EAMR Waveguide Assistant Cores for Coupling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducers suffer from low media absorption efficiency due to energy losses when light is coupled from a laser to the waveguide, particularly when the laser is directly coupled to the waveguide, leading to inefficient recording.
Innovation Solution
The EAMR transducer incorporates a waveguide with first and second cladding layers and a core, where assistant cores are placed within the cladding layers to aid in energy coupling, improving alignment tolerance and efficiency by directing energy from a laser towards the air-bearing surface, thereby enhancing the coupling of light energy into the core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is directly coupled from the laser to the waveguide core, then the coupling process is simple, but the coupling efficiency is low due to alignment sensitivity and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into multiple functional regions: a core region for primary light guidance, assistant cores embedded in cladding layers for mode conversion and alignment tolerance, and graded index regions for gradual mode transformation. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, reducing overall coupling loss while managing structural complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
Assistant cores embedded in the cladding layers serve as intermediary elements between the laser and the main core. These assistant cores facilitate gradual mode conversion and improve alignment tolerance by acting as intermediate steps in the light coupling process, reducing direct coupling requirements and minimizing energy losses.
2Manufacturing precision
If the waveguide uses a simple core structure, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the alignment tolerance between laser and waveguide is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple functional segments including the core, assistant cores in cladding layers, and graded index regions. This segmentation creates multiple interaction zones that collectively improve alignment tolerance while distributing the manufacturing complexity across different structural elements rather than requiring extreme precision in a single simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the waveguide are assigned different structural qualities: the core has specific refractive index properties for light guidance, the cladding layers contain assistant cores for mode conversion, and graded index regions provide gradual transitions. This local differentiation of structural properties enables each region to contribute to alignment tolerance according to its specific function.
3Productivity
If assistant cores are added to the waveguide, then the coupling efficiency and alignment tolerance improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is segmented into functional regions including the core, assistant cores embedded in cladding layers, and graded index regions. This segmentation allows assistant cores to be strategically positioned to perform specific mode conversion functions, improving recording efficiency through better coupling while managing complexity through functional decomposition rather than uniform structural enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistant cores embedded in the cladding layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they improve coupling efficiency, increase alignment tolerance, and facilitate mode conversion. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering multiple performance benefits from a single structural feature.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The presence of assistant cores in the waveguide improves the coupling efficiency and alignment tolerance, leading to more efficient energy delivery to the core, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the EAMR transducer.
Implementation Method 1
The core is configured to direct the energy from the laser toward the ABS
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide includes first and second cladding layers, a core, and assistant cores. The core is configured to direct the energy from the laser toward the ABS
Implementation Method 3
The light interacts with the NFT 30, which absorbs part of the optical energy and forms very strong localized electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 4
When the localized electromagnetic field is close enough to the recording media 16, the recording media also absorbs part of the localized electromagnetic field and is heated
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for providing a waveguide for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer is described. The EAMR transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) that resides in proximity to a media during use and is coupled with a laser that provides energy. The EAMR transducer includes a write pole that writes to a region of the media and coil(s) that energize the write pole. The waveguide includes first and second cladding layers, a core, and assistant cores. The core is configured to direct the energy from the laser toward the ABS and has a core length. The core resides between the first and second cladding layers. A first portion of the assistant cores resides in the first cladding layer. A second portion of the assistant cores is in the second cladding layer. Each assistant core has an assistant core length less than the core length.