Optical Magnetic Recording With Pole-Free Pulsed Laser Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic recording techniques, such as heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), face challenges in increasing storage density, reducing thermal effects during writing, and improving bit switching speed, while also being complex and costly due to the use of magnetic write poles.
Innovation Solution
Optical magnetic recording (OMR) systems utilize pulsed lasers and modulated light pulses to deterministically record data on magnetic storage media without an applied magnetic field, employing linearly or circularly polarized light to switch bits using spin torque transfer layers and near field transducers, with ultrafast optical pulses achieving high areal density capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) is used to increase storage density, then storage density is improved, but thermal effects during writing increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic write pole component from the recording head, replacing it with an optical writer that uses light pulses to induce spin torque transfer for bit switching. This removal of the magnetic write pole directly reduces device complexity while maintaining storage density improvements through optical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/magnetic field-based write pole system with an optical system using pulsed lasers. The optical writer generates light pulses that interact with the magnetic media through spin torque transfer, substituting the traditional electromagnetic field generation mechanism with an optical-mechanical interaction approach.
2Ease of operation
If magnetic write poles are used for recording data, then data recording is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the magnetic write pole from the recording head structure, eliminating the complex manufacturing requirements associated with precision magnetic field generation components. The optical writer uses simpler optical components that are easier to manufacture and integrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from electromagnetic field generation to optical pulse interaction. By using light pulses with specific durations and intensities to induce spin torque transfer, the system achieves data recording through a different physical regime that has simpler manufacturing requirements.
3Productivity
If conventional magnetic recording is used, then data storage is achieved, but bit switching speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser action with precise timing to switch bits at high speeds. The pulsed nature of the optical writer allows for rapid on-off cycling, enabling bit switching speeds that exceed conventional continuous magnetic field methods while maintaining storage density through focused optical interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the magnetic media response to optical pulses. The spin torque transfer mechanism involves phase transitions in magnetization states that occur rapidly under optical excitation, enabling fast bit switching while maintaining stable stored states for high density.
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
OMR systems enhance storage density, reduce thermal effects, and increase bit switching speed, while simplifying head construction and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost by eliminating the need for magnetic write poles.
Implementation Method 1
employing linearly or circularly polarized light to switch bits using spin torque transfer layers
Implementation Method 2
a near field transmitter located at or near a media-facing surface, and a light guide configured to deliver the light pulses modulated by the modulator to the near field transmitter for focusing and directing recording pulses to the magnetic storage media
Implementation Method 3
Optical magnetic recording (OMR) systems utilize pulsed lasers and modulated light pulses to deterministically record data on magnetic storage media
Data Source
AI summary
Described are optical magnetic recording systems, writers, media, and methods that utilize pulses of electromagnetic radiation to deterministically record information on magnetic storage media unaided by any additionally applied magnetic field such as from a write pole. The recording pulses may be linearly (or longitudinally) polarized pulses or circularly polarized pulses. The pulses may be modulated in accordance with data bits to be written on the media. Modulation may include modulating the polarization state(s) of the pulses and/or modulating the amplitude(s) the pulses, depending on the particular construction or configuration of the magnetic storage media to be used. Described are recording systems and methods that include laser light pulse generation, light pulse modulation, light pulse delivery, and magnetic media constructions.