Thermally Assisted Magnetic Head Light Source Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The production of thermally assisted magnetic heads faces challenges such as reduced yield due to complex structures, decreased light propagation efficiency, and alignment issues when integrating a light source with the magnetic recording element, particularly when the light source is located far from the slider or integrated on the medium-facing surface.
Innovation Solution
A thermally assisted magnetic head design where the light source is fabricated on a separate support substrate and independently tested, then accurately positioned on the slider using an adhesive in a recess to ensure precise alignment and efficient light guidance, allowing for the use of conventional magnetic recording element production methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the light source is located far from the slider, then the magnetic recording element and light source are separated for independent production, but light propagation efficiency decreases and apparatus structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermally assisted magnetic head into separate modules: a slider module containing the magnetic recording element and a light source module containing the light source. These modules are produced independently and then assembled, allowing each to be optimized separately while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary to transmit light from the light source to the slider. This optical fiber bridge enables the light source to be positioned away from the slider while maintaining efficient light transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between independent production and light propagation efficiency.
2Device complexity
If the light source is integrated on the medium-facing surface, then the structure is compact, but alignment precision between light source and waveguide deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the light source from the slider's medium-facing surface, placing it on a distinct light source support substrate. This segmentation allows the light source to be positioned on a separate platform, enabling precise alignment through dedicated alignment features without compromising the compactness of the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment marks and positioning features on the light source support substrate before final assembly. These preliminary alignment structures enable precise positioning of the light source relative to the waveguide during the assembly process, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining structural organization.
3Device complexity
If the light source is integrated on the side surface, then the structure is simplified, but production yield decreases due to synergetic effect of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into independently producible modules: a slider with magnetic recording elements and a separate light source module. Each module can be manufactured using established processes and independently tested, improving yield by avoiding the compounding failure rates that occur when multiple components are integrated in a single production step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary testing and characterization of both the magnetic recording element and light source before final assembly. This preliminary action allows defective components to be identified and replaced before integration, thereby maintaining high production yield while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
4Reliability
If the light source is located far from the slider, then independent testing is enabled, but the apparatus structure becomes complicated requiring optical fibers and lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into a slider module and a light source module that can be independently tested. The light source support substrate serves as a separate platform that allows the light source to be positioned away from the slider, enabling independent characterization and testing of each module before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical fiber as an intermediary connection between the light source and the slider. This optical fiber bridge enables the light source to be positioned on a separate support substrate while maintaining a reliable optical connection, thus enabling independent testing without excessively complicating the overall apparatus structure.
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 enhances the yield of thermally assisted magnetic heads by simplifying the structure, improving light propagation efficiency, and ensuring accurate alignment, leading to improved thermally assisted magnetic recording performance.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide having a light exit face on the medium-facing surface... light from the light source is guided into this waveguide
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive interposed between the first surface and the second surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the first surface and the second surface has a recess and the adhesive is disposed in the recess
Implementation Method 4
a light emitting element facing a light entrance face of the waveguide and fixed to the light source support substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally assisted magnetic head has a slider substrate having a first surface located on the opposite side to a medium-facing surface, and side surfaces located between the medium-facing surface and the first surface; a magnetic head portion having a waveguide having a light exit face on the medium-facing surface side, and a magnetic recording element disposed in proximity to the light exit face, the magnetic head portion being fixed to one of the side surfaces of the slider substrate; a light source support substrate having a second surface facing the first surface; a light emitting element facing a light entrance face of the waveguide and fixed to the light source support substrate; and an adhesive interposed between the first surface and the second surface; at least one of the first surface and the second surface has a recess and the adhesive is disposed in the recess.