Solid Immersion Mirror Thermal Sensor Integration in HAMR
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) devices, there is a challenge in integrating thermal sensors efficiently due to limited space for electrical leads and the complexity of adding more components to the read/write heads, which affects the accuracy of temperature measurements and power estimation.
Innovation Solution
A thermal sensor is placed proximate a solid-immersion mirror (SIM) near a near-field transducer (NFT) to focus light and detect local temperature, utilizing thin films with a known thermal coefficient of resistance to estimate power applied and detect clearances, with the SIM optimized for both focusing and sensor integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal sensors are integrated into HAMR devices, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to limited space and lead integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal sensor, solid-immersion mirror, and near-field transducer into a single integrated assembly that is co-planar with the media surface. This merging of components reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate lead integrations and simplifying the spatial arrangement, while still achieving accurate temperature measurements through the thermal sensor's proximity to the focal region.
2Reliability
If more components are added to read/write heads, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-immersion mirror serves multiple functions: it focuses light onto the near-field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic recording, acts as a structural support for the thermal sensor, and provides a platform for integrating the near-field transducer. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function, while still providing comprehensive temperature monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If thermal sensor is placed near SIM, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but space for electrical leads is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the thermal sensor, solid-immersion mirror, and near-field transducer in a co-planar configuration that extends laterally away from the media-facing surface. This dimensional arrangement allows electrical leads to be routed along the plane of the assembly rather than requiring vertical space near the focal region, thus maintaining temperature detection accuracy while providing adequate space for lead integration.
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 allows for accurate temperature measurement and power estimation, improving the reliability and efficiency of HAMR devices by minimizing the impact on waveguide mode-NFT coupling and enabling dynamic fly-height control.
Implementation Method 1
A solid-immersion mirror is configured to reflect the light energy from the optical coupling path to a focal region
Implementation Method 2
A thermal sensor that senses temperature as a function of resistance is proximate at least one of the two reflective portions of the solid-immersion mirror
Implementation Method 3
The near-field transducer directs the light energy to a magnetic recording medium via a media-facing surface of the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-immersion mirror has two reflective portions surrounding a focal region. A thermal sensor that senses temperature as a function of resistance is proximate at least one of the two reflective portions of the solid-immersion mirror. A near-field transducer is located proximate the focal region of the solid-immersion mirror. The near-field transducer directs optical energy to a magnetic recording medium.