Abstract: A first layer that includes a metal seed layer, a refractive seed or a refractive dopant is formed on a dielectric substrate. A peg of a near-field transducer is formed on the first layer such that a first surface of the peg is formed on and is in contact with the metal seed. An adhesive layer is formed over the peg using atomic layer deposition. The adhesive layer includes alumina and is 4 nm or less in thickness. A silicon dioxide overcoat is deposited over the adhesive layer. The alumina bonds the silicon dioxide to the peg.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a tape head and a tape head drive including a tape head. The tape head comprises at least one same gap verify (SGV) module comprising a closure, a substrate, and a plurality of write transducer and read transducer pairs disposed between the substrate and the closure. The write transducer and the read transducer of each pair are aligned in a first direction and spaced a distance in the downtrack direction of about 5 ?m to about 20 ?m. A first overcoat is disposed over each write transducer at a media facing surface (MFS), and a second overcoat is disposed over each read transducer at the MFS. The first and second overcoats may comprise different materials, and are deposited during different processes.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to improved lifetime of a data storage device utilizing an energy assist element. Rather than applying the same current to each energy assist element of a device, each energy assist element has a write current specific to the energy assist element. The unique applied current results in the corresponding energy assist elements having substantially the same temperature during operation. Obtaining substantially the same temperature during operation provides predictable and repeatable device performance and increases the lifetime of the entire data storage device as all energy assist elements should have substantially the same lifetime.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording head includes a near-field transducer (NFT). The NFT includes a near-field emitter configured to heat a surface of a magnetic disk, and a heat sink. The heat sink includes at least one of rhodium, copper, tungsten, tantalum, iridium, platinum, ruthenium, nickel, or iron.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head for recording data in data tracks of a HAMR disk has a gas-bearing slider that supports a near-field transducer (NFT) and a main magnetic pole formed of two layers. The first main pole layer has a cross-track width at the slider's gas-bearing surface (GBS) that tapers down in the direction towards the NFT where the optical spot is formed. The second main pole layer is located away from the NFT and has a substantially wider cross-track width than the first main pole layer so as to provide sufficient magnetic field for writing. Layers of heat sink material are located on the sloped cross-track sides of the tapered first main pole layer to reduce the temperature and thus the likelihood of oxidation of the main pole layers.

Abstract: A recording head comprises a write pole extending to an air-bearing surface. A near-field transducer is positioned proximate a first side of the write pole in a down-track direction. A heatsink structure is proximate the near-field transducer and positioned between the near-field transducer and the write pole. The heatsink structure extends beyond the near-field transducer in a cross-track direction and extends in a direction normal to the air-bearing surface.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head has a protective multilayer confined to a window of the disk-facing surface of the slider that surrounds the near-field transducer (NFT) end and write pole end. The protective multilayer is made up of a first film of silicon nitride directly on and in contact with the NFT end and the write pole end and a second film of a metal oxide on and in contact with the silicon nitride film. The silicon nitride film is preferably formed by RIBD but is thin enough so that it does not contain any significant amount of other compounds. The metal oxide is preferably silicon dioxide, or alternatively an oxide of hafnium, tantalum, yttrium or zirconium, and together with the silicon nitride film provides a protective multilayer of sufficient thickness to be optically transparent to radiation and resistant to thermal oxidation.

Abstract: An optical isolator has a first optical property with respect to transmitted components of the light traveling towards a target and a second optical property with respect to reflected components of the light traveling towards the laser. The second optical property suppresses the reflected components of the light. The optical isolator can be used in applications such as heat-assisted magnetic recording and LIDAR.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a substrate. A laser is deposited above the substrate. The laser includes one or more non-self-supporting layers of crystalline material. A metallic adhesive is disposed between the laser and the substrate. The metallic adhesive is configured to adhere the laser to the substrate. A waveguide is deposited proximate the laser. The waveguide is configured to receive light from the laser and direct the light to a recording medium.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head has a gas-bearing slider that supports a near-field transducer (NFT) and a main magnetic pole. First heat-sink material is located on the cross-track sides of the main pole and second heat-sink material is located on the cross-track sides of the waveguide. The second heat-sink material may be in contact with the first heat-sink material, and a thermal shunt of high thermal conductivity may interconnect the NFT with the first and second heat-sink material. Heat from the NFT output tip flows to the second heat sink material through the NFT and the thermal shunt. Optically reflective material may be located between the waveguide and the second heat-sink material to improve the optical efficiency of the NFT.

Abstract: A plasmon generator (PG) is formed between a waveguide and main pole, and has a front portion (Au/Rh bilayer) wherein the upper Rh layer has a peg shape at an air bearing surface (ABS), and a tapered backside that is separated from a PG back portion by a dielectric spacer. The lower Au layer has a front side recessed from the ABS and curved sides self-aligned with the Rh layer sides. A key feature is that the back section of lower Au layer curved side forms a smaller angle with a plane aligned orthogonal to the ABS than a front section thereof thereby selectively enabling a deformation of the back end of the Au layer during a heat treatment to >300° C. at the wafer level. Accordingly, the front end of the lower Au layer is densified and provides an improved heat sink to improve reliability and area density capability (ADC).

Abstract: A recording head includes a channel waveguide that delivers light to a media-facing surface. A near-field transducer (NFT) is at an end of the channel waveguide and proximate to the media-facing surface. A laser including an active region has a longitudinal axis corresponding to a propagation direction of the channel waveguide. The active region includes a back facet and a front facet proximate the NFT. The front facet has a surface shape configured to suppress back reflection of the light.

Abstract: A monolithically integrated optical device. The device has a gallium and nitrogen containing substrate member having a surface region configured on either a non-polar or semi-polar orientation. The device also has a first waveguide structure configured in a first direction overlying a first portion of the surface region. The device also has a second waveguide structure integrally configured with the first waveguide structure. The first direction is substantially perpendicular to the second direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a disk, a head including a main magnetic pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a radial direction of the disk, a write shield facing the main magnetic pole with a gap, and an assist element provided in the gap and at a position where a first distance between the first end and the assist element and a second distance between the second end and the assist element are different from each other, and a controller which controls a voltage applied to the assist element according to a shingled write direction in which a second track is overwritten on a first track.

Abstract: A recording head includes a structure such as a near-field transducer formed of a noble metal. An adhesive layer is formed over a surface of the structure. The adhesive layer includes alumina and is 4 nm or less in thickness. A silicon dioxide layer is formed over the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer bonds the silicon dioxide to the structure.

Abstract: Methods of forming a near field transducer (NFT), the methods including the steps of depositing plasmonic material on a substrate; laser annealing at least a portion of the deposited plasmonic material at a wavelength from 100 nm to 2.0 micrometers (?m) to induce liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) in the annealed deposited plasmonic material to form a epitaxially modified plasmonic material; and forming a NFT from at least a portion of the epitaxially modified plasmonic material are disclosed as well as other methods and devices such as those formed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording comprising an air bearing surface (ABS). The slider comprises a write pole at or near the ABS, and a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS and proximate the write pole. A main waveguide is configured to receive light from a laser source and communicate the light to the NFT. An optical power sensor comprises a tap waveguide optically coupled to the main waveguide and comprising a first end and an opposing second end. The optical power sensor also comprises a bolometer optically coupled to the tap waveguide and configured to receive a portion of the light extracted from the main waveguide by the tap waveguide.

Abstract: A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a medium facing surface, a main pole, a waveguide, and a plasmon generator. The plasmon generator includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer includes a plasmon exciting portion on which surface plasmons are excited. The second metal layer is located on the first metal layer, and includes a bottom surface in contact with the first metal layer, a top surface located on a side opposite to the bottom surface, a front end face that is located in the medium facing surface and generates near-field light from the surface plasmons, and a connecting surface that connects the top surface and the front end face. The connecting surface includes an inclined portion inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface.

Abstract: A near field transducer (NFT) with an upper RhIr layer having an Ir content from 20-80 atomic % and a lower Au layer is formed between a waveguide and main pole at an air bearing surface (ABS). The RhIr layer has a rod-like front portion (peg) up to height h1, and a substantially triangular shaped back portion (body) from h1 to height h2. In some embodiments, there is a Rh underlayer with a thickness from 10 Angstroms to 200 Angstroms between the upper and lower NFT layers, and extending from the ABS to h2 so that the RhIr layer has a substantially uniform microcrystalline structure throughout to prevent thermally induced rupture defects proximate to h1. Optionally, the Rh underlayer may have a front side at h1, and may further comprise a lower Al or Zr adhesion layer. Accordingly, there is improved device reliability.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes a substrate; a soft magnetic underlayer laminated on the substrate; an amorphous barrier layer laminated on the soft magnetic underlayer; and a magnetic recording layer laminated on the amorphous barrier layer, wherein the soft magnetic underlayer includes Fe, B, Si, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Nb, Zr, Mo, and Ta, wherein the amorphous barrier layer includes Si, W, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Nb, Zr, Mo, and Ta, and wherein the magnetic recording layer includes an alloy having an L10 structure.

Abstract: An optically shielded (thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head comprises a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head and a near-field transducer (NFT) having an emerging peg at the air-bearing surface (ABS). Self-aligned optical side shields (SA-OSS) are formed using a self-aligning process that positions the shields symmetrically relative to the emergent peg of the NFT. As a result of the symmetric positioning the down-track and cross-track near-field and near-field gradients are significantly sharpened.

Abstract: A laminate includes: a substrate having a first surface and made of a high-molecular-weight material; an undercoat layer located on at least part of the first surface of the substrate and containing a first inorganic substance that has adsorption sites to be coupled to precursors serving as film-forming materials of an atomic layer deposition film; a functional layer located covering an outer surface of the undercoat layer and containing a second inorganic substance to be coupled to the adsorption sites of the undercoat layer, the functional layer being the atomic layer deposition film formed of the precursors; and an overcoat layer located covering an outer surface of the functional layer and containing a third inorganic substance.

Abstract: A thermally assisted magnetic head including a main magnetic pole layer having a magnetic pole end face arranged in a medium-opposing surface, a near-field transducer which generates a near-field light for heating the magnetic recording medium, a waveguide guiding light to the near-field transducer; and an optical side shield being arranged in the medium-opposing surface side of the waveguide and being formed so as to sandwich a part of the near-field transducer, in the medium-opposing surface side, from both sides of a direction along the medium-opposing surface. The near-field transducer includes a protruding end-part (PEG). Then the protruding end-part is arranged to have a PEG end-surface at a position receded from the medium-opposing surface.

Abstract: A first heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) writer writes to a surface of a magnetic disk using during an initial time period. A second HAMR writer is configured to write to the surface but not during the initial time period. The initial time period extends from a first time when the disk drive is first used to a second time when a near-field transducer of the first HAMR writer reaches a first wear threshold. During a subsequent time period after the initial time period, to the surface of the disk is written to using the second HAMR writer and not the first HAMR writer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a disk, a head including a main magnetic pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a radial direction of the disk, a write shield facing the main magnetic pole with a gap, and an assist element provided in the gap and at a position where a first distance between the first end and the assist element and a second distance between the second end and the assist element are different from each other, and a controller which controls a voltage applied to the assist element according to a shingled write direction in which a second track is overwritten on a first track.

Abstract: A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) hard disk drive has a gas-bearing slider supporting a near-field transducer (NFT) and a NFT temperature sensor (NTS). An optional first IVC circuitry may provide a bias voltage to the slider body to assure substantially zero electrical potential between the slider body and the disk to minimize slider-disk contact and lubrication pick-up. A second IVC circuitry operates independently of the first IVC circuitry and provides a negative bias voltage to the NTS (and the connected NFT) relative to the disk to minimize the adverse effects of excessive heating on the NFT.

Abstract: A recording head comprises a waveguide core extending to an air-bearing surface, and a near-field transducer is centrally aligned with the waveguide core and positioned proximate a first side of the waveguide core in a down-track direction. First and second mirror portions form a mirror surrounding the near-field transducer in a cross-track direction with a gap therebetween. The mirror extends in the direction normal to the air-bearing surface a first distance that is less than a second distance the near-field transducer extends in the direction normal the air-bearing surface. First and second reflective heatsink structures are respectively coupled to the first and second mirror portions. The heatsink structures are spaced apart from the near-field transducer in the cross-track direction and extend in a direction normal the air-bearing surface, such that proximate the air-bearing surface the first and second reflective heatsink structures extend substantially parallel to, or converge toward, each other.

Abstract: A method of operating an HDD having a slider-mounted read/write head that is configured for dynamic fly-height operation (DFH) and includes at least one head-disk interference sensor (HDIs). By operating the DFH to lower the head and subjecting the HDIs signal to a power-law enhancement, a consistent and accurate determination of the touchdown power (TDP) can be obtained. Combining absolute TDP determination with a method for measuring relative changes of FH, an absolute determination of FH can be determined.

Abstract: A near-field transducer has an enlarged portion with a layer of soft plasmonic material. A peg formed of a thermally robust plasmonic material includes an embedded part that is partially embedded within the enlarged portion and has an exposed surface facing away from the enlarged portion. An intersection between a lower edge of the enlarged portion and the embedded part has a discontinuity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first waveguide core extending along a light-propagation direction and configured to receive light from a light source at a combined transverse electric (TE) mode and a transverse magnetic (TM) mode. A second waveguide core is spaced apart from the first waveguide core and is configured to couple light at a TM mode to the second waveguide core. A near-field transducer (NFT) is disposed at a media-facing surface of a write head, the NFT receiving the light from the first waveguide core or the second waveguide core and heating a magnetic recording medium in response thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source. A near-field transducer (NFT) is positioned at a media-facing surface of a write head. A layered waveguide is positioned between the input coupler and the NFT and configured to receive the light output from the input coupler in a transverse electric (TE) mode and deliver the light to the NFT in a transverse magnetic (TM) mode. The layered waveguide comprises a first layer extending along a light-propagation direction. The first layer is configured to receive light from the input coupler. The first layer tapers from a first cross track width to a second cross track width where the second cross track width is narrower than the first cross track width. The layered waveguide includes a second layer that is disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a cross sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction that increases along the light propagation direction.

Abstract: A device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer including gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), or aluminum (Al), and at least two other secondary atoms, the at least two other secondary atoms selected from: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), manganese (Mn), tellurium (Te), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), terbium (Tb), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), carbon (C), antimony (Sb), gadolinium (Gd), samarium (Sm), thallium (Tl), cadmium (Cd), neodymium (Nd), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), erbium (Er), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), palladium (Pd), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), sodium (Na), strontium (Sr), calcium (Ca), yttrium (Y), thorium (Th), beryllium (Be), thulium (Tm), erbium

Abstract: A method of operating a HDD having a read/write head configured for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) and configured for use in Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording (TAMR). By using selected settings of a power ratio (PR) value to ensure that accurate fly height (FH) measurements of head-disk interference (HDI) can be taken during write touchdowns (TDs), head damage can be eliminated during HDI events. Under normal operating conditions the PMR head develops a sharp protrusion due to heating from the TAMR apparatus as well as the write current and read and write heaters. The sharp protrusion is prone to striking the disk surface, instead of the shields doing so. The shields would be more capable of absorbing the HDI, which would allow the HDI sensors (HDIs) to provide a more sensitive reading of the HDI which would prevent head wear caused by the sharp protrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider having an air bearing surface (ABS), a leading edge, and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge. A writer having a write pole is situated at or near the ABS. A near-field transducer (NFT) is situated at or near the ABS and between the write pole and the leading edge of the slider. An optical waveguide is configured to couple light from a laser source to the NFT. A contact sensor is situated between the write pole and the trailing edge. The contact sensor comprises a first ABS section situated at or near the ABS, a second ABS section situated at or near the ABS and spaced apart from the first ABS in a cross-track direction by a gap, and a distal section extending away from the ABS and connecting the first ABS section with the second ABS section.

Abstract: A folded lasing cavity comprises at least one bend. The folded lasing cavity is disposed on and configured to emit light along a substrate-parallel plane. An etched facet is on an emitting end of the folded lasing cavity and an etched mirror is on another end of the folding lasing cavity. An etched shaping mirror redirects light received from the etched facet in a direction normal to the substrate-parallel plane.

Abstract: A slider for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is provided. The slider includes a writer for writing data to a HAMR medium, a reader for reading data stored on the HAMR medium, a near field transducer (NFT), a first waveguide optically coupled to the NFT, a slider laser configured to generate and transmit a first light energy to the first waveguide such that the NFT causes a portion of the HAMR medium to heat up, to assist the writer for writing data to the HAMR medium, and a second waveguide optically coupled to the NFT, for transmitting a light energy from an external laser to the NFT to optically anneal the NFT during a fabrication process of the slider.

Abstract: Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer having a peg and a disc, the peg having a region adjacent the ABS, the peg including a plasmonic material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), aluminum (Al), or combinations thereof; and at least one other secondary atom selected from germanium (Ge), tellurium (Te), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), indium (In), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof, wherein a concentration of the secondary atom is higher at the region of the peg adjacent the ABS than a concentration of the secondary atom throughout the bulk of the peg. Methods of forming NFTs are also disclosed.

Abstract: A recording head includes a near-field transducer proximate a media-facing surface. The near-field transducer comprises an aperture portion surrounded by walls of plasmonic material, the walls oriented normal to the media-facing surface. A notch protrudes within the aperture. The notch comprises at least one of Rh and Ir. A write pole is proximate the near-field transducer. The write pole has a back surface facing away from the media-facing surface and an aperture-facing surface proximate the aperture.

Abstract: Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT) including a crystalline plasmonic material having crystal grains and grain boundaries; and nanoparticles disposed in the crystal grains, on the grain boundaries, or some combination thereof, wherein the nanoparticles are oxides of, lanthanum (La), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), erbium (Er), hafnium (Hf), germanium (Ge), or combinations thereof; nitrides of zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), or combinations thereof; or carbides of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), boron (B), zirconium (Zr), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), niobium (Nb), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a write pole, a waveguide core, and a near-field transducer (NFT) positioned between the write pole and the waveguide core. The NFT comprises an enlarged portion and a peg comprising a refractory metal and extending from the enlarged portion toward a media-facing surface. A first dielectric layer is positioned between the peg and the write pole, and a first adhesion layer is positioned between the peg and the first dielectric layer. In addition, a second dielectric layer is disposed on an entire surface of the NFT opposing the media-facing surface, and a second adhesion layer is positioned between the NFT and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a laser diode configured to generate light during a write operation. A slider comprises a near-field transducer (NFT) and an optical waveguide. The slider is configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording and to communicate the light to the NFT via the waveguide. A writer heater of the slider is configured to receive power during the write operation. A thermal sensor is situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The thermal sensor is configured to produce a sensor signal in response to sensing back-heating from the medium while the NFT generates heat during a write operation. Circuitry, coupled to the thermal sensor, is configured to compare the sensor signal to a threshold and generate an output signal indicative of degradation of NFT performance in response to the sensor signal exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for heat assisted magnetic recording having a novel heat sink structure. The write head includes a magnetic write pole and a thermal transducer located adjacent to a leading edge of the magnetic write pole. A heat sink structure, constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally conductive material such as Au, Ag or Cu partially surrounds the magnetic write pole. The heat sink structure can be formed to contact first and second sides of the magnetic write pole, and can be recessed from the media facing surface of the write head. The space between the heat sink structure and the media facing surface can be filled with a physically hard, non-corrosive metal.

Abstract: A near-field transducer has an enlarged portion with a layer of soft plasmonic material. A peg is embedded in a lower part of the enlarged portion that faces a media-facing surface. The peg has an elongated outer part that extends from a lower edge of the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface and an embedded part that is embedded within the enlarged portion. The embedded part could be any shape. The peg is formed of a thermally robust plasmonic material.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a HAMR head. The HAMR head includes a main pole, a waveguide and a NFT disposed between the main pole and the waveguide. The NFT includes an antenna, and the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the first portion. Having the second portion helps reduce the temperature rise of the NFT and reduce the laser power applied to the NFT.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording. A near-field transducer comprising a peg is situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider, and an optical waveguide of the slider is configured to couple light from a light source to the near-field transducer. The peg comprises a hyperbolic metamaterial, and the near-field transducer may further include an enlarged portion from which the peg extends, where the enlarged portion may also comprise a hyperbolic metamaterial.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a slider having an air bearing surface (ABS). A near-field transducer (NFT) is disposed at or near the ABS. The slider has an optical waveguide configured to couple light from a laser source to the NFT. A thermal sensor is disposed at a leading edge of the NFT, the thermal sensor has an ABS section situated at or proximate the ABS and a distal section extending away from the ABS. The thermal sensor is configured to detect changes in output optical power of the laser source and contact between the slider and a magnetic recording medium.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a slider comprising an air bearing surface (ABS) and configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording. The slider includes a writer and a reader at the ABS, a near-field transducer (NFT) proximate the writer, and an optical waveguide optically coupled to a laser source and the NFT. The slider further includes a sensor configured to contact and sense thermal asperities of a magnetic recording medium. The sensor is formed from one of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt.

Abstract: A recording head has a near-field transducer proximate a media-facing surface of the recording head. A waveguide core overlaps and delivers light from a light source to the near-field transducer. The waveguide core has a dielectric cavity proximate the near-field transducer. The cavity is filled with a cladding material and reduces optical feedback to the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source configured to generate light, and a modulator coupled to the light source and configured to modulate the light above a predetermined frequency. A slider is configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording and to receive the modulated light. A resistive sensor is integral to the slider and subject to heating by absorption of electromagnetic radiation and conduction of heat. Measuring circuitry is coupled to the resistive sensor and configured to measure a response of the resistive sensor due to absorbed electromagnetic radiation and not from the heat conduction. The measuring circuitry may further be configured to determine output optical power of the light source using the measured resistive sensor response.

Abstract: A recording head includes a near-field transducer proximate a media-facing surface. The near-field transducer comprises an aperture portion surrounded by walls of plasmonic material, the walls oriented normal to the media-facing surface. A notch protrudes within the aperture. The notch comprises at least one of Rh and Ir. A write pole is proximate the near-field transducer. The write pole has a back surface facing away from the media-facing surface and an aperture-facing surface proximate the aperture.