Laser Power Boost for HAMR Write Reliability

The patent segments the laser write operation into distinct phases: a first sector with elevated laser power to compensate for air bearing fly-height variance, and subsequent sectors with normal laser power. This segmentation allows targeted error rate improvement in the problematic first sector without unnecessarily increasing power for all sectors, thus improving reliability while minimizing device complexity.

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating or pre-positioning the laser at an elevated power level before the write operation begins on the first sector. This preliminary elevated power state compensates for the air bearing fly-height variance that occurs at the start of writing, ensuring proper signal-to-noise ratio is achieved before normal writing commences.

The patent segments the laser power application temporally and spatially, applying elevated power only during the first sector write operation rather than continuously throughout the entire write process. This segmented approach improves the signal-to-noise ratio where needed while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption in subsequent sectors where normal power suffices.

The patent applies partial excessive action by using elevated laser power beyond what would be needed for normal writing during the first sector, then reducing to standard power levels for subsequent sectors. This partial excessive power application ensures adequate signal-to-noise ratio in the critical first sector while avoiding excessive energy consumption across the entire write operation.