Tapered Plasmonic Waveguide Trench for HAMR Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) devices face challenges in achieving high areal data density due to superparamagnetic effects, and the thermal management of plasmonic transducers leads to reduced efficiency and magnetic moment of recording poles.
Innovation Solution
A plasmonic gap waveguide with a tapering core and trench structure is used to enhance surface plasmon-enhanced near-field radiation, providing a localized and efficient heat source for magnetic recording, integrated with a heat sink to manage thermal gradients and maintain magnetic pole efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plasmonic transducer is used to provide localized heating for heat-assisted magnetic recording, then the areal data density is improved, but the thermal management becomes difficult and the magnetic moment of recording poles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into distinct functional regions: an input coupler region, a tapering core region, and an output end region with a trench. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally - the input coupler receives light, the tapering core guides and concentrates the light, and the output end with trench provides localized heating while the surrounding cladding acts as thermal management structure
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure implements local quality by having different geometric properties in different regions. The core tapers from a larger cross-sectional width to a smaller cross-sectional width at the output end, creating a localized concentration of electromagnetic energy. The trench at the output end further localizes the heating effect to a specific region, providing intense localized heating while the surrounding cladding layers provide thermal management in other regions
2Illumination intensity
If the waveguide core is tapered to enhance surface plasmon radiation, then the near-field radiation pattern is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide core is pre-formed with a specific tapering profile during manufacturing. By establishing the gradual transition from larger to smaller cross-sectional width in advance, the structure is pre-configured to support surface plasmon polariton propagation and enhance near-field radiation at the output end, reducing the need for post-manufacturing adjustments
3Temperature
If a trench is added to the waveguide core output end to confine heat, then the thermal spot sharpness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trench is introduced locally at the output end of the waveguide core, creating a confined region with different geometric properties. This local modification concentrates the electromagnetic energy and thermal output to a specific location, providing sharp thermal spots without requiring complex modifications to the entire waveguide structure. The rest of the waveguide maintains its simpler tapered geometry
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 solution enables higher areal data density and efficient thermal management, allowing for sharper thermal spots and improved recording performance while operating at lower temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide comprising a waveguide core tapering along a light propagation direction from a first cross-sectional width to a second cross-sectional width
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide is configured to provide a surface plasmon-enhanced near-field radiation pattern proximate the output end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording. The slider comprises an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide comprises a waveguide core tapering along a light propagation direction from a first cross-sectional width to a second cross-sectional width. The second cross sectional width is smaller than the first cross sectional width. The waveguide core comprises a trench at an output end. The waveguide comprises at least one cladding layer surrounding the waveguide core. The waveguide is configured to provide a surface plasmon-enhanced near-field radiation pattern proximate the output end in response to the received light.