Waveguide Interlayer Refractive Index for Focused Energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for heating storage media in thermally assisted magnetic/optical recording are inefficient in reducing the size of the heated spot, limiting storage density due to inadequate energy focusing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide device with a core layer, cladding layers, a reflective layer, and an interlayer is used to efficiently direct and focus energy, featuring a core layer with a higher refractive index than the cladding layers and an interlayer with a refractive index greater than the cladding layers, optimizing energy transfer and focal point size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If current energy focusing methods are used to heat storage media, then heating can be achieved, but the heated spot size cannot be sufficiently reduced, limiting storage density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multi-layer waveguide structure with different refractive indices (core layer n1, cladding layer n2, interlayer n3 where n3 > n2) to control and focus energy in three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach to energy confinement enables smaller heated spot sizes by utilizing refractive index gradients across multiple layers, directly resolving the contradiction between heated spot size and storage density.
2Use of energy by moving object
If energy is directed onto storage media to reduce coercivity, then data recording is enabled, but energy transfer efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy transfer by carefully selecting and controlling the refractive index parameters of each layer (n1 for core, n2 for cladding, n3 for interlayer where n3 > n2). This parameter optimization maximizes energy confinement and transfer efficiency to the storage media, ensuring reliable data recording while improving overall energy utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure employs composite materials with different refractive indices arranged in specific layers (core, cladding, and interlayer configurations). This composite structure enhances energy transfer efficiency by creating optimal optical pathways and confinement, directly addressing the energy efficiency requirement while maintaining recording reliability.
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
The solution enables more efficient energy transfer and a smaller focal point, enhancing storage density in thermally assisted magnetic recording systems by improving energy focusing and reflectivity while minimizing optical phase variation.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguide including a core layer with an index of refraction, n1; at least one cladding layer formed adjacent the core layer, the cladding layer having an index of refraction, n2
Implementation Method 2
a reflective layer, the reflective layer positioned adjacent the first portion of the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a waveguide, the waveguide having a first portion where energy having a wavelength, λ, enters and a second portion where the energy exits, the waveguide including a core layer with an index of refraction, n1; at least one cladding layer formed adjacent the core layer, the cladding layer having an index of refraction, n2; a reflective layer, the reflective layer positioned adjacent the first portion of the waveguide; and an interlayer, the interlayer positioned between the first portion of the waveguide and the reflective layer, the interlayer having an index of refraction, n3; wherein n3 is greater than n2.