Light Delivery System for HAMR Using Offset Reflective Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light delivery systems in data storage devices face challenges in efficiently aligning and focusing light from a light source to a near-field transducer (NFT) due to limitations in optical path alignment and light delivery efficiency, particularly in Heat-Assisted-Magnetic-Recording (HAMR) technology, where precise heating of magnetic grains is required for data bit recording.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light delivery system that includes a channel waveguide, a solid immersion mirror, and reflective elements to redirect and focus light from a light source to a near-field transducer, with configurations such as planar waveguide assemblies and beam expanders to improve alignment and efficiency, and the use of reflective elements to induce an offset between the light source and the NFT, allowing for efficient light delivery and heating of magnetic grains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a light delivery system uses a channel waveguide and solid immersion mirror to focus light to a near-field transducer, then light delivery efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflective elements (mirrors) as intermediary components to redirect and align light between the waveguide and near-field transducer. These intermediaries provide adjustment mechanisms that decouple the alignment requirements from direct mechanical positioning, allowing efficient light delivery while maintaining relaxed alignment tolerances through adjustable optical paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reflective elements are added to redirect light and induce offset between light source and near-field transducer, then alignment tolerance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reflective elements to introduce optical path folding, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the light delivery system. This allows the light source and near-field transducer to be positioned with offsets while maintaining proper optical alignment, thereby improving alignment tolerance without significantly increasing functional complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light source is offset from the near-field transducer to improve alignment tolerance, then alignment tolerance is improved, but light delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or angled reflective surfaces to redirect light from an offset source to the near-field transducer. The curved geometry of the mirrors optimizes the optical path to maintain high light delivery efficiency while accommodating the offset positioning that provides alignment tolerance.
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
This solution enhances light delivery efficiency and alignment tolerance, enabling precise heating of magnetic grains on the storage medium, thereby improving data bit recording and reading capabilities in HAMR technology.
Implementation Method 1
The solid immersion mirror focuses light to the near field transducer
Implementation Method 2
The reflective elements redirect light received from a light source between the reflective elements to a focusing element
Implementation Method 3
enabling precise heating of magnetic grains on the storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
A light delivery system in a slider includes a channel waveguide, a solid immersion mirror, a near field transducer, and a planar waveguide assembly. The solid immersion mirror focuses light to the near field transducer. In one implementation, the slider includes a first reflective element and a second reflective element formed in the slider to induce an offset between a light source and the near field transducer. The reflective elements redirect light received from a light source between the reflective elements to a focusing element (e.g., a solid immersion mirror) focused on a near field transducer. The reflective elements translate the light in accordance with the offset between the light source and the near field transducer.