Light Source Unit Stopping Structure for Precise Waveguide Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in existing technologies is the difficulty in achieving precise optical alignment between the light source unit and the waveguide due to changes in the thickness of the welding layer during the joining process, which affects the optical coupling efficiency in thermally assisted magnetic heads.
Innovation Solution
A light source unit with a welding layer and a stopping structure is used, allowing the unit to be precisely positioned at a preset location by the stopping structure when joined with the slider, ensuring alignment with the waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the light source unit is joined to the slider using a welding layer, then the light source unit can be connected to the slider, but the thickness of the welding layer changes during the joining process, making it difficult to achieve precise optical alignment between the emission opening of the light source unit and the waveguide
Solution Approach 1:
A stopping structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the light source unit and the slider. This stopping structure includes a stopping surface that limits the movement of the light source unit during the welding process, ensuring that the emission opening aligns precisely with the waveguide. The stopping structure acts as a mediator that controls the joining process and maintains optical alignment precision despite variations in welding layer thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping structure is pre-configured on the slider with a stopping surface positioned at a predetermined location. Before the welding process begins, the light source unit is positioned relative to this pre-established stopping surface. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the welding layer melts and the light source unit moves, it will stop at the correct position for optimal optical alignment, eliminating the need for post-welding adjustment.
2Ease of manufacture
If the thickness of the welding layer is not precisely controlled, then the joining process becomes easier, but the optical coupling efficiency between the light source unit and the waveguide deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopping structure serves as a mechanical intermediary that decouples the welding process from the optical alignment requirement. It allows the welding layer thickness to vary without directly affecting the final optical coupling efficiency, as the stopping structure ensures the light source unit reaches the correct position regardless of welding layer variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopping structure provides a predetermined mechanical limit that cushions against the variability in welding layer thickness. By establishing a physical barrier before the light source unit can move too far, it ensures that even if the welding layer thickness varies, the optical alignment will not be compromised, thus cushioning against potential misalignment issues.
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 the optical coupling efficiency between the light source unit and the waveguide, improving the alignment precision and overall performance of the thermally assisted magnetic head.
Implementation Method 1
A welding layer and a stopping structure are provided between the light source unit and the slider; The light source unit is configured to move as the welding layer melts
Implementation Method 2
The laser emitted from the laser diode can be transmitted by the waveguide 20
Implementation Method 3
transduced into the near-field light by the surface plasmon antenna 30, so as to heat the magnetic recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure disclose a light source unit applied to the thermally assisted magnetic head. A welding layer and a stopping structure are disposed between the slider of the thermally assisted magnetic head and the light source unit. When the light source unit is joined with the slider, the light source unit moves as the welding layer melts and can be precisely limited at the preset position by the stopping structure. In this way, the emission opening of the light source unit and the waveguide can be aligned precisely, thereby increasing the optical coupling efficiency between the light source unit and the waveguide. Meanwhile, the embodiment of the disclosure further accordingly provides a thermally assisted magnetic head, a head gimbal assembly, and a hard disk drive.