Abstract: Approaches to an electrical contact to electrically connect a laser module and a suspension that houses a head slider, in the context of a hard disk drive, involves a laser sub-mount electrical contact that includes a metal barrier layer underneath an electrode layer, where the barrier layer material has a lower heat transfer coefficient than the sub-mount material. Consequently, during the soldering process the diffusion of heat to the sub-mount is inhibited and the wettability of the solder is improved.

Abstract: A magnetic write head is disclosed that includes a slider that includes a laser diode having a light-emitting edge or surface of a laser diode and an optical waveguide. The disclosed magnetic write head also includes a dielectric layer disposed in a gap between the laser diode and an input to the optical waveguide. The dielectric layer fills the gap completely and provides a low-loss optical pathway for the laser diode to the input of the optical waveguide. Also disclosed is a method that includes spinning on a dielectric in a gap between the light-emitting surface and the optical waveguide coupler, wherein after the spinning on, the laser diode is optically coupled to the optical waveguide coupler through the dielectric.

Abstract: This thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes: a waveguide; a magnetic pole; and a plasmon generator having a first region and a second region, in which the first region has an one end exposed on an air-bearing surface and another end located on an opposite side of the air-bearing surface, and in which the second region is coupled to the another end of the first region and has a volume greater than a volume of the first region. The first region includes a high-density region having a density that is greater than the density of the second region.

Abstract: A suspension board with circuit is for mounting thereon a slider/light source unit provided with a slider on which a magnetic head is mounted, and a light source device including a main body, and a light source provided to protrude from the main body. The suspension board with circuit includes a receiving portion formed therein to be capable of receiving the light source, and a guide surface for guiding the light source to the receiving portion when the slider/light source unit is mounted.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a write pole, a waveguide adjacent to the write pole, the waveguide having a truncated end, and a blocking layer positioned adjacent the truncated end and extending from one side of the waveguide across a portion of an aperture at the truncated end. The waveguide can be a solid immersion mirror or a channel waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a thermal assist type magnetic head is configured to include a scanning probe microscope unit comprising a cantilever having a probe with a magnetic film formed on the surface of a tip portion thereof; a prober unit which provides an alternating current to a terminal formed on the thermal assist type magnetic head element; a scattered light detection unit which detects scattered light generated from the probe; and a signal process unit which detects defect by using an output signal from the scanning probe microscope unit by scanning the surface of the thermal assist type magnetic head element with the probe in a state that the magnetic field is generated and the near-field light is stopped, and an output signal from the scattered light detection unit by scanning the surface with the probe while near-field light is generated and the magnetic field is off.

Abstract: A near-field light generating element has a core that propagates light flux from a light incident side to a light emission side while focusing the propagating light flux. A near-field light generating portion in the form of a metal film generates near-field light from the light flux. The core includes a first core, and a second core covering a side surface of the first core, and the core is formed in a polygonal shape when viewed from a Z direction. The metal film is placed on a side surface in the core, and is formed so that a width of an interface between the metal film and the core is narrower than a width of the side surface of the core.

Abstract: A chromatic data storage system includes a substrate. The substrate includes nanoparticles operable to emit light frequencies (e.g. color) based upon a magnetic field strength, and a curable material operable to solidify spacing and/or orientation of the nanoparticles. In addition, the chromatic data storage system includes a writer operable to emit a magnetic field, and further operable to cure the curable material. Furthermore, the chromatic data storage system includes a reader operable to photodetect the light frequencies, wherein the light frequencies represent computer-readable instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a head gimbal assembly for data transduction in a data storage device with a heat assist laser. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a slider supporting at least a transducing element on an air bearing surface (ABS) and a laser assembly directly attached to a top side of the slider opposite the ABS. The laser assembly is positioned on the top side with no portion of the laser assembly extending past a longitudinal centerline of the slider.

Abstract: A suspension board with circuit is for mounting thereon a slider/light source unit provided with a slider on which a magnetic head is mounted, and a light source device including a main body, and a light source provided to protrude from the main body. The suspension board with circuit includes a receiving portion formed therein to be capable of receiving the light source, and a guide surface for guiding the light source to the receiving portion when the slider/light source unit is mounted.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a light source chip for a thermally assisted head comprises steps of (a) providing a light source bar with a surface coating formed thereon; (b) forming several blind holes on the predetermined positions of the light source bar by etching, the blind hole having a top hollowed on the surface coating and a bottom hollowed on the light source bar, and the blind hole having a first biggest width at its top; (c) cutting the light source bar along every two adjacent blind holes by a cutting machine. The cutting machine has a cutting means with a second biggest width that is smaller than the first biggest width of the blind hole, thereby cutting down an individual light source chip without contacting the side edges of the blind hole. Thus a light source chip with a smooth edge and without cracks on the surface can be obtained; and the surface coating formed thereon is hard to be peeled off.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording system may include, but is not limited to: at least one magnetic recording read/write head; at least one laser diode configured to illuminate at least a portion of at least one magnetic recording medium; at least one laser power level sensor configured to detect a power level of the at least one laser diode; and a controller configured to modify one or more power level settings associated with the at least one laser diode in response to one or more output signals of the at least one laser power level sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus has a slider body that includes an upper surface opposed to a media-facing surface. The slider body has an edge joined between the media-facing surface and the upper surface and facing a coupling region. The slider body includes a first bond pad on the edge and a laser submount coupled to the upper surface of the slider body. The laser submount has a second bond pad facing the coupling region. The apparatus includes a trace-gimbal assembly having first and second electrical traces facing the coupling region and electrically coupled to the respective first and second bond pad via first and second solder joints. An extension of the trace-gimbal assembly extends between the first and second solder joints preventing contact therebetween.

Abstract: TAR enable write heads may use a plasmonic device (e.g., an optical transducer) which uses electromagnetic energy generated from a laser to heat the magnetic media. However, as the temperature of the plasmonic device rises, the likelihood of stressing the material of the device or other materials of the head near the plasmonic device increases. Accordingly, the write head may include a temperature sensor proximate to the plasmonic device. In one embodiment, the resistance of the temperature sensor may change according to the temperature of the plasmonic device. Based on the measured resistance of the temperature sensor, a sensing circuit may adjust the power of the laser, and thus, prevent the stressing of the materials. Moreover, the thermal coupling between the temperature sensor and a heat sink connected to the plasmonic device may be improved by moving elements associated with the sensing circuit closer to a heat sink.

Abstract: A suspension board with circuit includes a conductive pattern, including a slider arranged on a surface side of the suspension board with circuit and mounted with a magnetic head, the magnetic head being electrically connected with the conductive pattern; and a light emitting device arranged on the back surface side of the suspension board with circuit and electrically connected with the conductive pattern, in which the conductive pattern includes a first terminal provided on a surface of the suspension board with circuit and electrically connected with the magnetic head; and a second terminal provided on the back surface of the suspension board with circuit and electrically connected with the light emitting device.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a near field transducer comprising a conductive metal film; and an optical waveguide for illumination of the near field transducer, a light guiding core layer of the optical waveguide being spaced from the near field transducer by less than about 100 nanometers and greater than 0 nanometers, wherein a longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide is substantially perpendicular to an air bearing surface.

Abstract: A write head includes a cavity configured to couple a laser diode to the write head. A bottom of the cavity includes a heat conductive element configured to contact the laser diode, a plurality of thermal studs disposed below the heat conductive element, and a substrate disposed below the thermal studs. The heat conductive element, thermal studs, and substrate are thermally coupled to draw heat from the laser diode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing condensation along an air bearing surface of a slider in an energy assisted magnetic recording system are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a slider configured to reduce condensation along an air bearing surface in an energy assisted magnetic recording system, the slider including an air bearing surface (ABS), a write transducer including a portion disposed at the ABS, a hot spot region disposed along the ABS, where the hot spot region includes the portion of the write transducer at the ABS, and a trench surrounding the hot spot region.

Abstract: A device including a waveguide, the waveguide having a first portion where energy having a wavelength, ?, enters and a second portion where the energy exits, the waveguide including a core layer with an index of refraction, n1; at least one cladding layer formed adjacent the core layer, the cladding layer having an index of refraction, n2; a reflective layer, the reflective layer positioned adjacent the first portion of the waveguide; and an interlayer, the interlayer positioned between the first portion of the waveguide and the reflective layer, the interlayer having an index of refraction, n3; wherein n3 is greater than n2.

Abstract: An apparatus has a slider body that includes an upper surface opposed to a media-facing surface. The slider body has an edge joined between the media-facing surface and the upper surface and facing a coupling region. The slider body includes a first bond pad on the edge and a laser submount coupled to the upper surface of the slider body. The laser submount has a second bond pad facing the coupling region. The apparatus includes a trace-gimbal assembly having first and second electrical traces facing the coupling region and electrically coupled to the respective first and second bond pad via first and second solder joints. An extension of the trace-gimbal assembly extends between the first and second solder joints preventing contact therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transducer assembly including a waveguide and a grating structured to couple electromagnetic radiation into the waveguide; and a body including an extended cavity vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode, and having an air bearing surface, wherein the transducer assembly is positioned adjacent to the body and the laser diode directs electromagnetic radiation onto the grating. A method of making the apparatus is also included.

Abstract: A data storage media may have at least a multi-layer recording lamination with a predetermined coercivity. The multi-layer recording lamination can be configured to record at least one servo format mark for a plurality of data tracks with a solid immersion mirror and program a data bit on the multi-layer recording lamination with a near field transducer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a light source chip for a thermally assisted head comprises steps of (a) providing a light source bar with a surface coating formed thereon; (b) forming several blind holes on the predetermined positions of the light source bar by etching, the blind hole having a top hollowed on the surface coating and a bottom hollowed on the light source bar, and the blind hole having a first biggest width at its top; (c) cutting the light source bar along every two adjacent blind holes by a cutting machine The cutting machine has a cutting means with a second biggest width that is smaller than the first biggest width of the blind hole, thereby cutting down an individual light source chip without contacting the side edges of the blind hole. Thus a light source chip with a smooth edge and without cracks on the surface can be obtained; and the surface coating formed thereon is hard to be peeled off.

Abstract: In a magnetic recording head including an optical waveguide for guiding a laser beam to a surface of a magnetic recording medium, a shield is provided in the vicinity of at least one portion changing discontinuously in structure of the optical waveguide to absorb or reflect non-propagating light leaking from the discontinuous portion to the outside of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: The thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes: a laser light source having an emission surface, the emission surface allowing laser light to be emitted therefrom; a waveguide having a core and a cladding, the core allowing the laser light emitted from the laser light source to propagate therethrough, and the cladding surrounding the core; a magnetic pole; and a plasmon generator. Each of the core and the cladding has an end surface facing the emission surface, and the end surface of the cladding suppresses returning of the laser light to the laser light source.

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 method of fabricating a high-density laser diode stack is disclosed. The laser diode bars each have an emitter surface and opposing surfaces on either side of the emitter surface. Each laser diode bar has metallization layers on the opposing surfaces and a solder layer on at least one of the metallization layers. The solder layer is applied to a semiconductor wafer prior to cleaving the wafer to create the laser diode bars. The laser diode bars are arranged in a stack such that the emitter surfaces of the bars are facing the same direction. The stack of laser diode bars is placed in a vacuum chamber. An anti-reflection coating is deposited on the emitter surfaces of the laser diode bars in the chamber. The laser diode bars are joined by applying a temperature sufficient to reflow the solder layers in the chamber.

Abstract: A slider may have a first surface on an air bearing surface (ABS) and a laser recess formed in a second surface of the slider, opposite the first surface. A laser can then be positioned in the laser recess with the laser extending from the slider to a top plane. A stud may be formed adjacent to and separated from the laser on the second surface of the slider with the stud extending from the second surface of the slider to the top plane.

Abstract: A method of making an energy-assisted magnetic recording apparatus is provided. The method comprises the step of aligning a first wafer including a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with a second wafer including a plurality of magnetic recording heads, such that an emitting region of each of the plurality of VCSELs is disposed over a light redirecting structure of a corresponding one of the plurality of magnetic recording heads. The method further comprises the step of bonding the first wafer to the second wafer.

Abstract: A TAMR head is disclosed with a hybrid plasmon generator (hPG) formed between a waveguide and write pole at an ABS. The hPG has a planar bottom surface facing the waveguide and is comprised of a first non-noble metal layer with a peg portion adjoining the ABS. The peg tip has a thickness in a down track direction and a width in a cross track direction that may be reduced to about 10 nm to shrink the size of the optical spot that provides localized heating to a track and facilitates the write process. A second metal layer made of a noble metal is formed on and alongside the first metal layer and is recessed from the ABS to expose the peg, and has a top surface adjoining the write pole that may have side and top heat sinks.

Abstract: A waveguide that includes a first cladding layer, the first cladding layer having an index of refraction, n3; a gradient index layer positioned adjacent the first cladding layer; an assist layer positioned adjacent the gradient index layer, the assist layer having an index of refraction, n2; a core layer positioned adjacent the assist layer, the core layer having an index of refraction, n1; and a second cladding layer, the second cladding layer having an index of refraction, n4, wherein n1 is greater than n2, n3, and n4; and n2 is greater than n3 and n4.

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: A 3D display device with controllable device for tracking visibility regions is disclosed, and includes a controllable device for tracking a visibility region, generated by way of superposition of light source images, in a observer plane of the display device. In preferred embodiments, the cladding of a waveguide comprises at least one material with optical properties of an anisotropic liquid, or at least two materials with optical properties of an isotropic liquid; a matrix arrangement of control electrodes defines multiple positions to be generated for local exit points in the cladding of the waveguide at which the total reflection is locally cancelled; and a system controller modifies positions of the output coupling points for superposing the output-coupled light through the lens array to the visibility region by displacing an output coupling point, or by switching off one output coupling point and switching on another one.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first pole with a first side and a second side opposite from the first side, a second pole positioned on the first side of the first pole, and a waveguide positioned on the second side of the first pole wherein the waveguide has an end adjacent to an air bearing surface. The first pole includes a first portion spaced from the waveguide and a second portion extending from the first portion to the air bearing surface, with the second portion being structured such that an end of the second portion is closer to the waveguide than the first portion.

Abstract: TAR enable write heads may use a plasmonic device (e.g., an optical transducer) which uses electromagnetic energy generated from a laser to heat the magnetic media. However, as the temperature of the plasmonic device rises, the likelihood of stressing the material of the device or other materials of the head near the plasmonic device increases. Accordingly, the write head may include a temperature sensor proximate to the plasmonic device. In one embodiment, the resistance of the temperature sensor may change according to the temperature of the plasmonic device. Based on the measured resistance of the temperature sensor, a sensing circuit may adjust the power of the laser, and thus, prevent the stressing of the materials. Moreover, the thermal coupling between the temperature sensor and a heat sink connected to the plasmonic device may be improved by moving elements associated with the sensing circuit closer to a heat sink.

Abstract: Devices having an air bearing surface, the device including a magnetic write pole positioned adjacent the air bearing surface; a near field transducer including a peg region and an adjacent disk region, wherein the peg region is adjacent the air bearing surface; a heat sink; and an optical waveguide including a top cladding layer and a core layer, wherein the heat sink is positioned between the magnetic write pole and the near field transducer and the near field transducer is positioned between the optical waveguide and the heat sink, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the heat sink, the optical waveguide, or the write pole includes beryllium oxide (BeO).

Abstract: The wavelength is monitored using a spectrum analyzer in a state where a semiconductor laser is being driven while changing the light-emitting time of the semiconductor laser. When the internal temperature of the semiconductor laser estimated from a measured wavelength falls out of a preset temperature range, a gimbal assembly is identified as a defective product.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a write pole, a waveguide adjacent to the write pole, the waveguide having a truncated end, and a blocking layer positioned adjacent the truncated end and extending from one side of the waveguide across a portion of an aperture at the truncated end. The waveguide can be a solid immersion minor or a channel waveguide.

Abstract: A near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disk, the disk having a top surface, a side surface, and a center; a peg, the peg positioned adjacent the side surface of the disk; and a heat sink, the heat sink positioned on the top surface of the disk, and the heat sink having an effective center, wherein the NFT has a peg axis, which is defined by the location of the peg adjacent the side surface of the disk, and a non-peg axis, which is perpendicular to the peg axis, and wherein the effective center of the heat sink is positioned at about the center of the disk.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrically connecting a laser diode to a slider and head assembly of a TAR head in a HDD. The laser diode is coupled to a sub-mount. The laser diode and the sub-mount are coupled to the top surface of the slider and/or the head assembly. Either the slider, the head assembly or both have bond pads exposed through their respective top surfaces to provide an electrical connection to both the laser diode and the sub-mount. Both the laser diode and the sub-mount have electrodes thereon that are perpendicular to the bond pads and are in contact with the bond pads. Conductive bonding material is used to not only bond the laser diode and the sub-mount to the bond pads, but also to electrically connect the bond pads to the electrodes.

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: A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk drive that uses “shingled” recording and a rectangular waveguide as a “wide-area” heat source includes a controller that counts the number of writes to each annular band of data tracks. The wide-area heater generates a heat spot that extends across multiple tracks, so that each time an annular band is written, the data in tracks in adjacent bands are also heated. Because the bands are written independently, the number of passes of the heat spot and thereby the number of times the data tracks in a band are exposed to elevated temperatures without being re-written is related to the number of re-writes of the adjacent bands. The number of writes to each band is counted and when that count reaches a predetermined threshold value, one or more tracks in an adjacent band are re-written to avoid reaching an unacceptable level of magnetization decay in the tracks of the adjacent band.

Abstract: A near-field light generator includes: a waveguide; a clad layer having a penetrating opening and disposed on the waveguide; a plasmon generator accommodated in the opening; and a dielectric film interposed between the plasmon generator and each of the waveguide and the clad layer. In a method of manufacturing the near-field light generator, an initial clad layer is initially formed on the waveguide, and then the initial clad layer is taper-etched by RIE to form a recess that does not reach the top surface of the waveguide. Subsequently, the recess is etched by wet etching until the top surface of the waveguide is exposed in part. Next, the dielectric film is formed in the opening, and the plasmon generator is formed on the dielectric film.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a structure including a waveguide and a pocket adjacent to an input facet of the waveguide. A laser has an output facet and is positioned in the pocket. A stop is included one at least one of the laser and a wall of the pocket. The stop is positioned at an interface between the laser and the wall of the pocket such that the output facet of the laser and the input facet of the waveguide are separated by a gap.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a head gimbal assembly for data transduction in a data storage device with a heat assist laser. Various embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a slider supporting at least a transducing element on an air bearing surface (ABS) and a laser assembly directly attached to a top side of the slider opposite the ABS. The laser assembly is positioned on the top side with no portion of the laser assembly extending past a longitudinal centerline of the slider.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first pole with a first side and a second side opposite from the first side, a second pole positioned on the first side of the first pole, and a waveguide positioned on the second side of the first pole wherein the waveguide has an end adjacent to an air bearing surface. The first pole includes a first portion spaced from the waveguide and a second portion extending from the first portion to the air bearing surface, with the second portion being structured such that an end of the second portion is closer to the waveguide than the first portion.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for inspecting a thermally assisted magnetic recording head element, a specimen is mounted on a table movable in a plane of a scanning probe microscope device, evanescent light is generated from a portion of light emission of evanescent light of the specimen, scattered light of the evanescent light is detected by moving the table in the plane while a cantilever of the scanning probe microscope having a probe is vertically vibrated in the vicinity of a surface of the specimen, and an intensity distribution of the evanescent light emitted from the portion of light emission of evanescent light or a surface profile of the portion of light emission of evanescent light of the specimen is inspected using position information of generation of the evanescent light based on the detected scattered light.

Abstract: High density-information storage is accomplished by the use of novel, near-field optical devices in combination with high-density storage media. The near-field optical devices are configured to focus light to nanoscale spot sizes and may employ negative index of refraction materials for focusing. The high-density storage media may include protein-based storage media, such as photochromic proteins, and high-coercivity magnetic storage media. Light energy provided the optical devices may enable exposed protein molecules to transition between stable molecular states that may be distinguished on the basis of their respective spectral maxima. Light energy provided by the optical device may also be used to heat localized regions of magnetic media to a selected temperature, effecting local changes in coercivity of the magnetic media.

Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetic recording medium having a structure in which a first magnetic layer 106 and a second magnetic layer 107 are formed on a substrate 101 in this order, wherein the first magnetic layer 106 has a granular structure containing a FePt alloy having a L10 structure, a CoPt alloy having a L10 crystal lattice structure or a CoPt alloy having a L11 crystal lattice structure, and at least one material for causing grain boundary segregation selected from the group consisting of SiO2, TiO2, Cr2O3, Al2O3, Ta2O5, ZrO2, Y2O3, CeO2, MnO, TiO, ZnO, and MgO, and the content of the material for causing grain boundary segregation in the first magnetic layer 106 is decreased from the substrate side to the second magnetic layer 107 side.

Abstract: In a thermally assisted magnetic recording head having a light source and a waveguide to lead a laser beam radiated from the light source to a front end of the magnetic head, while blocking an adverse effect of heat generated in the light source and securing a good floating characteristic, the light source and the magnetic head are optically coupled with high efficiency and the magnetic head itself is reduced in size. This invention provides a reflection mirror that is formed of a part or whole of one inclined end surface of the semiconductor laser mounted on the first submount. Near one end surface of the slider is provided the optical waveguide that pierces through the slider in a direction of the thickness thereof.