Trailing Edge VCSEL Array for HAMR Slider Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in achieving higher recording densities in magnetic media drives is the limitation imposed by the small surface area of the main pole in magnetic recording write heads, which restricts the recording field and disk capacity due to the added height of laser sources in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) systems, increasing disk-to-disk spacing and reducing the number of disks that can be accommodated.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic recording head assembly incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device mounted on the trailing edge surface of a slider, aligned with an optical grating that directs emitted lasers about 90 degrees to a waveguide and near-field transducer, reducing the overall height and allowing for increased disk capacity by minimizing disk-to-disk spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a laser source is disposed on top of a slider in traditional HAMR systems, then heat can be effectively delivered to the write location, but the added height increases disk-to-disk spacing and reduces the number of disks that can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL array is mounted on the trailing edge surface of the slider rather than on the top surface, utilizing an alternative spatial dimension. This repositioning maintains the laser-to-waveguide optical path while significantly reducing the vertical height of the slider assembly, thereby decreasing disk-to-disk spacing and increasing the number of disks that can be accommodated in the drive.
2Quantity of substance
If the main pole surface area is decreased to achieve higher recording densities, then the recording field becomes smaller, but this limits the effectiveness of the magnetic recording write head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, which changes the thermal parameter of the magnetic medium during the writing process. By locally heating the recording medium with the VCSEL array, the magnetic coercivity is temporarily reduced, enabling successful writing even with smaller main pole surface areas. This parameter change (temperature increase) allows higher recording densities while maintaining write head effectiveness.
3Power
If multiple VCSELs are arranged in an array to provide sufficient laser power, then the overall device height increases, but this again increases disk-to-disk spacing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple VCSELs are merged into a single array structure mounted on the trailing edge surface of the slider. This consolidation provides sufficient total laser power for HAMR operation while maintaining a compact form factor. The array configuration on the trailing edge surface prevents vertical stacking, thereby avoiding increased device height and disk-to-disk spacing.
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 recording density and capacity of magnetic media drives by reducing the height of the magnetic recording head assembly, enabling more disks to be stacked while maintaining effective laser output for heat-assisted magnetic recording, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional HAMR systems.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device is coupled to the trailing edge surface of the slider... The VCSEL device is capable of emitting a plurality of lasers that are phase coherent
Implementation Method 2
an optical grating disposed on the trailing edge surface... The optical grating is capable of directing the emitted lasers about 90 degrees to the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a laser source exciting a near-field transducer (NFT) to produce heat at a write location of a magnetic recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to pretreating a magnetic recording head assembly for magnetic media drive. The magnetic recording head assembly comprises a slider having a media facing surface (MFS), a top surface disposed opposite the MFS, a trailing edge surface disposed adjacent to the top surface, and an optical grating disposed on the trailing edge surface. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device is mounted to the trailing edge surface of the slider. The VCSEL device is aligned with the optical grating. A magnetic recording head comprising a waveguide and a near field transducer (NFT) coupled to the waveguide is disposed on the trailing edge surface of the slider. The VCSEL device is capable of emitting a plurality of lasers that are phase coherent on to the optical grating. The optical grating is capable of directing the emitted lasers about 90 degrees to the waveguide.