Transducer Assembly for Thermally Assisted Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transducers for heat assisted magnetic recording and magneto-optical recording media are unable to simultaneously align light delivery systems for both writing and reading, making it difficult to design a transducer assembly that can accommodate both thermally assisted writing and read back in data storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A transducer assembly comprising two separate transducers, one for directing electromagnetic radiation onto a write pole and another for a read sensor, each optimized for specific functions with waveguides and near field transducers like solid immersion lenses and metallic pins, allowing for independent alignment and operation for writing and reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transducer is used for both writing and reading, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and functional performance deteriorate because the light delivery system cannot be simultaneously aligned with both the writer and reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer assembly into separate writing and reading transducers. Each transducer is independently aligned with its respective component (writer or reader), allowing for precise alignment without the complications of trying to align a single transducer with both components simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate transducers are used for writing and reading, then alignment precision and functional performance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate writing and reading transducers into a single integrated transducer assembly that is mounted on the slider. This merging approach allows independent alignment of each transducer while maintaining a compact overall structure that does not excessively increase device complexity.
3Productivity
If thermally assisted writing is implemented, then recording density and thermal stability improve, but energy consumption increases due to additional heating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal assistance locally only to the specific region of the storage medium that requires writing or reading operations. The electromagnetic radiation is focused onto the immediate vicinity of the writer or reader, heating only the necessary portion of the medium rather than the entire medium, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining high recording 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
Enables efficient thermally assisted writing and reading in data storage systems, ensuring thermal stability and high areal density recording while avoiding cross-talk and nonlinearities, with the ability to switch between writing and reading modes by adjusting light angle or polarization.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer for directing electromagnetic radiation onto a storage medium adjacent to a write pole
Implementation Method 2
a second transducer for directing electromagnetic radiation onto a storage medium adjacent to a read sensor
Implementation Method 3
the applied magnetic writing field can more easily direct the magnetization of the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer assembly for a data storage system comprises a first transducer for directing electromagnetic radiation onto a storage medium adjacent to a write pole, and a second transducer for directing electromagnetic radiation onto a storage medium adjacent to a read sensor. A data storage apparatus that includes the transducer assembly is also included.