to produce the magnetic field. By analyzing the optically detected magnetization, one or more characteristics of the sample may be determined. A magnetic recording storage layer may be deposited over the magnetic layer, where a magnetic field produced by the sample is written to the magnetic recording storage layer to effect the magnetization of the magnetic layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a write element configured to apply a magnetic field to write data on a portion of a heat-assisted magnetic recording media in response to an energizing current. An energy source is configured to heat the portion of the media being magnetized by the write element. A preheat energizing current is applied to the write element during an interval before writing the data to the portion of the media. The preheat energizing current does not cause data to be written to the media and brings at least one of the write element and driver circuitry into thermal equilibrium prior to writing the data on the portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to fabricating a bond pad for electrically connecting a laser diode to a slider and a TAR head in a HDD. The bond pad is deposited on a surface of the head that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface (ABS). The head is diced and lapped to expose the bond pad on a top surface of the head and mounted on a slider. The laser diode and a sub-mount may be coupled to the top surface of the slider—i.e., the surface opposite the ABS—by connecting to the bond pads. Specifically, both the laser diode and the sub-mount have electrodes thereon that are perpendicular to the bond pads. Conductive bonding material is used to bond the laser diode and the sub-mount to the bond pads.

Abstract: A measurement method of a magnetic field gradient of a recording magnetic field generated by a magnetic head in a recording medium includes a step of locally heating the recording medium in a nonmagnetic field state where a magnetic field is not applied to the recording medium at all and measuring a temperature gradient of the recording medium in the nonmagnetic field state, a step of locally heating the recording medium in a recording magnetic field application state where the recording magnetic field is applied to the recording medium and measuring a temperature gradient of the recording medium in the recording magnetic field application state, and a step of calculating a magnetic field gradient of the recording magnetic field based on the temperature gradient of the recording medium in the nonmagnetic field state and the temperature gradient of the recording medium in the recording magnetic field application state.

Abstract: In an example, a method comprises aligning a central axis of a paddle portion on a write pole circuit to be substantially perpendicular to an adjacent magnetic surface, and bending a central axis of an extended tip portion relative to the central axis of the paddle portion. In another example, a transducer head comprises a write pole circuit having a paddle portion with a central axis, and an extended tip portion with a central axis, the central axis of the extended tip portion angled from the central axis of the paddle portion. In another example, a magnetic circuit comprises a write pole circuit having a paddle portion and an extended tip portion, the extended tip portion bending away from a central axis of the paddle portion, and a coil wrapping around the extended tip portion.

Abstract: A magnetic disk device of an embodiment includes a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, a laser-beam-intensity control unit, a reproduced-signal detecting unit, and a magnetic-disk evaluating unit. The magnetic head reads a signal recorded in the magnetic disk, or performs magnetic recording while irradiating a laser beam onto the magnetic disk. The laser-beam-intensity control unit controls the intensity of the laser beam. The reproduced-signal detecting unit detects the signal read by the magnetic head. The magnetic-disk evaluating unit evaluates the signal read from the magnetic head, on the basis of a relation between a noise level detected from the signal read by the magnetic head, and the intensity of the laser beam.

Abstract: An optical pickup has a laser light source, beam splitter, collimator lens, reflection mirror, objective lens and photo detector are mounted in a case. An objective lens actuator includes a magnetic member and magnet. The optical pickup may become contaminated by uncured adhesive remaining at the edges of the adhesive surfaces of the magnet and the magnetic member that is transferred to the optical pickup via finger cots or tweezers, etc. In an adhesion step between the magnet and the magnetic member, in which part of a groove near to the center of the surface has a small depth and part of the groove near to the outer circumference of the surface has a large depth, an adhesive is drawn toward the center of the surface of the magnetic member by a capillary phenomenon and is prevented from spreading along the outer edge of the surface.

Abstract: A layer configured for use in a magnetic stack has electrical resistivity greater than about 5×10?8 ?m and thermal conductivity greater than about 1 W/mK. In some arrangements, the magnetic stack includes a substrate with the layer disposed over the substrate, a magnetic recording layer disposed over the layer, and a thermal resist layer disposed between the layer and the magnetic recording layer. In some arrangements, the layer is configured to function as a heat sink and a soft under layer. A system that incorporates the layer can include a magnetic write pole, a near field transducer (NFT) positioned proximate the write pole that radiates energy.

Abstract: A method and system provide a near-field transducer (NFT) for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer. The method and system include forming an NFT having a disk and a pin. A dielectric layer that substantially covers the NFT is deposited. A portion of the dielectric layer is removed such that the dielectric layer has an aperture therein. The aperture exposes the pin of the NFT. The EAMR transducer is annealed at a temperature greater than the expected operating temperature of the EAMR transducer.

Abstract: A near-field light generating element includes a plasmon generator, and the plasmon generator has a base plate and a protrusion. The protrusion protrudes from one side of the base plate, wherein when H represents a height direction of the protrusion from the one side and W represents a width direction perpendicular to the height direction (H), a section taken along a W-H plane is of a rectangular shape whose opposite corners in the height direction (H) are rounded.

Abstract: A microwave assisted magnetic recording head includes a recording magnetic pole unit that produces a recording field for writing to a perpendicular magnetic recording medium, and a high-frequency magnetic field oscillator that produces a high-frequency magnetic field. The recording magnetic pole unit includes a magnetic core with a write gap portion at which a main recording field component is concentrated, and the high-frequency magnetic field oscillator is disposed in the write gap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a recording head for energy assisted magnetic recording. The recording head includes a near-field transducer (NFT) having a preselected shape and a surface, a writing pole on the NFT, and a non-metal heat dissipator positioned between the NFT surface and the writing pole. The non-metal heat dissipator includes a first portion in contact with the NFT surface, the first portion extending beyond an edge of the NFT surface in a first direction substantially perpendicular to an air bearing surface (ABS) and parallel to the NFT surface.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk has an improved insulating layer beneath the chemically-ordered FePt (or CoPt) alloy recording layer. The insulating layer is a solid substitution crystalline alloy MgXO, where the element X is selected from nickel (Ni) and cobalt (Co). The composition of the MgXO crystalline solid substitutional alloy is of the form (Mg(100-y)Xy)O where y is between 10 and 90, and more preferably between 20 and 80. An optional layer of crystalline “pure” MgO may be located between the MgXO layer and the FePt recording layer and in contact with the recording layer, or between an underlayer and the MgXO layer.

Abstract: In a method of forming a main pole, an initial accommodation layer is etched by RIE using a first etching mask having a first opening, whereby a groove is formed in the initial accommodation layer. Next, a part of the initial accommodation layer including the groove is etched by RIE using a second etching mask having a second opening, so that the groove becomes an accommodation part. The main pole is then formed in the accommodation part. The first etching mask has first and second sidewalls that face the first opening and are opposed to each other at a first distance in a track width direction. The second etching mask has third and fourth sidewalls that face the second opening and are opposed to each other at a second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An optical pickup has a laser light source, beam splitter, collimator lens, reflection mirror, objective lens and photo detector are mounted in a case. An objective lens actuator includes a magnetic member and magnet. The optical pickup may become contaminated by uncured adhesive remaining at the edges of the adhesive surfaces of the magnet and the magnetic member that is transferred to the optical pickup via finger cots or tweezers, etc. In an adhesion step between the magnet and the magnetic member, in which part of a groove near to the center of the surface has a small depth and part of the groove near to the outer circumference of the surface has a large depth, an adhesive is drawn toward the center of the surface of the magnetic member by a capillary phenomenon and is prevented from spreading along the outer edge of the surface.

Abstract: An information recording device in accordance with the present invention obtains drive information of a semiconductor laser which is included in a magnetic head by means of a drive information obtaining section and successively records the information in a drive information storing section. A magnetic head control section controls the magnetic head in accordance with a condition of the semiconductor laser on the basis of the drive information thus obtained by the drive information obtaining section.

Abstract: A data storage device comprises: a light waveguide element; a protective element; and a plurality of data storage elements interposed between the light waveguide element and the protective element. The light waveguide element irradiates light at a critical angle or more on the data storage elements. Each of the data storage elements comprises a transparent ferromagnetic element, which has been magnetized, disposed therein, and the magnetized transparent ferromagnetic element is movable by a magnetic field. When the magnetized transparent ferromagnetic element is moved close to the light waveguide element to allow light from the light guiding element to pass the data storage element, a first data is recorded, and when the magnetized transparent ferromagnetic element is moved away from the light waveguide element to prohibit light from the light guiding element to pass the data storage element, a second data is recorded.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plasmon generator includes the steps of forming an accommodation part and forming the plasmon generator to be accommodated in the accommodation part. The step of forming the accommodation part includes the steps of: forming a dielectric layer having an upper surface; etching the dielectric layer by using an etching mask and thereby forming a groove in the dielectric layer; and forming a dielectric film in the groove. The groove has first and second sidewalls and a bottom. Each of the first and second sidewalls forms an angle in the range of 0° to 15° relative to the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the dielectric layer. The dielectric film includes a first portion interposed between the first sidewall and the first side surface, and a second portion interposed between the second sidewall and the second side surface.

Abstract: In a case in which a microwave-assisted magnetic recording system is applied to a shingled write system for recording with high density, the width of a high-frequency generation element is narrower than a track width of main pole, and both steep parts of magnetic field gradients 24 and 25 are overlap each other by performing offset of a high-frequency magnetic field generating unit 17 of the magnetic head for shingled write from the central line of the main pole 8 in the both areas having high magnetic field gradient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention help to suppress the effects of thermal fluctuation in a thermally assisted magnetic field recording, and improve recording density. According to one embodiment, a recording area of a magnetic disk is heated and the full width at half maximum of an optical power distribution of a near field light generator is controlled to be 100 nm or less. Thereby, the cooling time of the magnetic disk is made 2 nm or less and the effects of thermal fluctuation are suppressed. Moreover, although an incomplete area of the magnetization reversal at the rear end of the magnetic domain is created with rapid cooling, by creating an overshoot at the rising end of the magnetic field waveform of the magnetic recording head, the incomplete area of the magnetization reversal can be overwritten, which is created at the rear end of the magnetic domain previously recorded by the overshoot magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for providing energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) heads is described. The method comprises bonding a plurality of lasers to a first substrate. The plurality of lasers corresponds to the plurality of EAMR heads and is for providing energy to a plurality of EAMR transducers. The method further comprises fabricating the plurality of EAMR transducers for the plurality of EAMR heads on a second substrate, bonding the first substrate to the second substrate such that the plurality of EAMR transducers and the plurality of lasers reside between the first substrate and the second substrate, removing at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and separating a remaining substrate into the plurality of EAMR heads.

Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole layer, a near-field light generating layer having a generating end part generating near-field light arranged within a medium-opposing surface, and an optical waveguide guiding light to the near-field light generating layer. The thermally assisted magnetic head includes a base layer which a base groove part having a width gradually getting smaller along a depth direction and extending in an intersecting direction intersecting with the medium-opposing surface is formed. The near-field light generating layer has an in-groove generating layer formed inside of the base groove part. The in-groove generating layer is formed along an inner wall surface of the base groove part and has a thin-film like structure.

Abstract: A magnetic write head arranged to maximize efficiency of an optical device used to locally heat a magnetic medium during use, also to maximize efficiency of a heater element for thermal fly height control. The magnetic head is constructed with a read head, a write head and a slider body. The write head is located between the read head and the slider body. A heater element can be located between the read head and the write head and an optical device such as an optical waveguide can be located between the write head and the slider body. The write head can be constructed to have a write pole that is closer to the slider body than the return pole is, thereby allowing the write pole to be adjacent to the optical device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a planar waveguide having a core layer and a cladding layer adjacent to the core layer, the waveguide being shaped to direct light to a focal point; a magnetic pole adjacent to the cladding layer; and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg having a first end positioned adjacent to an end of the waveguide and a second end positioned adjacent to a side of the enlarged portion. A data storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetic head has a medium-facing surface facing a magnetic recording medium; a near-field light generator disposed on a light exit face in the medium-facing surface; a magnetic recording element located adjacent to the near-field light generator; and a light emitting element disposed so that emitted light thereof reaches the near-field light generator; the near-field light generator is comprised of a cusp portion and a base portion; when ?in represents a wavelength of the emitted light from the light emitting element immediately before the emitted light reaches the near-field light generator, an intensity of near-field light generated when the material forming the cusp portion is irradiated with the light of the wavelength ?in is stronger than an intensity of near-field light generated when the material forming the base portion is irradiated with the light of the wavelength ?in.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of heat-assisted magnetic recording head, in which a light source unit can be easily joined to a slider with sufficiently high accuracy, under avoiding the excessive mechanical stress. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: moving relatively the light source unit and the slider, while applying a sufficient voltage between an upper electrode of the light source and an electrode layer provided in the slider; and setting the light source unit and the slider in desired positions in a direction perpendicular to the element-integration surface of the slider substrate. The desired positions are positions where the light source just emits due to a surface contact between: the protruded portion of the lower surface of the light source; and the upper surface of the electrode layer, which is a portion of the wall surface of a step formed on the head part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic field generating element includes a conductor that generates near-field light when irradiated with light and generates a magnetic field when a current flows through the conductor. The electromagnetic field generating element further includes a soft magnetic body provided at a position along a dimension of the conductor, the dimension being perpendicular to (i) a direction in which the conductor faces a magnetic recording medium to which the near-field light and the magnetic field are applied and to (ii) a direction in which the current flows. The present invention thus allows for provision of an electromagnetic field generating element that allows for reduction in its power consumption in optically assisted magnetic read/write using near-field light.

Abstract: A method of operating a quantum system comprising computational elements, including an insulated ring of superconductive material, and semi-closed rings used as an interface between the computational elements and the external world, is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing an electrical signal, e.g. a current, in an input ring magnetically coupled to a computational element, which generates a magnetic field in the computational element and sensing the change in the current and/or voltage of an output element magnetically coupled to the computational element. The electrical input signal can be an AC signal or a DC signal. The computational element is electromagnetically coupled with other adjacent computational elements and/or with the interface elements. The corresponding magnetic flux between the computational elements and/or the interface elements acts as an information carrier. Ferromagnetic cores are used to improve the magnetic coupling between adjacent elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a optical data memory, said memory comprising at least one layer of supporting material, said supporting material including molecules having, in a local zone, a collective state of molecules from at least one first collective state of molecules, and a second collective state of molecules. The invention is characterized in that only molecules having the first collective state of molecules in said local zone are capable of generating a second-harmonic signal when they are excited in said local zone by a reading electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetic head-slider includes an air-bearing slider, a metal film, and a semiconductor laser unit. The metal film having an aperture in a part through which light from the semiconductor laser unit passes is disposed between a surface opposite to an air-bearing surface of the air-bearing slider and the semiconductor laser unit, and a material to adjust refractive index is provided in the aperture. A bottom surface of the metal film including the material to adjust refractive index is disposed to be in close contact with a surface opposite to the air-bearing surface side of the air-bearing slider, and the semiconductor laser unit is disposed to be in close contact with a top surface of the metal film including the material to adjust refractive index.

Abstract: Incident light can be efficiently converted into near-field light whose spot size is small. A waveguide 10 includes: a metallic member 11 made of a metallic material; and a dielectric member 12 made of a dielectric material. The metallic member 11 includes a first interface 16 and a second interface 18 so as to sandwich the dielectric member 12. The first interface and the second interface are provided so that an inter-interface distance therebetween may decrease from ends 16c and 18c to ends 16d and 18d. The first interface 16 and the second interface 18 have flections P16 and P18, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a heat-assisted magnetic recording head, capable of joining a light source unit and a slider with a sufficiently high alignment accuracy. In the method, the unit including a light source is joined to the slider including a head part. First, at least one marker provided on the head-part end surface is set so that the distance from the waveguide incident center to the marker end is substantially equal to the distance from the light-emission center of the light source to the end surface of the light source. After that, the unit and slider are relatively moved while keeping the unit in surface contact with the slider, and the relative positions are set so that the end of the marker coincides with, or is at a distance within an acceptable range from, the edge of the surface of the light source.