TAR Temperature Sensor with Heat Sink for Faster Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
The superparamagnetic limit in magnetic media restricts storage density due to thermal instability, and existing solutions like thermally assisted recording require precise temperature control to maintain data integrity without damaging the write head.
Innovation Solution
A disk drive head with an optical transducer for heating magnetic media and a temperature sensor coupled to a heat sink, where the sensor's electrical resistance is used to adjust laser power, ensuring thermal stability and preventing head damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed closer to the optical transducer to improve temperature measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the response time increases due to thermal lag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature sensing function into two separate components: a temperature sensor positioned away from the optical transducer to provide accurate baseline temperature measurement, and a thermal lag compensation mechanism that calculates and corrects for the time delay. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the temperature sensor continuously monitors temperature, the system calculates the thermal lag based on known thermal properties, and applies real-time compensation to the measurement. This feedback mechanism eliminates the response time penalty while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If laser power is increased to overcome the superparamagnetic limit and improve storage density, then the storage density improves, but the risk of head damage from overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the temperature sensor to provide continuous feedback on the thermal state of the magnetic media and head components. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of laser power to maintain optimal heating for data writing while preventing excessive temperatures that could damage the write head, thus simultaneously achieving high storage density and head durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the laser power parameter based on real-time temperature measurements and thermal lag compensation. By adjusting the laser power within optimal ranges, the system achieves sufficient heating to overcome the superparamagnetic limit for high-density storage while avoiding thermal damage to the head.
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 storage density by maintaining optimal temperatures for data stability while protecting the write head from overheating, thereby improving data retention and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transducer configured to heat a magnetic media proximate to the head
Implementation Method 2
a first heat sink configured to transfer heat away from the optical transducer
Implementation Method 3
measuring an electrical resistance of a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the optical transducer using a first lead connected to the temperature sensor where the electrical resistance correlates to a temperature of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
TAR enable write heads may use a plasmonic device (e.g., an optical transducer) which uses electromagnetic energy generated from a laser to heat the magnetic media. However, as the temperature of the plasmonic device rises, the likelihood of stressing the material of the device or other materials of the head near the plasmonic device increases. Accordingly, the write head may include a temperature sensor proximate to the plasmonic device. In one embodiment, the resistance of the temperature sensor may change according to the temperature of the plasmonic device. Based on the measured resistance of the temperature sensor, a sensing circuit may adjust the power of the laser, and thus, prevent the stressing of the materials. Moreover, the thermal coupling between the temperature sensor and a heat sink connected to the plasmonic device may be improved by moving elements associated with the sensing circuit closer to a heat sink.