Light Blocking Members for Stray Light Reduction in HAMR Waveguides
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) devices, stray light can cause data bit erasure and complicate alignment of the light source with the waveguide input coupler, leading to reduced light delivery efficiency and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
The use of light blocking members on the cross-track sides of the waveguide, positioned along its length between the top and bottom of the slider, effectively blocks stray light and maximizes light confinement within the waveguide, thereby enhancing light delivery efficiency and reducing data degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light blocking members are added to block stray light, then data storage accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking function is segmented into multiple discrete light blocking members positioned at specific locations within the slider. Each light blocking member is a separate component that can be independently positioned on the first and second cross track sides of the waveguide, allowing targeted stray light blocking without requiring a complete redesign of the entire optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
Light blocking members are introduced as intermediary components between the waveguide and the surrounding environment. These members act as mediators that intercept and block stray light before it can reach the magnetic medium, thereby protecting the data storage process without requiring changes to the fundamental waveguide or magnetic medium structure.
2Productivity
If light blocking members are positioned to maximize light confinement, then light delivery efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking members are positioned at specific local regions where light confinement is naturally at a maximum along the waveguide length. By placing the light blocking members at these specific locations between the top and bottom of the slider, the system maximizes light confinement effectiveness without requiring high-precision alignment across the entire waveguide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking members are pre-positioned at locations where light confinement is at a maximum before light delivery occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when light travels through the waveguide, the blocking members are already in optimal positions to confine stray light, reducing the need for real-time alignment adjustments.
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 configuration significantly reduces stray light, improving data storage accuracy and efficiency by minimizing the impact of stray light on the magnetic medium and allowing for precise alignment of the light source, resulting in enhanced performance of the HAMR device.
Implementation Method 1
confinement of light within the waveguide is at a maximum at the location
Implementation Method 2
The light blocking members are configured to block stray light away from a light path
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide has an input end near a top of a slider coupled to receive light from an energy source. The waveguide delivers the light at an output end of the waveguide near a bottom of the slider. The apparatus includes light blocking members on respective first and second cross track sides of the waveguide. The light blocking members are configured to block stray light away from a light path. The light blocking members are at a location along a length of the waveguide between the top and the bottom of the slider. Confinement of light within the waveguide is near a maximum at the location.