Submount-integrated photodetector for monitoring a laser for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

Method to coat NFT area with highly thermal conducting material in HAMR structure

A method for forming a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head 201 includes depositing a drop-on-demand mask on a portion of a surface of a near field transducer (NFT) 228. A first protective layer 218 is deposited over a remaining portion of the NFT and over the drop-on-demand mask. The drop-on-demand mask and a portion of the first protective layer disposed on the drop-on-demand mask are removed, exposing at least the portion of the NFT. A second protective layer 220 is deposited on the first protective layer and at least the exposed portion of the NFT. By using a drop-on-demand tool e.g. inkjet printer to deposit the mask, the alignment between the drop-on-demand mask and the portion of the NFT is less stringent, and the mask can be easily removed using a wiping tool. The first protective layer may be diamond like carbon (DLC) and the second protective layer may be aluminium nitride (AlN) having high thermal conductivity. The protective layers form an overcoat 216 which may also ...

Excitation of airbearing oscillation with tar nearfield device for touchdown detection

Near field transducer anneal for heat assisted magnetic recording

Thermally assisted magnetic recording head with optical spot-size converter attached two dimensional thin waveguide

확산 배리어 층을 포함하는 디바이스들

... 에어 베어링 표면(ABS)을 갖는 디바이스들이 기재되며, 디바이스들은, 기입 폴; 페그 및 디스크를 포함하는 근접 장 트랜스듀서(NFT) ― 여기서, 페그는 디바이스의 ABS에 있음 ―; NFT의 디스크에 인접하게 포지셔닝되는 열 싱크; 디바이스의 ABS에서 NFT의 페그에 인접하게 표지셔닝되는 유전체 갭; 및 유전체 갭, 디스크, 및 열 싱크와 기입 폴 사이에 포지셔닝되는 등각적 확산 배리어 층을 포함하며, 여기서, 등각적 확산 배리어 층은 135 보다 크지 않은 적어도 하나의 각을 형성한다.

HYBRID PLASMON GENERATOR STRUCTURE AND PROCESS

A TAMR head is disclosed with a hybrid plasmon generator (hPG) formed between a waveguide and write pole at an ABS. The hPG has a planar bottom surface facing the waveguide and is comprised of a first non-noble metal layer with a peg portion adjoining the ABS. The peg tip has a thickness in a down track direction and a width in a cross track direction that may be reduced to about 10 nm to shrink the size of the optical spot that provides localized heating to a track and facilitates the write process. A second metal layer made of a noble metal is formed on and alongside the first metal layer and is recessed from the ABS to expose the peg, and has a top surface adjoining the write pole that may have side and top heat sinks.

Laser-In-Slider Light Delivery For Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording

An apparatus includes a light source for producing a beam of light, a coupler for coupling the light into a slider waveguide, a beam expander for expanding the beam of light from the waveguide to produce an expanded beam, a collimator for collimating the expanded beam, and a focusing device for concentrating the collimated beam to a focal point. A method of delivering light to a focal point is also described.

Thermal assisted magnetic head provided with light detector that detects reflected light

A thermal assisted magnetic recording head has a magnetic head slider and a light source unit that is fixed to the magnetic head slider. A first surface of the light source unit and a second surface of the magnetic head slider face each other via a gap. The light source unit includes a light source that emits laser light from an emission part that is positioned on the first surface and a photodetector that detects the laser light. The magnetic head slider includes a waveguide through which the laser light that is incident on an incident part positioned on the second surface propagates, near-field light generation means for generating near-field light on an air bearing surface, the near-field light being generated from the laser light that propagates through the waveguide, and a recording magnetic pole that is provided adjacent to the near-field light generation means and that has an end part positioned on the air bearing surface. A medium for propagating the laser light is continuously ...

OPTICAL POWER SENSOR FOR A HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING SLIDER

An apparatus comprises a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording comprising an air bearing surface (ABS). The slider comprises a write pole at or near the ABS, and a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS and proximate the write pole. A main waveguide is configured to receive light from a laser source and communicate the light to the NFT. An optical power sensor comprises a tap waveguide optically coupled to the main waveguide and comprising a first end and an opposing second end. The optical power sensor also comprises a bolometer optically coupled to the tap waveguide and configured to receive a portion of the light extracted from the main waveguide by the tap waveguide. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a write pole;', 'a near-field transducer (NFT) proximate the write pole;', 'a main waveguide configured to couple light from a laser source to the NFT; and', a tap waveguide optically coupled to the main waveguide; and', 'a bolometer offset from the main waveguide at a location such that the bolometer indirectly senses an optical field of the main waveguide at the location via the tap waveguide., 'an optical power sensor comprising], 'a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording, the slider comprising2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tap waveguide is situated lateral of the main waveguide along a longitudinal section of the main waveguide.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bolometer is offset from the main waveguide at a location such that the bolometer does not directly sense an optical field of the main waveguide at the location.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein tap waveguide has an arcuate shape such that opposing first and second ends of the tap waveguide are spaced further away from the main waveguide relative to a middle section of the tap waveguide.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein:the bolometer is situated at or proximate a first end of the tap waveguide; anda light absorbing or anti-reflection feature ...

Method and system for providing a molded capping layer for an energy assisted magnetic recording head

A method and system for providing energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) heads are described. The heads include sliders and lasers coupled with the sliders. The method and system include molding an enclosure layer. The enclosure layer has a laser-facing surface and a top surface opposing the laser-facing surface. The laser-facing surface has a cavity including a concave section. The method and system further includes providing a reflective layer on the cavity. A portion of the reflective layer resides on the concave section, collimates light from the laser, and provides the collimated light to the EAMR transducer. The method and system further includes aligning the concave section of the cavity with a light emitting portion of the laser. The enclosure layer is also bonded to the slider.

Heat assisted magnetic recording writer having pole coupled with the NFT

A heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write apparatus has a media-facing surface (MFS) and is coupled with a laser that provides energy. The HAMR write apparatus includes a waveguide, a near-field transducer (NFT), a pole and coil(s) for energizing the pole. The waveguide is optically coupled with the laser and directs a first portion of the energy toward the MFS. The NFT is optically coupled with the waveguide. The pole writes to a region of the media and includes a pole tip. A first portion of the pole tip is at the MFS and is separated from the NFT in a down track direction. A second portion of the pole tip is recessed from the MFS and between the first portion and the NFT.

Energy-assisted magnetic recording head having waveguide capable of providing small beam spots

A method and system for providing an EAMR transducer is described. The EAMR transducer has an ABS and is coupled with a laser. The EAMR transducer includes a write pole, coil(s), and an energy delivery device. The write pole magnetically writes to the media. The coil(s) energize the write pole. The energy delivery device is optically coupled with the laser and includes a top distal from the ABS, a bottom proximate to the ABS, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side. The first side has a first apex angle from a normal to the ABS and is reflective. The second side has a second apex angle from the normal and is reflective. The first and second apex angles are each at least three and not more than twenty-five degrees. The first and second sides converge such that the top is wider than the bottom.

ARTICLES INCLUDING A NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCER AND AT LEAST ONE WAVEGUIDE

Systems that include an energy source configured to provide transverse electric (TE) mode energy; a channel waveguide configured to receive energy from the energy source, the channel waveguide having at least one mirror plane; and a near field transducer (NFT) configured to receive energy from the channel waveguide, the NFT having at least one mirror plane.

Magnetic head and magnetic disk device

According to one embodiment, a magnetic head is arranged opposite a magnetic recording medium including a recording layer. The magnetic head includes a magnetic pole, a light emitting unit, and a distance adjusting unit. The magnetic pole includes a soft magnetic material. The light emitting unit is arranged with respect to the magnetic pole in a travel direction of the magnetic head, and emits light with respect to the recording layer. The distance adjusting unit adjusts a distance between the magnetic pole and the light emitting unit.

Materials for near field transducers and near field transducers containing same

A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT) layer, the method including depositing a film of a primary element, the film having a film thickness and a film expanse; and implanting at least one secondary element into the primary element, wherein the NFT layer includes the film of the primary element doped with the at least one secondary element.

Thermally-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head Comprising Characteristic Clads

Provided is a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head with improved light density of near-field light (NF-light) with which a medium is irradiated. The head comprises: a magnetic pole; a waveguide for propagating light for exciting surface plasmon; a surface plasmon generator provided between the magnetic pole and the waveguide, coupled with the light in a surface plasmon mode, and emitting NF-light; and a clad portion provided at least between the waveguide and the surface plasmon generator and comprising a transition region in which a refractive index decreases along a direction from the waveguide toward the magnetic pole. The provision of the clad portion including the transition region enables improvement of the light density of NF-light due to the convergence of surface plasmon excited in the surface plasmon generator to predetermined locations, while avoiding the problem of temperature rise due to reduction of the volume of surface plasmon generator.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THERMAL ASSISTED MAGNETIC WRITE HEAD

A method of manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic write head is provided. The method includes steps of: forming a laminate structure including the waveguide; the plasmon generator, and the magnetic pole in order; performing a first polishing process to planarize an end surface of the laminate structure; performing a first etching process to remove impurity attached on the end surface of the laminate structure, and to allow the plasmon generator to be recessed from the waveguide and the magnetic pole, thereby forming a recessed region on the end surface of the laminate structure; forming a protection layer on the end surface of the laminate structure such that at least the recessed region is filled; and performing a second polishing process on the end surface of the laminate structure formed with the protection layer until the plasmon generator is exposed, thereby completing the air bearing surface.

Slot waveguide that couples energy to a near-field transducer

A dual-slot waveguide receives energy from a coupling waveguide. The dual-slot waveguide includes first and second light propagating regions of low-index material located side-by-side in a direction normal to a light propagation direction. Inner sides of the first and second light propagating regions are separated by a first region of a high-index material. Second and third regions of the high-index material surround outer sides of the first and second light propagating regions. A near-field transducer receives portions of the energy from the first and second light propagating regions.

Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising waveguide with inverted-trapezoidal shape

Provided is a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising a near-field-light-generating (NFL-generating) optical system with an improved light use efficiency. The head comprises a magnetic pole, a waveguide propagating a light for exciting surface plasmon, and a NF-optical device configured to emit NF-light from its end surface located adjacent to the magnetic pole end surface. The waveguide cross-section, taken by a plane perpendicular to a waveguide edge along elongated direction, has substantially a trapezoidal shape in which a longer side of opposed parallel sides is an edge of the cross-section on the NF-optical device side. This configuration enables a coupled portion of the NF-optical device which is coupled with the light to be placed in the effective distribution range of the light seeping from the waveguide. Consequently, there can be realized a sufficiently strong coupling between the light seeping from the waveguide and the NF-optical device.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording head having a non-uniform air-bearing surface

A recording head includes a near-field transducer configured to heat one or more portions of a magnetic storage layer to generate a thermal profile in the magnetic storage layer. The recording head includes a write pole configured to generate a magnetization pattern, in the magnetic storage layer, that overlaps with the thermal profile in the magnetic storage layer. The write pole includes a non-uniform surface that faces the magnetic storage layer, the non-uniform surface configured to cause a portion of the magnetization pattern to be approximately linear.

USING WINDOW UNDERLAYER STRUCTURES TO PROTECT NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS ON HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEADS

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a near field transducer, a return pole, a main pole, a waveguide adjacent the near field transducer, wherein the waveguide extends away from the near field transducer along a direction perpendicular to a media facing surface, at least one cladding layer adjacent to the waveguide, an underlayer positioned behind the near field transducer with respect to the media facing surface, the underlayer extending away from the near field transducer along the direction perpendicular to the media facing surface, and a fill material at least partially surrounding the underlayer, the waveguide and the at least one cladding layer. The underlayer has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the fill material. Other systems, and methods are described in additional embodiments, 1. A system , comprising:a near field transducer;a return pole;a main pole;a waveguide adjacent the near field transducer, wherein the waveguide extends away from the near field transducer along a direction perpendicular to a media facing surface;at least one cladding layer adjacent to the waveguide;an underlayer positioned behind the near field transducer with respect to the media facing surface, the underlayer extending away from the near field transducer along the direction perpendicular to the media f/acing surface; anda fill material at least partially surrounding the underlayer, the waveguide and the at least one cladding layer,wherein the underlayer has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the fill material.2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the underlayer surrounds at least a portion of the near field transducer.3. The system as recited in claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the underlayer extends to the media facing surface.4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the fill material is positioned in a space defined between the return pole and the main pole.5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the underlayer ...

Interlayer for device including near field transducer (NFT) and cladding layers

A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a discontinuous metal layer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.

RECORDING HEAD, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING RECORDING HEAD, AND INFORMATION RECORDING AND REPRODUCING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recording head that is reduced in size and capable of ensuring a sufficient quantity of light, a method for manufacturing the recording head, and an information recording and reproducing device. SOLUTION: A near-field light generating element 26 comprises a core 23 which guides a laser beam L toward a disc while reflecting it, and a clad 24 in which the core 23 is enclosed. Lengths in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction T1, T2 of an incident side end surface for the laser beam in the core 23 are formed to suit lengths in a long axis direction and a short axis direction of the laser beam incident in the core 23. COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT ...

Method for controlling writing in a thermally-assisted recording (TAR) disk drive with thermal fly-height control

Heat-assisted magnetic recording disk drive (HAMR) with thermal sensor and laser power prediction

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) disc drive uses a thermal temperature sensor 260 to monitor laser power during writing. A disk drive controller, or a separate processor, computes a prediction w(k) of a measured laser power y(k) from a history of laser power settings LPS. The predicted value is compared with the measured value from the thermal sensor. If the difference is too large or too small, indicating that -the laser power is too high or too low, an error signal is sent to the disk drive controller 114. The disk drive controller may adjust the laser power setting and initiate a re­write of the data, The predicted laser power is calculated from a convolution of a sequence of current x(k) and prior x(k-1), x(k-2) laser power settings with a sequence of coefficients a(0), a(1), a(2). A calibration process generates the sequence of coefficients. Using the predicted values compensates for slow response time of the temperature sensor.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording disk drive (HAMR) with thermal sensor and laser power prediction

Heat-dissipating stepped slider for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

Dual thermal sensor for hamr waveguide power monitor and integration with the contact sensor

Near-field light generating element, near-field light head, method of manufacturing near-field light generating element, method of manufacturing near-field light head, and playback device

SLIDER FOR MAGNETIC RECORDING APPARATUS WITH PROJECTION COMPRISING OPTICAL TURNING ELEMENT AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF

The apparatus includes a slider, a light source disposed on an outer surface of the slider, and a protrusion extending over the outer surface of the slider. The light source includes a resonant cavity aligned with an outer surface of the slider. The protrusion includes an optical turning element optically coupled to the light source. Also included are methods of making the same.

Optical near-field generating device, optical near-field generating method and information recording and reproducing apparatus

An optical near-field generating device is provided. The optical near- field generating device includes: a light source; a light transmissive substrate; and a conductive scatterer irradiated with light from the light source to generate an optical near-field. The scatterer is formed across planes with different heights on the light transmissive substrate and includes a first area formed on a surface closest to an object to which the optical near-field is applied and a second area formed on a surface distant from the object as compared with the first area. The optical near-field is generated from the first area of the scatterer toward the object.

Interlayer for device including NFT and cladding layers

A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a discontinuous metal layer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.

Waveguide including first and second layers and manufacturing method thereof

A manufacturing method for a waveguide includes forming a core including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has a top surface including a first region with which a bottom surface of the second layer is in contact, and a second region with which the bottom surface of the second layer is not in contact. Forming the core includes the steps of: forming an initial first layer; forming an etching stopper layer on the second region of the initial first layer; forming an initial second layer on the initial first layer and the etching stopper layer; etching the initial second layer and the initial first layer so as to make the initial first layer into the first layer; and etching the initial second layer until the etching stopper layer is exposed, so as to make the initial second layer into the second layer.

WAVEGUIDE WITH OPTICAL ISOLATOR FOR HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING

An apparatus includes a substrate. A laser is formed on a non-self supporting structure and bonded to the substrate. A waveguide having a gap portion is deposited proximate the laser. The waveguide is configured to communicate light from the laser to a near-field transducer (NFT) that directs energy resulting from plasmonic excitation to a recording medium. An optical isolator is disposed over the gap portion.

System, Method and Apparatus for Internal Polarization Rotation for Horizontal Cavity, Surface Emitting Laser Beam for Thermally Assisted Recording in Disk Drive

A laser, such as a horizontal cavity surface emitting laser, with internal polarization rotation may be used in thermally assisted recording in hard disk drives. The desired polarization of the laser may be accomplished with two beam reflections off of facets within the laser. The facets may be formed in a single ion beam etching step. The laser may be used on a thermally assisted recording head to produce a polarized beam that is aligned with a track direction of the disk.

LIGHT SOURCE UNIT, HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD USING THE SAME, AND LIGHT SOURCE FOR LIGHT SOURCE UNIT

A light source unit has a substrate, a light source that is mounted to the substrate. The light source includes; a first emission part that emits a forward light, the forward light being a laser light in an oscillation state; a second emission part that is located on a side opposite to the first emission part and that emits a rearward light, the rearward light being a laser light in an oscillation state; and a light leakage part located at a position different from the first emission part and the second emission part. The light source further includes a photodetector that is provided on the substrate, wherein the photodetector has a light receiving surface for detecting a leakage light that leaks from the light leakage part.

Laser Power Control in a Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording System

A heat-assisted magnetic recording system may include, but is not limited to: at least one magnetic recording read/write head; at least one laser diode configured to illuminate at least a portion of at least one magnetic recording medium; at least one laser power level sensor configured to detect a power level of the at least one laser diode; and a controller configured to modify one or more power level settings associated with the at least one laser diode in response to one or more output signals of the at least one laser power level sensor.

Recording head for heat assisted magnetic recording with diffusion barrier surrounding a near field transducer

An apparatus includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface, a first magnetic pole, a heat sink positioned between the first magnetic pole and the near field transducer, and a diffusion barrier positioned between the near field transducer and the first magnetic pole. The diffusion barrier can be positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole or the near field transducer.

Media temperature measurement for adjusting the light source in heat-assisted magnetic recording device

Apparatus and method for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). In some embodiments, a write element has a magnetic write coil that writes a magnetic pattern to a recording layer of a data recording surface. A light delivery mechanism imparts heat in the form of electromagnetic energy to the data recording layer during operation of the write element. A radiation detector detects radiation power emitting from the recording layer responsive to the operation of the light delivery mechanism. A control circuit determines a direct temperature of the recording layer responsive to the detected radiation power, and as necessary, adjusts a power input to the light delivery mechanism responsive to the determined temperature. The radiation detector may be an infrared photodetector with a graphene-based detection layer. The photodetector may be disposed between a write pole and a return pole of the write element.

HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING DEVICE WITH PRE-HEATED WRITE ELEMENT

An apparatus includes a write element configured to apply a magnetic field to write data on a portion of a heat-assisted magnetic recording media in response to an energizing current. An energy source is configured to heat the portion of the media being magnetized by the write element. A preheat energizing current is applied to the write element during an interval before writing the data to the portion of the media. The preheat energizing current does not cause data to be written to the media and brings at least one of the write element and driver circuitry into thermal equilibrium prior to writing the data on the portion.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head with improved corrosion resistance and method for making the head

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head has a write pole with a chemically-passivated end that substantially prevents oxidation and thus improves corrosion resistance of the write pole. The write pole and near-field transducer (NFT) are supported on a slider and have their ends in a window region of the slider's disk-facing surface. The outer surface region of the write pole is chemically-passivated, preferably by exposure to a nitrogen plasma. The nitrogen plasma has no effect on the NFT end or on the magnetoresistive read head, which is protected because it is located in a non-window region of the slider's disk-facing surface. An optically transparent protective film is formed in the window over the passivated write pole end and NFT end.

Light source power control for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR)

Apparatus and method for light source power control during the writing of data to a storage medium. In accordance with various embodiments, a data recording head is provided having a magnetic transducer and a light source. The light source is driven at a first power level to irradiate an adjacent storage medium prior to the writing if data to the medium using the magnetic transducer. The first power level is insufficient to alter a magnetization state of the medium. The light source is subsequently transitioned to a higher, second power level to irradiate the storage medium during the writing of data to said medium using the magnetic transducer, the second power level being sufficient to alter said magnetization state of the medium.

Heat-dissipating stepped slider for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

In a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) hard disk drive, a heat-dissipating head slider assembly is described in which the slider is stepped on the disk-opposing side and a HAMR laser module is mounted on the lower surface to assist with dissipation of heat from the laser. The lower surface is a surface of the main body of the slider and is composed primarily of a first material, and the slider may include a heat-dissipating plate that forms the higher stepped surface, where the plate is composed of a second material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the first material, such as silicon.

Write head and method for recording information on a data storage medium

A recording head for use in conjunction with a magnetic storage medium, comprises a waveguide for providing a path for transmitting radiant energy, a near-field coupling structure positioned in the waveguide and including a plurality of arms, each having a planar section and a bent section, wherein the planar sections are substantially parallel to a surface of the magnetic storage medium, and the bent sections extend toward the magnetic storage medium and are separated to form a gap adjacent to an air bearing surface, and applying a magnetic write field to sections of the magnetic recording medium heated by the radiant energy. A disc drive including the recording head and a method of recording data using the recording head are also provided.

Heat assisted magnetic recording head gimbal assembly and hard disk drive using same

Provided is a structure of a heat assisted magnetic recording head gimbal assembly that allows common inexpensive TE-mode LDs to be utilized. The heat assisted magnetic recording head gimbal assembly comprises: a light source unit having a light emitting element mounted on a parabolic solid submount; a heat assisted magnetic recording head comprising a magnetic recording element, a read element, a near field transducer, and a waveguide for guiding light from the light emitting element into the near field transducer; a slider including the heat assisted magnetic recording head and which flies above a disk; and a suspension for supporting the slider. The light emitting element of the light source unit is an edge-emitting LD and the light source unit is arranged on the opposite side of an bearing surface of the slider such that the light emitting surface of the light emitting element faces the slider, apertures are created in the suspension, and the slider is connected to the suspension in ...

Transducer Assembly For Light Delivery

An apparatus having a transducer assembly that includes a waveguide having first and second cladding layers and a core layer between the first and second cladding layers, and a grating structured to couple electromagnetic radiation into the waveguide. The grating has a plurality of elongated slits that are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the waveguide. The apparatus further has a light source mounted adjacent the waveguide to direct light onto the grating.

Grating for VCSEL coupling to a heat assisted magnetic recording head

An apparatus includes a waveguide including a core layer having curved edges shaped to reflect light to a focal point, and a grating positioned adjacent to or imbedded in the core layer, wherein at least a portion of the grating is positioned between the curved edges and adjacent to or imbedded in a portion of the core layer that is not traversed by light reflected from the curved edges. A data storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

Wave guide that attenuates evanescent light of higher order TM mode

A waveguide has a core through which laser light can propagate in a TM mode, that has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to a propagative direction of the laser light, and through which the laser light can propagate in a fundamental mode in which only one portion exists on the cross section of the core where a light intensity of the laser light becomes maximal, and a higher order mode in which two or more portions exist where the light intensity becomes maximal, a clad surrounding the core, and a light absorbing element in the clad, and wherein a distance between the light absorbing element and the core is shorter than a penetration length of evanescent light in the higher order mode, but is longer than a penetration length of evanescent light in the fundamental mode.

Laser feedback suppressor for heat-assisted magnetic recording

A recording head includes a channel waveguide that delivers light to a media-facing surface. A near-field transducer (NFT) is at an end of the channel waveguide and proximate to the media-facing surface. A laser including an active region has a longitudinal axis corresponding to a propagation direction of the channel waveguide. The active region includes a back facet and a front facet proximate the NFT. The front facet has a surface shape configured to suppress back reflection of the light.

接触を検出するための装置および方法

Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head that suppresses effects of mode hopping

Submount-integrated photodetector for monitoring a laser for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

A submount 304 for a HAMR (Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording) head which comprises a laser 202 and photodetector 308 wherein the photodetector is configured to receive light from the laser via the head slider 410. The purpose of the invention is to enable alignment of the laser to waveguide 402 leading to the NFT (Near Field Transducer) 404. The photodetector may be a photodiode or an array of photodiodes. The submount may be made of a semiconductor material which has an integrally formed semiconductor photodiode. The photodetector may be positioned at the interface between the slider and the submount. There may be a secondary photodetector 312 which detects the back facet radiation from the laser. There may be a plurality of photodiode contact pads 309 which transmit a feedback signal from said photodetector 308, from which the optical energy received is computable.

Suspension board with circuit

The invention provides a suspension board with a circuit. The suspension board is used for mounting a slider/light source unit. The slider/light source unit is provided with a slider used for mounting a magnetic head, and a light source device. The light source device includes a main body, and a light source disposed to protrude from the main body. The suspension board includes a receiving portion formed therein to be capable of receiving the light source, and a guide surface for guiding the light source to the receiving portion when the slider/light source unit is mounted.

The heat assisted magnetic recording head

에칭 정지부 구성

... 본원에 개시된 트랜스듀서 헤드의 제조 방법은 트랜스듀서 헤드의 NFT 층 상에 스페이서 층을 증착하는 단계, 트랜스듀서의 스페이서 층 상에 에칭 정지부 층을 형성하는 단계, 상기 에칭 정지부 층 상에 클래딩 층을 증착하는 단계, 및 경사 각도로 클래딩 층을 밀링하는 단계로서 상기 밀링이 상기 에칭 정지부 층에서 정지되도록 클래딩 층을 밀링하는 단계를 포함한다.

Spot size converter and thermal assist magnetic recording head therewith

A spot size converter according to the present invention is capable of shortening the waveguide length in the spot size converter and of promoting a size reduction of the optical waveguide itself because two cores having a taper portion are combined and those tapering angles are mutually aligned. Furthermore, spot size conversion efficiency is favorable even in a small size.

LASER DIODE UNIT WITH ENHANCED THERMAL CONDUCTION TO SLIDER

An apparatus comprises a slider having a trailing edge and a leading edge. A laser diode unit comprises a submount and a laser diode mounted to the submount. The submount includes a mounting surface affixed to a first surface of the slider at the trailing edge such that a first surface of the submount faces toward the leading edge of the slider. A thermally conductive material covers the first surface of the submount and at least a portion of the first surface of the slider. The thermally conductive material serves as a thermal conduction pathway between the submount and the slider.

Near field transducer having an adhesion layer coupled thereto

An apparatus, according to one embodiment, comprises a near field transducer; an adhesion layer on a media facing side of the near field transducer, the adhesion layer comprising Ni and Cr; and a protective layer on a media facing side of the adhesion layer. Other apparatuses, systems and methods are described in additional embodiments.

Near-field transducer with tapered peg

An apparatus includes a waveguide that delivers energy from an energy source, a write pole located proximate the waveguide at a media-facing surface, and a near-field transducer located proximate the write pole in a down track direction. The near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg extending from the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface. The peg comprises a taper facing away from the write pole, and the taper causes a reduced down track dimension of the peg near the media-facing surface.

Optical unit protection on a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head

An optical laser-activated TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) slider, when normally mounted on a flexure, has an optical laser as well as other elements of its optical system exposed and subject to damage by mechanical shocks. The stand-off protective device disclosed herein, formed separately and attached to the flexure, or formed as part of the flexure itself, can protect the optical elements of such a slider from these shocks, particularly from inadvertent contacts with adjacent sliders or mechanical limiters.

High density magnetic recording medium for heat-assisted magnetic storage apparatus

A magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an underlayer, and a magnetic layer that are arranged in this order. The magnetic layer has a granular structure including magnetic grains having a L10 crystal structure, and grain boundary parts having a volume fraction in a range of 25 volume % to 50 volume %. The magnetic grains have a c-axis orientation with respect to the substrate. The grain boundary parts include a material having a lattice constant in a range of 0.30 nm to 0.36 nm, or in a range of 0.60 nm to 0.72 nm.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THERMALLY ASSITED MAGNETIC HEAD, THERMALLY ASSITED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply perform precise and accurate alignment of the outgoing part of a laser diode and the incident part of an optical waveguide by reducing the dimension of a depth direction viewed from a medium-facing face. SOLUTION: A thermally assisted magnetic head is formed by performing a head forming step, a mounting part forming step and a light source mounting step in that order. In the head forming step, a planned area is secured on a light source placing surface of a slider substrate, then a magnetic head part is formed on a head area other than the planned area and a spacer for securing a mounting space for the laser diode is formed on the planned area. In the mounting part forming step, a light source mounting part is formed by removing the spacer. In the light source mounting step, a laser diode is mounted on the light source mounting part formed by the mounting part forming step. COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&INPIT ...

Near-field transducer with compositionally graded material for heat assisted magnetic recording

A heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head 103 includes a main pole 142, a waveguide 135 and a near field transducer (NFT) 140 disposed between the main pole and the waveguide. The NFT includes an antenna 202, and the antenna is made of a compound that has a composition that varies based on the location within the antenna. In one embodiment, the antenna has a surface at a media facing surface (MFS) and the surface has an apex 220, and the composition of the compound varies from the apex in a direction away from the apex. The apex has the highest temperature during the operation of the HAMR head, and having a composition that is thermally stable at the apex helps achieve higher reliability. The antenna may have a first surface at the MFS, a second surface facing the waveguide and a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces where the antenna composition varies in a direction perpendicular to the third surface.

Submount-integrated photodetector for monitoring a laser for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

Split-ring resonator (SRR) NFT design for use in HAMR

Sloped pole for recording head with waveguide

CONTACT DETECTION USING LASER MODULATION

Thermally assisted magnetic recording head and magnetic recording apparatus

A second waveguide is formed near a first waveguide for guiding light to the vicinity of a main pole of a thermally assisted magnetic recording head, and a portion of light propagated through the waveguide 1 is branched to the second waveguide. The light transmitting in the second waveguide is detected by a photodetector to detect an intensity of the light propagated through the first waveguide. In the magnetic recording apparatus, an intensity of a semiconductor laser is decreased when an amount of light incident to the photodetector is large and the intensity of the semiconductor laser is increased when the amount of light incident to the photodetector is small. By constituting a feedback loop as described above, the intensity of the light propagated through the first waveguide is kept constant.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording disk drive (HAMR) with thermal sensor and laser power prediction

A thermally-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) disk drive uses a thermal sensor to accurately monitor laser power during writing. The disk drive controller, or a separate processor, computes a prediction of the laser power from a history of laser power settings. This predicted value is compared with the measured value from the thermal sensor. If the difference is too large or too small, indicating that the laser power is too high or too low, an error signal is sent to the disk drive controller. The disk drive controller may adjust the laser power setting and initiate a re-write of the data. The predicted laser power is calculated from a convolution of a sequence of current and prior laser power settings with a sequence of coefficients. A calibration process generates the sequence of coefficients when the disk drive is idle or just after it is powered on.

LIGHT SOURCE UNIT FOR THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING CAPABLE OF MONITORING OF LIGHT OUTPUT

Provided is a light source unit that is to be joined to a slider to form a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head. The light source unit comprises: a unit substrate having a source-installation surface; a light source provided in the source-installation surface and emitting thermal-assist light; and a photodetector bonded to a rear joining surface of the unit substrate in such a manner that a rear light-emission center of the light source is covered with a light-receiving surface of the photodetector. The photodetector can be sufficiently close to the light source; thus, constant feedback adjustment with high efficiency for the light output of the light source can be performed. This adjustment enables light output from the light source to be controlled in response to changes in light output due to surroundings and to changes with time to stabilize the intensity of light with which a magnetic recording medium is irradiated.

Transducer bonded to a laser module for heat assisted magnetic recording

An apparatus includes a transducer assembly including a waveguide and a grating structured to couple electromagnetic radiation into the waveguide, and a laser module including a laser diode and a transparent cover adjacent to an output facet of the laser diode, wherein the laser module is bonded to the transducer assembly and the laser diode directs electromagnetic radiation through the transparent cover and onto the grating. A method of making the apparatus is also provided.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording device including a TE to TM mode converter

An apparatus includes an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source. A near-field transducer (NFT) is positioned at a media-facing surface of a write head. A layered waveguide is positioned between the input coupler and the NFT and configured to receive the light output from the input coupler in a transverse electric (TE) mode and deliver the light to the NFT in a transverse magnetic (TM) mode. The layered waveguide comprises a first layer extending along a light-propagation direction. The first layer is configured to receive light from the input coupler. The first layer tapers from a first cross track width to a second cross track width where the second cross track width is narrower than the first cross track width. The layered waveguide includes a second layer that is disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a cross sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction that increases along the light propagation direction. The cross ...

MAGNETIC RECORDING ELEMENT USED FOR THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING

A magnetic recording element that faces a recording medium and that executes a magnetic recording while the recording medium is heated, the element including a waveguide that is configured with a core and a cladding, the core, through which laser light propagates, including an enlarged part, which is enlarged at an air bearing surface facing the recording medium; and the cladding surrounding a periphery of the core.

Thermally-Assisted Head Including Surface-Plasmon Resonant Optical System

Provided is a surface plasmon resonating optical system emitting near-field light (NF-light) with a higher light density. The system comprises: a waveguide through which a light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; a plasmon generator that couples with the light in a surface plasmon mode and emits NF-light from its NF-light generating end surface; and a resonator mirror that reflects the excited surface plasmon, provided on the side of the plasmon generator opposite to the NF-light generating end surface. In the system, the excited surface plasmon can be amplified by using a resonator structure while reducing the length of the plasmon generator to reduce absorption of surface plasmon and prevent overheating of the plasmon generator.

Magnetic recording device capable of detecting contamination buildup at a head-disk interface

An apparatus comprises a thermal sensor configured to interact with a magnetic recording disk. A head-disk interface is defined between the thermal sensor and the disk. A power supply is coupled to the thermal sensor and configured to supply a bias power to the thermal sensor between a low power and a high power. A processor is coupled to the thermal sensor and configured to determine a slope of a resistance response of the thermal sensor. The processor is further configured to detect a change in the slope relative to a baseline slope. The slope change indicates increased heat sinking between the thermal sensor and the disk due to the presence of contaminant buildup at the head-disk interface.

Thermally assisted magnetic head, method for reducing reflected light, head gimbal assembly, and hard disk drive

A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a slider, the slider includes a slider substrate and a magnetic head part. The magnetic head part includes a medium-opposing surface opposing a magnetic recording medium, a light source-opposing surface arranged rear side of the medium-opposing surface, an anti-reflection film formed on the light source-opposing surface, a core layer and a cladding layer. The anti-reflection film includes a stacked structure which a first layer and a second layer are stacked. The second layer is formed with high refractive index dielectric having the refractive index higher than the first layer.

Coating a near field transducer with a dielectric material from magnetic recording medium

Systems and methods for coating a near field transducer in a dielectric material are described. In one embodiment, the method may include forming a liquid solution comprising at least a first dielectric and a disk surface lubricant, forming a coating of the liquid solution on an outer surface of a storage medium based at least in part on dipping the storage medium in the liquid solution, and accumulating a first set of molecules of the first dielectric on a near field transducer (NFT) of a HAMR head based at least in part on evaporating a first portion of the first dielectric in the coating by performing a first HAMR writing operation that shines a laser on the coating.

Near-field light generating element and method for forming the element

Provided is a method for forming a near-field light generating element, which is capable of sufficiently suppressing the unevenness of a waveguide surface and the distortion within the waveguide. The forming method comprises the steps of: forming a first etching stopper layer on a lower waveguide layer; forming a second etching stopper layer; forming, on the second etching stopper layer, a plasmon antenna material layer; performing etching with the second etching stopper layer used as a stopper, to form a first side surface of plasmon antenna; forming a side-surface protecting mask so as to cover the first side surface; and performing etching with the first and second etching stopper layers used as stoppers, to form the second side surface. By providing the first and second etching stopper layer, over-etching can be prevented even when each etching process takes enough etch time, which allows easy management of etching endpoints.

Method and system for providing a HAMR writer including a multi-mode interference device

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write apparatus includes a laser for providing energy and resides in proximity to a media during use. The HAMR write apparatus includes a write pole that writes to a region of the media, coil(s) for energizing the write pole and a waveguide optically coupled with the laser. The waveguide includes at least one multi-mode interference (MMI) device. The MMI device has at least one input, a plurality of outputs, a propagation section and a multi-mode interference (MMI) section. Energy from the laser propagates through the propagation section before the MMI section. The propagation section expands the energy from the laser to a plurality of modes. A first portion of the outputs is output from the propagation section. The MMI section is between the propagation section and a second portion of the plurality of outputs.

Multi-purpose resistive sensor for a heat-assisted magnetic recording device

An apparatus comprises a slider having an air bearing surface (ABS) and a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS. An optical waveguide is configured to couple light from a laser source to the NFT. A resistive sensor comprises an ABS section situated at or proximate the ABS and a distal section extending away from the ABS to a location at least lateral of or behind the NFT. The resistive sensor is configured to detect changes in output optical power of the laser source and contact between the slider and a magnetic recording medium.

Devices including a near field transducer and at least one associated adhesion layer

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having a disc and a peg, and the peg having five surfaces thereof; and at least one adhesion layer positioned on at least one of the five surfaces of the peg, the adhesion layer including one or more of the following: yttrium (Y), tin (Sn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), carbon (C), holmium (Ho), gallium (Ga), silver (Ag), ytterbium (Yb), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), zirconium (Zr), yttrium (Y), scandium (Sc), cobalt (Co), silicon (Si), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), vanadium (V), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), hafnium (Hf), carbon (C), boron (B), holmium (Ho), antimony (Sb), gallium (Ga), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), indium (In), bismuth (Bi), zinc (Zn), ytterbium (Yb), and combinations thereof.

WAVEGUIDE WITH PHASE SHIFTING PORTIONS

An apparatus includes a plasmonic transducer with first and second oppositely disposed outer edges. A waveguide is configured to receive light from a light source, the waveguide have first and second portions that deliver first and second portions of the light to the first and second edges of the plasmonic transducer. The first and second portions are different by at least one of a geometry and a construction to cause a relative phase shift between the first and second portions of the light.

WAVEGUIDE WITH TAPERED ASSISTANT LAYER

An apparatus includes a waveguide extending along a light-propagation direction between a light source and a media-facing surface. An assistant layer is configured to receive light from a light source, the assistant layer has a terminating end with a first taper that narrows toward the media-facing surface. A core layer has a coupling end configured to receive light from the assistant layer, the coupling end having a second taper that widens toward the media-facing surface. A middle cladding layer is disposed between the core layer and the assistant layer. A near field transducer is disposed proximate the media-facing surface and configured to receive the light from the core layer.

Near field transducer and heat sink design for heat assisted magnetic recording

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed related to heat assisted magnetic recording. According to one embodiment, an apparatus that includes a heat sink region and a near field transducer region is disclosed. The near field transducer region is thermally coupled to the heat sink region. At least one of the heat sink region and the near field transducer region includes both an inner core and an outer shell. The inner core can be comprised of a non-plasmonic material and the outer shell can be comprised of a plasmonic material. In further embodiments, the inner core is comprised of a material having a relatively higher electron-phonon coupling constant and the outer shell is comprised of a material having a relatively lower electron-phonon coupling constant.

Procedure for setting laser and heater power in HAMR device

A heater power of a heat-assisted magnetic recording head is set based on an initial head-medium clearance estimate in response to the heater power. For a plurality of iterations, an optimum laser power of the recording head is determined and a heater power is set for a next iteration that results in an optimum heater power for the optimum laser power. If differences in the heater and laser powers between two subsequent iterations are below thresholds, the iterations are stopped and the optimum heater power and the optimum laser power for one of the subsequent iterations are used as an operational heater power and an operational laser power.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head with heat sink material adjacent the waveguide

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head has a gas-bearing slider that supports a near-field transducer (NFT) and a main magnetic pole. First heat-sink material is located on the cross-track sides of the main pole and second heat-sink material is located on the cross-track sides of the waveguide. The second heat-sink material may be in contact with the first heat-sink material, and a thermal shunt of high thermal conductivity may interconnect the NFT with the first and second heat-sink material. Heat from the NFT output tip flows to the second heat sink material through the NFT and the thermal shunt. Optically reflective material may be located between the waveguide and the second heat-sink material to improve the optical efficiency of the NFT.

SLOPED POLE FOR RECORDING HEAD WITH WAVEGUIDE

NEAR-FIELD LIGHT GENERATING ELEMENT INCLUDING SURFACE PLASMON ANTENNA AND WAVEGUIDE WITH GROOVE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a near-field light generating element which can couple as much amount as possible of waveguide light with a plasmon antenna in a surface plasmon mode. SOLUTION: The near-field light generating element includes: the waveguide through which light propagates; and a plasmon antenna including a propagation surface or a propagation edge for causing surface plasmon excited by the light to propagate thereon, extending to the near-field light generating end. A groove is formed in a side surface of the waveguide, and the propagation surface or at least a portion of the propagation edge is embedded in the groove or is located directly above the groove, while the at least a portion being opposed to a wall surface or a bottom surface of the groove with a predetermined distance, so as for the light propagating through the waveguide to be coupled with the plasmon antenna in the surface plasmon mode. Accordingly, the propagation surface or propagation edge is located at ...

Wärmeunterstützter Magnetaufzeichnungskopf, der Auswirkungen von Modenspringen unterdrückt

In einer Ausführungsform umfasst eine Vorrichtung eine Lasereinheit, die konfiguriert ist, Laserlicht zu erzeugen, wobei die Lasereinheit einen Laserresonator mit einer Länge in einer parallelen Richtung zu der Laserlichtstrahlung und einen Gleiter mit einer Länge in einer lotrechten Richtung zu einer dem Medium zugewandten Oberfläche des Gleiters umfasst, wobei der Gleiter einen magnetischen Hauptpol, der konfiguriert ist, Daten auf ein Magnetmedium zu schreiben, ein Nahfeldlicht erzeugendes Element, das konfiguriert ist, Nahfeldlicht zu erzeugen, wenn Laserlicht darauf gerichtet wird, um den magnetischen Hauptpol durch Erhitzen einer lokalen Region des Magnetmediums beim Schreiben von Daten auf das Magnetmedium zu unterstützen und einen Wellenleiter umfasst, der konfiguriert ist, das Laserlicht auf das Element zu lenken, wobei der Wellenleiter einen Mantel umfasst, der einen Kern umgibt, worin ein Intervall einer Längsmode des Laserresonators gleich innerhalb von 5% eines Ganzzahlmultiplikators ...

Submount-integrated photodetector for monitoring a laser for a heat-assisted magnetic recording head

Magnetic head providing write protrusion suppression and methods of formation thereof

INFORMATION DEVICE

This information device is provided with: a slider (100) including a first metal antenna (103a), a second metal antenna (103b), and a heater (107) that varies the distance between the first metal antenna (103a) and the second metal antenna (103b) in a direction perpendicular to the track direction on the surface of a disk (104); and an arm motor (120) that moves the slider (100) parallel to the surface of the disk (104). The arm motor (120) and the heater (107) cause the first metal antenna (103a) and the second metal antenna (103b) to each follow a corresponding track.

ANTIREFLECTION COATING FOR SLIDER

In accordance with one embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises disposing an antireflection material (325) in juxtaposition with a top surface of a slider (320). In accordance with another embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises disposing an antireflective material between a facet edge (331) of a laser (330) and an incident surface of a waveguide (332). In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that comprises a slider and an antireflection material in juxtaposition with a top surface of the slider.

Energy assisted magnetic recording head having a reflector for improving efficiency of the light beam

A method and system for providing an EAMR transducer is described. The EAMR transducer is coupled with a laser for providing energy and has an ABS that resides near a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a write pole, coil(s) that energize the pole, a near field transducer (NFT) proximate to the ABS, a waveguide, and a reflector. The write pole has a back gap region and writes to a region of the media. The NFT focuses the energy onto the media. The waveguide directs the energy from the laser toward the NFT at an incident angle with respect to the ABS. A first portion of the energy reflects off of the ABS at a reflected angle. The reflector receives the first portion of the energy from the ABS and reflects a second portion of the energy toward the ABS. The NFT resides between the waveguide and the reflector.

Heat assisted magnetic recording heads having bilayer heat sinks

Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface of the apparatus; a first magnetic pole; and a heat sink positioned between the first magnetic pole and the near field transducer, wherein the heat sink includes a first and second portion, with the first portion being adjacent the near field transducer and the second portion being adjacent the first magnetic pole, the first portion including a plasmonic material, and the second portion including a diffusion blocking material.

Devices including a near field transducer (NFT), at least one cladding layer and interlayer there between

A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a carbon interlayer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.

Heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) disk drive with fly-height sensing

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) disk drive with a primary waveguide that directs laser light from a laser diode to a near-field transducer includes a second waveguide for sensing the head-disk spacing or fly-height. The second waveguide has a sensor portion that senses the spacing and directs light representative of the spacing to the second waveguide's output end. The second waveguide may include a second or reference portion that is connected to the sensor portion and directs light representative of light input from the laser diode. The combined light from the two portions is directed to the second waveguide's output end. A detector, which may be a photo-diode, is located at the second waveguide's output end and provides a signal that may be coupled to a thermal fly-height controller to increase or decrease the fly-height.

MAGNETIC HEAD SLIDER APPARATUS, MAGNETIC DISK DRIVE APPARATUS, AND SUSPENSION THEREOF

Provided is a magnetic head slider apparatus that can minimize a change in a roll angle caused by an impact force even with a submount mounted on a side surface thereof and achieve steady flying with the roll angle minimized. A dimple position and a pressure center position of a lifting force are moved in a slider width direction to thereby align a center of mass of a slider having a submount including a laser diode mounted on a side surface thereof, the dimple position, and the pressure center position of the lifting force with each other. This provides a magnetic head slider and a suspension thereof, and a magnetic disk drive apparatus offering higher recording density and higher reliability.

Method and system for providing a HAMR writer having improved optical efficiency

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write apparatus includes a laser and has an air-bearing surface (ABS) that resides in proximity to a media during use. The HAMR write apparatus includes a write pole that writes to the media, coil(s) for energizing the write pole and a waveguide optically coupled with the laser. The waveguide includes an entrance distal from the ABS and a bottom proximate to the ABS. The waveguide also includes a mode converter, a mode stripper optically coupled with the mode converter and an inverse tapered section optically coupled with the mode stripper. The mode converter has sides converging from a first width proximate to the entrance to a second width distal from the entrance and less than the first width. The mode stripper is between the inverse tapered section and the mode converter. The inverse tapered section has an entrance and an exit wider than the entrance.

Hybrid Near-Field Transducer For Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording

An apparatus includes a planar waveguide having a core layer and a cladding layer adjacent to the core layer, the waveguide being shaped to direct light to a focal point; a magnetic pole adjacent to the cladding layer; and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes an enlarged portion and a peg having a first end positioned adjacent to an end of the waveguide and a second end positioned adjacent to a side of the enlarged portion. A data storage device that includes the apparatus is also provided.

System, method and apparatus for fabricating a c-aperture or e-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications

A method of fabricating a c-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications in hard disk drives is disclosed. A c-aperture or E-antenna is built for recording head applications. The technique employs e-beam lithography, partial reactive ion etching and metal refill to build the c-apertures. This process strategy has the advantage over other techniques in the self-alignment of the c-aperture notch to the c-aperture internal diameter, the small number of process steps required, and the precise and consistent shape of the c-aperture notch itself.

Method for manufacturing head including light source unit for thermal assist

Provided is a method for manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head in which a light source unit including a light source and a slider including an optical system are joined. The method comprises steps of: adhering by suction the light source unit with a back holding jig; bringing the light source unit into contact with a slider back surface of the slider; applying a load to a load application surface of the light source unit by a loading means to bring a joining surface of the light source unit into conformity with the slider back surface; positioning the light source unit apart from the slider, and then aligning the light source with the optical system; bringing again the light source unit into contact with the slider; and applying a load again to the load application surface to bring the joining surface into conformity with the slider back surface. Thus, the conformity between them can be significantly increased, thereby achieving adequately strong junction and adequately high accuracy in position.

Transducer head temperature monitoring

Changes in the thermal boundary condition near a close point of an ABS to a media indicate proximity of the ABS with the media. Before contact, heat conduction from the ABS is primarily through convective and/or ballistic heat transfer to air between the ABS and the media. After contact, heat flux primarily flows from the ABS to the media through solid-solid conductive contact. Further, a light source within a HAMR transducer head may create additional thermal variations within the transducer head. These thermal variations create temperature variations within the transducer head. Two resistance temperature sensors on the transducer head at varying distances from the close point and/or light source measure these temperature variations. A temperature difference between the two resistance temperature sensors indicates proximity of the close point to the media and/or light output.

Method of Forming a Plasmon Antenna with Magnetic Core for Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording

A method of forming a TAMR (Thermal Assisted Magnetic Recording) write head that uses the energy of optical-laser generated edge plasmons in a plasmon antenna to locally heat a magnetic recording medium and reduce its coercivity and magnetic anisotropy. The method incorporates forming a magnetic core within the plasmon antenna, so the antenna effectively becomes an extension of the magnetic pole and produces a magnetic field whose maximum gradient overlaps the region being heated by the edge plasmons generated in the conducting layer of the antenna surrounding the antenna's magnetic core.

Thermally assisted magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing device

A thermally assisted magnetic recording medium having a structure in which a first magnetic layer 106 and a second magnetic layer 107 are formed on a substrate 101 in this order, wherein the first magnetic layer 106 has a granular structure containing a FePt alloy having a L1 0 structure, a CoPt alloy having a L1 0 crystal lattice structure or a CoPt alloy having a L1 1 crystal lattice structure, and at least one material for causing grain boundary segregation selected from the group consisting of SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Cr 2 O 3 , Al 2 O 3 , Ta 2 O 5 , ZrO 2 , Y 2 O 3 , CeO 2 , MnO, TiO, ZnO, and MgO, and the content of the material for causing grain boundary segregation in the first magnetic layer 106 is decreased from the substrate side to the second magnetic layer 107 side.

Near-Field Transducers for Focusing Light

An apparatus includes a waveguide shaped to direct light to a focal point, and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes a dielectric component and a metallic component positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the dielectric component. An apparatus includes a waveguide shaped to direct light to a focal point, and a near-field transducer positioned adjacent to the focal point, wherein the near-field transducer includes a first metallic component, a first dielectric layer positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the first metallic component, and a second metallic component positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the first dielectric component.

Method of manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head that suppresses protrusion of a plasmon generator

A method of manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes the steps of: forming a preliminary head section that has a surface to be polished and includes a magnetic pole, a waveguide, and a preliminary plasmon generator; causing a volumetric expansion of the preliminary plasmon generator with heat by introducing light into the core of the waveguide of the preliminary head section; and polishing the surface to be polished of the preliminary head section into a medium facing surface. The preliminary plasmon generator has an end face located in the surface to be polished. In the step of polishing the surface to be polished, the surface to be polished is subjected to polishing with the preliminary plasmon generator expanded in volume, whereby the end face of the preliminary plasmon generator is polished into the front end face, and the preliminary plasmon generator thereby becomes the plasmon generator.

Magnetic disk device, magnetic disk evaluation apparatus, and magnetic head

A magnetic disk device of an embodiment includes a magnetic disk, a magnetic head, a laser-beam-intensity control unit, a reproduced-signal detecting unit, and a magnetic-disk evaluating unit. The magnetic head reads a signal recorded in the magnetic disk, or performs magnetic recording while irradiating a laser beam onto the magnetic disk. The laser-beam-intensity control unit controls the intensity of the laser beam. The reproduced-signal detecting unit detects the signal read by the magnetic head. The magnetic-disk evaluating unit evaluates the signal read from the magnetic head, on the basis of a relation between a noise level detected from the signal read by the magnetic head, and the intensity of the laser beam.

Light delivery waveguide

A light source and a waveguide are mounted on a recording head slider. Light rays are emitted from the light source into the waveguide. The waveguide may include two core layers for light ray transmission. The first core layer enhances light coupling efficiency from the light source to the second core layer. The second core layer transforms a profile of the light. The waveguide may include a tapered portion with a narrow opening near the light source and a wider opening near the tapered portion exit. The light rays passing through the waveguide may be directed toward a collimating mirror. The collimating mirror makes the light rays parallel or nearly parallel and re-directs the light rays to a focusing mirror. The focusing mirror focuses the collimated light rays to a spot on a magnetic media disc.

Hamr nft materials with improved thermal stability

A near field transducer includes gold and at least one dopant. The dopant can include at least one of: Cu, Rh, Ru, Ag, Ta, Cr, Al, Zr, V, Pd, Ir, Co, W, Ti, Mg, Fe, or Mo. The dopant concentration may be in a range from 0.5% and 30%. The dopant can be a nanoparticle oxide of V, Zr, Mg, Ca, Al, Ti, Si, Ce, Y, Ta, W, or Th, or a nitride of Ta, Al, Ti, Si, In, Fe, Zr, Cu, W or B.

Near field transducers including nitride materials

An apparatus that includes a near field transducer, the near field transducer including an electrically conductive nitride.

Light Source Power Control for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR)

Apparatus and method for light source power control during the writing of data to a storage medium. In accordance with various embodiments, a data recording head is provided having a magnetic transducer and a light source. The light source is driven at a first power level to irradiate an adjacent storage medium prior to the writing if data to the medium using the magnetic transducer. The first power level is insufficient to alter a magnetization state of the medium. The light source is subsequently transitioned to a higher, second power level to irradiate the storage medium during the writing of data to said medium using the magnetic transducer, the second power level being sufficient to alter said magnetization state of the medium.

Recording head for heat assisted magnetic recording with diffusion barrier surrounding a near field transducer

An apparatus includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface, a first magnetic pole, a heat sink positioned between the first magnetic pole and the near field transducer, and a diffusion barrier positioned between the near field transducer and the first magnetic pole. The diffusion barrier can be positioned adjacent to the magnetic pole or the near field transducer.

HEAT ASSISTED MEDIA RECORDING APPARATUS WITH COMPENSATING HEATER

An apparatus includes an optical pathway configured to deliver energy to heat a magnetic recording medium via a slider body. The optical pathway generates heat in the slider body when delivering energy to the magnetic recording medium. The apparatus includes a compensating heater with a thermal characteristic that matches a thermal characteristic of the optical pathway. The compensating heater is activated at least part of the time when the optical pathway is not delivering the energy to the magnetic recording medium. 1. An apparatus comprising:an optical pathway configured to deliver energy to heat a magnetic recording medium via a slider body, wherein the optical pathway generates heat in the slider body when delivering energy to the magnetic recording medium; anda compensating heater with a thermal characteristic that matches a characteristics of the heat generated by the optical pathway, wherein the compensating heater is activated at least part of a time when the optical pathway is not delivering the energy to the magnetic recording medium.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a write element configured to encode data to the magnetic recording medium as the magnetic recording medium is being heated.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical pathway delivers the energy during part of a recording mode of the apparatus claim 1 , and wherein the compensating heater is deactivated when not in the recording mode.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein activating the compensating heater stabilizes a spacing between the slider body and the magnetic recording medium.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical pathway comprises one or more of a waveguide claim 1 , a laser mounted to the slider body claim 1 , a mirror claim 1 , and a near-field transducer.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the thermal characteristic of the optical pathway comprises one or more of thermal energy claim 1 , thermal time constant claim 1 , location claim 1 , and shape ...

Plasmonic funnel for focused optical delivery to a metallic medium

An apparatus includes a transducer including a plasmonic funnel having first and second ends with the first end having a smaller cross-sectional area than the second end, and a first section positioned adjacent to the first end of the plasmonic funnel, and a first waveguide having a core, positioned to cause light in the core to excite surface plasmons on the transducer.

METHOD OF SETTING FLYING HEIGHT AND FLYING HEIGHT SETTING DEVICE

While a plurality of drive currents for flying height setting with current values smaller than a tentative optimum drive current are supplied to a light source, respectively, heater power is supplied to a heater part, and touch down of a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is detected. Tentative optimum heater power is determined based on a correlation between the heater power when the touch down is detected and each drive current for flying height setting. The tentative optimum drive current is supplied to the light source part; the tentative optimum heater power is supplied to the heater part; a reference signal is recorded in a magnetic recording medium; and flying height of the thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is set by determining whether or not the reference signal is recorded with the desired signal intensity.

PROCEDURE FOR SETTING LASER AND HEATER POWER IN HAMR DEVICE

A heater power of a heat-assisted magnetic recording head is set based on an initial head-medium clearance estimate in response to the heater power. For a plurality of iterations, an optimum laser power of the recording head is determined and a heater power is set for a next iteration that results in an optimum heater power for the optimum laser power. If differences in the heater and laser powers between two subsequent iterations are below thresholds, the iterations are stopped and the optimum heater power and the optimum laser power for one of the subsequent iterations are used as an operational heater power and an operational laser power. 1. A method comprising:setting a heater power of a heat-assisted magnetic recording head based on an initial head-medium clearance estimate in response to the heater power; determining an optimum laser power of the recording head based on writing data to at least one track of a recording medium at the heater power;', 'applying an additional heater power to approach or cause a head-medium contact at the optimum laser power; and', 'based on the value of the additional heater power, setting the heater power for a next iteration that results in an optimum heater power for the optimum laser power;, 'for a plurality of iterationswherein, if a first difference in the heater power between two subsequent iterations is below a first threshold and a second difference in the optimum laser power between the two subsequent iterations is below a second threshold, stopping the iterations and using the optimum heater power and the optimum laser power for one of the two subsequent iterations as an operational heater power and an operational laser power for the heat-assisted magnetic recording head.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein setting the heater power for the next iteration comprises backing off from the additional heater power by a predetermined amount known to induce a desired negative displacement.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein ...

Waveguide with reflective grating for localized energy intensity

An apparatus includes a waveguide with first and second sections, and a junction coupling the first and second waveguide sections together. The first waveguide section has a first reflective device and the second section comprising a second reflective device arranged to generate a standing wave in the waveguide with maximum energy wave intensity at a target region of the waveguide in response to an incident energy wave being provided into at least one of the waveguide sections.

TE TO TM MODE CONVERTER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

An apparatus includes an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source. A near-field transducer (NFT) is positioned at a media-facing surface of a write head. A layered waveguide is positioned between the input coupler and the NFT and configured to receive the light output from the input coupler in a transverse electric (TE) mode and deliver the light to the NFT in a transverse magnetic (TM) mode. The layered waveguide comprises a first layer extending along a light-propagation direction. The first layer is configured to receive light from the input coupler. The first layer tapers from a first cross track width to a second cross track width where the second cross track width is narrower than the first cross track width. The layered waveguide includes a second layer that is disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a cross sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction that increases along the light propagation direction. The cross sectional area of the second layer is smaller proximate to the input coupler and larger proximate to the NFT. 1. A method for forming a write head , comprising:depositing a first waveguide layer;depositing a second waveguide layer adjacent to the first waveguide layer;applying a first mask to a substrate parallel surface of the second waveguide layer creating a masked portion and an exposed portion of the second waveguide layer;etching the exposed portion of the second waveguide layer;applying a second mask to the substrate parallel surface of the second waveguide layer creating masked sections and exposed sections of the first and second waveguide layers; andmilling the exposed sections of both the first and the second waveguide layers, wherein the second layer has a cross sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the light propagation direction that increases along the light propagation direction, the cross sectional area being smaller proximate to an input coupler and larger ...

Thermally assisted magnetic recording medium and magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

A thermally assisted magnetic recording medium ( 1 ) includes a substrate ( 101 ), an underlayer ( 3 ) that is formed above the substrate ( 101 ), and a magnetic layer ( 107 ) that is formed on the underlayer ( 3 ) and contains an alloy having an L1 0 structure as a main component. The underlayer ( 3 ) is formed by continuously laminating a first underlayer ( 104 ) having a BCC structure with a lattice constant that is 0.302 to 0.332 nm, a second underlayer ( 105 ) that has a NaCl structure including C, and a third underlayer ( 106 ) that is composed of MgO.

HEAT-ASSISTED SHINGLED MAGNETIC RECORDING WITH VARIABLE TRACK WIDTHS

A storage device includes a storage controller configured to operate a heat-assisted magnetic recording head to write data to a band of consecutive data tracks in a consecutive track order while selectively alternating a power level of the heat source when writing to some data tracks of the band. 1. A system comprising:a storage medium including a data band of consecutive data tracks, the data band including first series of alternating data tracks and a second series of alternating data tracks interlaced with the first series, each data track of the first series overlapping a previously-written track by a first offset and each data track of the second series overlapping a previously-written track by a second offset different than the first offset; anda storage device controller configured to write data to the data band in a consecutive track order.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first offset is a non-zero offset and the second offset is a zero offset.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data tracks of the first series have a different written track width than the data tracks of the second series.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage device controller is configured to operate a heat source of a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head at a first level when writing the data to the first series of alternating data tracks and configured to operate the heat source at a second different level when writing to the second series of alternating data tracks.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage device controller is further configured to write data of a first linear density to the first series of alternating tracks in the data band and to write data of a second linear density to the second series of alternating data tracks in the data band.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein data tracks of the data band are arranged according to a uniform track pitch.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data band of consecutive data tracks is a shingled data band ...

Adaptive HAMR Laser Power Data Storage Device

A data storage device and associated methods may provide at least a data storage medium that is separated from a heat assisted magnetic recording data writer and is connected to a controller. The controller can be configured to change a laser power of the heat assisted magnetic recording data writer in response to a tested bit error rate of a median data track of a plurality of adjacent data tracks reaching an identified threshold. 1. An apparatus comprising a data storage medium separated from a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) data writer connected to a controller configured to change a laser power of the HAMR data writer in response to a tested bit error rate (BER) of a median data track reaching an identified threshold , the tested BER corresponding to writing a common test pattern to a first data track more than twice , the first data track being immediately adjacent to the median data track.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identified threshold is a point at which the tested BER changes from a decreasing trend to an increasing trend.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the increasing and decreasing trends each correspond with a plurality of tested BER for the median data track over a plurality of different laser powers.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is connected to a laser power optimization circuit configured to attain the tested BER from a read channel of the HAMR data writer.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller sets a laser maximum value in response to the tested BER reaching the identified threshold.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the laser power is less than the laser maximum value.7. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the controller restricts a laser of the HAMR data writer from experiencing a laser power value greater than the laser maximum value.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller halts a testing routine in response to the identified threshold being reached.9. The apparatus of ...

DEVICES INCLUDING A DIFUSSION BARRIER LAYER

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the devices including a write pole; a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a peg and a disc, wherein the peg is at the ABS of the device; a heat sink positioned adjacent the disc of the NFT; a dielectric gap positioned adjacent the peg of the NFT at the ABS of the device; and a conformal diffusion barrier layer positioned between the write pole and the dielectric gap, the disc, and the heat sink, wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer forms at least one angle that is not greater than 135°. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising:a write pole;a near field transducer (NFT) comprising a peg and a disc, wherein the peg is at the ABS of the device;a heat sink positioned adjacent the disc of the NFT;a dielectric gap positioned adjacent the peg of the NFT at the ABS of the device; anda conformal diffusion barrier layer positioned between the write pole and the dielectric gap, the disc, and the heat sink, wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer forms at least one angle that is not greater than 135°.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises molybdenum (Mo) claim 1 , tantalum (Ta) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , neodymium (Nd) claim 1 , holmium (Ho) claim 1 , molybdenum (Mo) claim 1 , tungsten (W) claim 1 , iridium (Ir) claim 1 , rhodium (Rh) claim 1 , ruthenium (Ru) claim 1 , rhenium (Re) claim 1 , titanium (Ti) claim 1 , zirconium (Zr) claim 1 , nickel (Ni) claim 1 , uranium (U) claim 1 , yttrium (Y) claim 1 , vanadium (V) claim 1 , or combinations thereof.3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises ruthenium (Ru) claim 1 , iridium (Ir) claim 1 , tantalum (Ta) claim 1 , zirconium (Zr) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , or combinations thereof.4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises ...

NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS (NFTS) AND METHODS OF FORMING NFTS

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer having a peg and a disc, the peg having a region adjacent the ABS, the peg including a plasmonic material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), aluminum (Al), or combinations thereof; and at least one other secondary atom selected from germanium (Ge), tellurium (Te), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), indium (In), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof, wherein a concentration of the secondary atom is higher at the region of the peg adjacent the ABS than a concentration of the secondary atom throughout the bulk of the peg. Methods of forming NFTs are also disclosed. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising: a plasmonic material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), aluminum (Al), or combinations thereof; and', 'and at least one other secondary atom selected from germanium (Ge), tellurium (Te), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), indium (In), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof,, 'a near field transducer, the near field transducer comprising a peg and a disc, the peg having a region adjacent the ABS, the peg comprisingwherein a concentration of the secondary atom is higher at the region of the peg adjacent the ABS than a concentration of the secondary atom throughout the bulk of the peg.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material is gold (Au).3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary atom is selected from: germanium (Ge) claim 1 , aluminum (Al) claim 1 , antimony (Sb) claim 1 , zinc (Zn) claim 1 , iron (Fe) claim 1 , copper (Cu) claim 1 , manganese (Mn) claim 1 , silver (Ag) claim 1 , ...

NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS (NFTS) INCLUDING BARRIER LAYER AND METHODS OF FORMING

Devices having an air bearing surfaces (ABS), the devices including a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disc having a front edge; a peg, the peg having a front surface at the air bearing surface of the apparatus, an opposing back surface, a top surface that extends from the front surface to the back surface, two side surfaces that expend from the front surface to the back surface and a bottom surface that extends from the front surface to the back surface; and a barrier layer, the barrier layer separating at least the back surface of the peg from the disc and the barrier layer having a thickness from 10 nm to 50 nm. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising: a disc having a front edge;', 'a peg, the peg having a front surface at the air bearing surface of the apparatus, an opposing back surface, a top surface that extends from the front surface to the back surface, two side surfaces that expend from the front surface to the back surface and a bottom surface that extends from the front surface to the back surface; and', 'a barrier layer, the barrier layer separating at least the back surface of the peg from the disc and the barrier layer having a thickness from 10 nm to 50 nm., 'a near field transducer (NFT) comprising2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the peg is in front of the front edge of the disc.3. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the barrier layer extends from 1 nm to 15 nm in front of and behind the front edge of the disc.4. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the barrier layer is entirely in front of the front edge of the disc and the surface of the barrier layer that contacts the back surface of the peg is greater than 2 nm away from the front edge of the disc.5. The device according to claim 2 , wherein the barrier layer is entirely behind the front edge of the disc and the barrier layer extends from 2 nm to 20 nm behind the front edge of the disc.6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein ...

Magnetic disk device and method of controlling magnetic head

According to one embodiment, A first magnetic head is used to record or reproduce data on or from the first disk surface and includes a first two-terminal element including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal. A second magnetic head is used to record or reproduce data on or from the second disk surface and includes a second two-terminal element including a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal. Ae current control unit includes a first current terminal which is commonly connected to the first positive terminal and the second negative terminal and a second current terminal that is commonly connected to the first negative terminal and the second positive terminal and can switch a current polarity between the first current terminal and the second current terminal.

Laser Feedback Suppressor for Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording

A recording head includes a channel waveguide that delivers light to a media-facing surface. A near-field transducer (NFT) is at an end of the channel waveguide and proximate to the media-facing surface. A laser including an active region has a longitudinal axis corresponding to a propagation direction of the channel waveguide. The active region includes a back facet and a front facet proximate the NFT. The front facet has a surface shape configured to suppress back reflection of the light. 1. A recording head , comprising:a channel waveguide that delivers light to a media-facing surface;a near-field transducer (NFT) at an end of the channel waveguide and proximate to the media-facing surface; anda laser comprising an active region having a longitudinal axis corresponding to a propagation direction of the channel waveguide, the active region comprising a back facet and a front facet proximate the NFT, the front facet having a surface shape configured to suppress back reflection of the light, the surface shape of the front facet comprising one or both of a convex shape and a concave shape.2. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein one or both of the convex shape and the concave shape is off centered with respect to the longitudinal axis.3. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the surface shape is configured to allow forward light transmission and reduce feedback.4. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the surface shape of the front facet is configured to suppress an amount of feedback in the range of about 20% to about 30%.5. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein:one or both of the convex shape and the concave shape comprises one or both of a vertical angle and a lateral angle; andthe one or both of the vertical angle and the lateral angle is greater than or equal to about 45° and less than about 90°.6. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein:one or both of the convex shape and the concave shape comprises one or both of a vertical angle and a lateral angle; ...

Heat sink for an on-wafer laser of a heat-assisted magnetic recording device

An apparatus includes a substrate and a reader deposited on the substrate. A laser is formed on a non-self supporting structure and bonded to the substrate. A plurality of heat sink layers are deposited between the reader and the laser and configured to provide thermal coupling between the substrate and the laser and sink heat away from the laser. A waveguide is deposited proximate the laser. The waveguide is configured to communicate light from the laser to a near-field transducer that directs energy resulting from plasmonic excitation to a recording medium.

DEVICES INCLUDING METAL LAYER

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS) and including a write pole; a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a peg and a disc, wherein the peg includes a rear peg portion and a peg tip, the rear peg portion and the peg tip are different materials and the peg tip includes: one or more metals; one or more nanoparticles comprising oxides, nitrides, carbides or combinations thereof; one or more conducting oxides, conducting nitrides, conducting bromides, conducting carbides, or combinations thereof; one or more semiconductors; or combinations thereof. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising:a write pole;a near field transducer (NFT) comprising a peg and a disc, wherein the peg has an entire length and comprises a rear peg portion and a peg tip, wherein the peg tip is from 1% to 80% of the length of the entire peg, wherein the rear peg portion and the peg tip are different materials and the peg tip comprises:one or more metals selected from: gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), zirconium (Zr), palladium (Pd), vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), indium (In), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), gallium (Ga), hafnium (Hf), zinc (Zn), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), terbium (Tb), samarium (Sm), dysprosium (Dy), neodymium (Nd), or combinations thereof;one or more metals selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), zirconium (Zr), palladium (Pd), vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), indium (In), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), gallium (Ga), hafnium (Hf), zinc (Zn), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), terbium (Tb), samarium (Sm), dysprosium (Dy), neodymium (Nd), or ...

MATERIALS FOR NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS AND NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS CONTAINING SAME

A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT) layer, the method including depositing a film of a primary element, the film having a film thickness and a film expanse; and implanting at least one secondary element into the primary element, wherein the NFT layer includes the film of the primary element doped with the at least one secondary element. 1. A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT) layer , the method comprising:depositing a film of a primary element, the film having a film thickness and a film expanse; andimplanting at least one secondary element into the primary element,wherein the NFT layer comprises the film of the primary element doped with the at least one secondary element.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary element is implanted using beam line implanting claim 1 , or plasma immersion implanting.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the concentration of the at least one secondary element is not constant across the thickness of the film4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the concentration of the at least one secondary element is not constant across the expanse of the film.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary element is implanted at more than one energy.6. The method according to further comprising annealing after implanting the at least one secondary element.7. The method according to further comprising depositing a metal or dielectric layer on the implanted film before annealing.8. The method according to further comprising implanting at least one secondary element after annealing.9. The method according to further comprising patterning the NFT layer into a NFT.10. The method according to further comprising depositing a metal or dielectric layer on the film of primary element before implanting the at least one secondary element.11. A method of forming a peg of a near field transducer (NFT) claim 1 , the method comprising:depositing a primary element to ...

Magnetic Recording Method

A magnetic recording method, system and apparatus are described to increasing areal density capability (ADC) for a data storage system, where in different data tracks were written with different write configurations or with different writers in a particular way that is optimized to improve areal density for a data storage device. In an aspect, the data tracks were labeled as bottom, middle or top tracks, the write order follows in a particular way among different tracks, middle and top tracks partially trim the previously written track from one side. The distance between neighboring tracks, or the percentage of track trimmed, depend on the labels they have and the drive architecture used, are different. The particular write order can be in sequential or can have a certain level of randomness as set by the drive. The write order for each operation depend on the label determined by the drive for a given drive capacity requirement. For the apparatus to enable such approach, additional alignment condition between readers, writer, heater and temperature sensor are also optimized to improve performance, areal density and reliability. 1. A blocked magnetic recording method with the recorded data on a magnetic media , where the data tracks can be labeled as top , middle and bottom tracks , and in the write process , the bottom track is written before middle and top tracks next to it; the middle tracks are written , partially trim the previously written tracks from one side , before the top track next to the middle tracks.2. The method to achieve blocked magnetic recording of claim 1 , where in the middle tracks close to the bottom tracks is written before the middle tracks away from the bottom tracks.3. The method to achieve blocked magnetic recording of claim 1 , where in the top tracks and the bottom tracks have different track width as compare to the middle tracks.4. The method to achieve blocked magnetic recording of claim 3 , where in the different write width is ...

Heat-assisted magnetic recording device incorporating laser diode temperature control using common-mode voltage

An apparatus comprises a slider configured to facilitate heat assisted magnetic recording. The slider comprises a plurality of bond pads including a first electrical bond pad, a second electrical bond pad, and a ground pad. A laser diode comprises an anode coupled to the first electrical bond pad and a cathode coupled to the second electrical bond pad. The laser diode is operable in a non-lasing state and a lasing state. A heater is coupled between the ground pad and at least one of the anode and cathode of the laser diode. The heater is configured to generate heat for heating the laser diode during the non-lasing state and the lasing state.

PERFORMANCE MONITORING OF A NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER OF A HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING SLIDER

An apparatus comprises a laser diode configured to generate light during a write operation. A slider comprises a near-field transducer (NFT) and an optical waveguide. The slider is configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording and to communicate the light to the NFT via the waveguide. A writer heater of the slider is configured to receive power during the write operation. A thermal sensor is situated at or near an air bearing surface of the slider. The thermal sensor is configured to produce a sensor signal in response to sensing back-heating from the medium while the NFT generates heat during a write operation. Circuitry, coupled to the thermal sensor, is configured to compare the sensor signal to a threshold and generate an output signal indicative of degradation of NFT performance in response to the sensor signal exceeding the threshold. 1. A method , comprising:moving a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording relative to and spaced apart from a magnetic recording medium, the slider comprising a writer, a writer heater, a thermal sensor, and a near-field transducer (NFT), the sensor situated on the slider so as to be substantially insensitive to heat conducted from the NFT to the sensor;measuring, while the NFT generates heat when writing to the medium, back-heating from the medium using the thermal sensor; andgenerating an output signal indicative of NFT performance degradation in response to the back-heating measurements.2. The method of claim 1 , comprising:comparing back-heating measurements made by the thermal sensor to a threshold; andgenerating the output signal indicative of NFT performance degradation in response to a back-heating measurement exceeding the threshold.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the threshold is based on a back-heating measurement made during manufacture of a hard disk drive that incorporates the slider and the medium.4. The method of claim 1 , comprising taking corrective action in response to the output signal ...

Disk device with improved impact resistance

According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a magnetic disk, a load beam, a flexure, a head unit, and a first restrictor. The load beam has a first face facing the magnetic disk. The flexure is attached to the first face. The head unit includes: a magnetic head attached to the flexure, configured to read and write information from and to the magnetic disk; and a heat-assister attached to the magnetic head, configured to heat the magnetic disk. The first restrictor is included in the head unit, configured to come in contact with at least one of the load beam and the flexure along with movement of the magnetic head away from the first face by a first distance.

Near-field light generator including a waveguide and a plasmon generator

A plasmon generator includes a first portion and a second portion that are adjacent in a first direction orthogonal to the direction of travel of light propagating through a core. The second portion includes a front end face located in a medium facing surface of a magnetic head. The core has a concave portion recessed from the top surface of the core. At least part of the first portion is received in the concave portion. The concave portion has a surface including an evanescent light generating portion. The first portion includes a plasmon exciting portion opposed to the evanescent light generating portion. The evanescent light generating portion is inclined relative to a first surface.

Near-field transducer (nft) for a heat assisted magnetic recording (hamr) device

A method and system provides a near-field transducer (NFT) for a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) transducer. The method and system include forming the disk of the NFT and forming the pin of the NFT. The disk is formed from a first material. The pin is formed from a second material different from the first material. The pin contacts the disk. At least a portion of the pin is between the disk and an air-bearing surface (ABS) location.

Mode converter coupling energy at a high-order transverse electric mode to a plasmonic transducer

A waveguide is configured to couple light from a light source at a fundamental transverse electric (TE) mode. A mode converter outputs the light to an output region of the waveguide at a higher-order TE mode. A plasmonic transducer receives the light at the higher order TE mode and generates surface plasmons that heat a recording medium. The plasmonic transducer includes: an input end proximate the output region of the waveguide and comprising a first convex curved edge; an output end proximate a surface that faces the recording medium, the output end comprising a second convex curved edge and a peg; and linear edges between the first and second convex curved edges.

DEVICES INCLUDING A NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCER (NFT), AT LEAST ONE CLADDING LAYER AND INTERLAYER THERE BETWEEN

A device that includes a near field transducer (NFT); at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; and a carbon interlayer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer. 1. A device comprising:a near field transducer (NFT);at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; anda carbon interlayer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the NFT comprises gold (Au) claim 1 , gold (Au) doped with another material claim 1 , silver (Ag) claim 1 , silver (Ag) doped with another material claim 1 , copper (Cu) claim 1 , or aluminum (Al).3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the NFT comprises gold.4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cladding layer comprises YO claim 1 , TaO claim 1 , AlO claim 1 , SiO claim 1 , MgO claim 1 , MgF claim 1 , SiN claim 1 , SiON claim 1 , TaSiO claim 1 , or combinations thereof.5. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon interlayer comprises amorphous carbon.6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon interlayer has a thickness from about 2 nm to about 15 nm.7. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon interlayer is positioned on at least the sides and top of the NFT.8. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon interlayer is positioned on at least the sides claim 1 , top and bottom of the NFT.9. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the carbon interlayer comprises at least some metal from the NFT.10. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the metal from the NFT diffused into the amorphous carbon claim 9 , carbon diffused into the NFT metal claim 9 , or a combination thereof.11. A device comprising:an energy source;a near field transducer (NFT) configured to receive energy from the energy source;at least one cladding layer adjacent the NFT; anda carbon interlayer positioned between the NFT and the at least one cladding layer.12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the carbon ...

Heat assisted magnetic recording heads having bilayer heat sinks

Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface of the apparatus; a first magnetic pole; and a heat sink positioned between the first magnetic pole and the near field transducer, wherein the heat sink includes a first and second portion, with the first portion being adjacent the near field transducer and the second portion being adjacent the first magnetic pole, the first portion including a plasmonic material, and the second portion including a diffusion blocking material.

Light source alignment

Implementations disclosed herein provide a method comprising emitting light at a plurality of locations across a surface of a recording head assembly, detecting, using a detector not positioned along a waveguide axis, light output from a diffraction grating positioned along the waveguide axis, and determining a target position for mounting a laser source on the surface a recording head assembly by analyzing the detected light output corresponding to one or more of the plurality of locations.

NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS (NFTS) AND METHODS OF FORMING NFTS

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer having a peg and a disc, the peg having a region adjacent the ABS, the peg including a plasmonic material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), aluminum (Al), or combinations thereof; and at least one other secondary atom selected from germanium (Ge), tellurium (Te), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), indium (In), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof, wherein a concentration of the secondary atom is higher at the region of the peg adjacent the ABS than a concentration of the secondary atom throughout the bulk of the peg. Methods of forming NFTs are also disclosed. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising: a plasmonic material selected from gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), aluminum (Al), or combinations thereof; and', 'and at least one other secondary atom selected from germanium (Ge), tellurium (Te), aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), mercury (Hg), indium (In), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof,, 'a near field transducer, the near field transducer comprising a peg and a disc, the peg having a region adjacent the ABS, the peg comprisingwherein a concentration of the secondary atom is higher at the region of the peg adjacent the ABS than a concentration of the secondary atom throughout the bulk of the peg.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material is gold (Au).3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary atom is selected from: germanium (Ge) claim 1 , aluminum (Al) claim 1 , antimony (Sb) claim 1 , zinc (Zn) claim 1 , iron (Fe) claim 1 , copper (Cu) claim 1 , manganese (Mn) claim 1 , silver (Ag) claim 1 , ...

Mode splitter for heat-assisted magnetic recording

An apparatus includes a first waveguide core extending along a light-propagation direction and configured to receive light from a light source at a combined transverse electric (TE) mode and a transverse magnetic (TM) mode. A second waveguide core is spaced apart from the first waveguide core and is configured to couple light at a TM mode to the second waveguide core. A near-field transducer (NFT) is disposed at a media-facing surface of a write head, the NFT receiving the light from the first waveguide core or the second waveguide core and heating a magnetic recording medium in response thereto.

Plasmon generator including two portions made of different metals

A plasmon generator has a front end face located in a medium facing surface of a magnetic head. The plasmon generator includes a first portion formed of a first metal material and a second portion formed of a second metal material. The first portion has an inclined surface facing toward the front end face. The second portion is located between the inclined surface and the front end face, and includes a first end face located in the front end face and a second end face in contact with the inclined surface. The second metal material is higher in Vickers hardness than the first metal material. The first portion has a plasmon exciting part. The front end face generates near-field light.

Waveguide with phase shifting portions

An apparatus includes a plasmonic transducer with first and second oppositely disposed outer edges. A waveguide is configured to receive light from a light source, the waveguide have first and second portions that deliver first and second portions of the light to the first and second edges of the plasmonic transducer. The first and second portions are different by at least one of a geometry and a construction to cause a relative phase shift between the first and second portions of the light.

DEVICES INCLUDING A DIFFUSION BARRIER LAYER

Devices having an air bearing surface (ABS), the devices including a write pole; a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a peg and a disc, wherein the peg is at the ABS of the device; a heat sink positioned adjacent the disc of the NFT; a dielectric gap positioned adjacent the peg of the NFT at the ABS of the device; and a conformal diffusion barrier layer positioned between the write pole and the dielectric gap, the disc, and the heat sink, wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer forms at least one angle that is not greater than 135°. 1. A device having an air bearing surface (ABS) , the device comprising:a write pole;a near field transducer (NFT) comprising a peg and a disc, wherein the peg is at the ABS of the device;a heat sink positioned adjacent the disc of the NFT;a dielectric gap positioned adjacent the peg of the NFT at the ABS of the device; anda conformal diffusion barrier layer positioned between the write pole and the dielectric gap, the disc, and the heat sink, wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer forms at least one angle that is not greater than 135°.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises molybdenum (Mo) claim 1 , tantalum (Ta) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , neodymium (Nd) claim 1 , holmium (Ho) claim 1 , molybdenum (Mo) claim 1 , tungsten (W) claim 1 , iridium (Ir) claim 1 , rhodium (Rh) claim 1 , ruthenium (Ru) claim 1 , rhenium (Re) claim 1 , titanium (Ti) claim 1 , zirconium (Zr) claim 1 , nickel (Ni) claim 1 , uranium (U) claim 1 , yttrium (Y) claim 1 , vanadium (V) claim 1 , or combinations thereof.3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises ruthenium (Ru) claim 1 , iridium (Ir) claim 1 , tantalum (Ta) claim 1 , zirconium (Zr) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , or combinations thereof.4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the conformal diffusion barrier layer comprises ...

Integrated photodiode

In accordance with one implementation, a photodiode may be integrated by thin film processing within a slider. In accordance with another implementation, an apparatus can be configured to include a slider, a first layer of a metal disposed within the slider, a layer of amorphous silicon disposed adjacent the first layer of metal, a second layer of metal disposed adjacent the layer of amorphous silicon, and wherein the first layer of metal, the layer of amorphous silicon, and the second layer of metal are operable as a photodiode.

Head transducer employing thermal sensor with high-tcr transparent conducting oxide

A head transducer includes a thermal sensor comprising a conducting ceramic material having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The thermal sensor can comprise a transparent conducting oxide having a temperature coefficient of resistance. The thermal sensor can be situated proximate a near-field transducer of the heat-assisted magnetic recording head transducer.

Plasmon Generator with Metallic Waveguide Blocker for TAMR and a Method of its Fabrication

A TAMR (thermal assisted magnetic recording) write head and a method of its fabrication. The write head has a metal blocker formed against a distal end of a waveguide. The waveguide focuses optical radiation on an adjacent plasmon generator where it excites plasmon modes that heat the recording medium. Although the plasmon generator typically heats the recording medium using the plasmon near field to supply the required Joule heating, an unblocked waveguide would also send optical radiation to the medium and surrounding structures producing unwanted heating and device unreliability. The role of the blocker is to block the unwanted optical radiation and, thereby, to limit the heating to that supplied by the plasmon near field. 1. A method for forming a TAMR head , comprising:providing a magnetic write head having a main write pole and a heat sink layer formed on a leading edge side of said main write pole;depositing a first layer of metal on a horizontal surface of said heat sink layer;forming a tapered surface on said first layer of metal;depositing a first layer of dielectric on said tapered surface, then;depositing a second layer of dielectric on said first layer of dielectric wherein said second layer will form the core of a waveguide;planarizing said dielectric layers to remove excess dielectric material;depositing a metal mask on said planarized surface and patterning said mask using a patterned photoresist followed by an ion-beam etch (IBE) to define a waveguide shape;forming a waveguide using said patterned metal mask to guide a reactive-ion etch (RIE);planarizing said waveguide using chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) and using a dry etch to remove remnants of metal mask and then depositing a side cladding layer.2. The method of wherein said taper is formed by a method further comprising:forming a layer of photolithographic masking material on an upper surface of said layer of metal; thenusing an ion-beam etching (IBE) process guided by said layer of ...

System and method for nft protrusion compensation

Embodiments described herein generally relate to method of maintaining the flying height of a head during a write operation. Methods described herein disclose the application of an electrical bias to create a coulomb force between the head and the magnetic disk. The bias is applied such that the write operation is not affected and a touchdown from the transient extension of the near field transducer is prevented.

COMPACT MODE CONVERTER FOR HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING

A write head includes an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source. A waveguide core is configured to receive light from the input coupler at a fundamental transverse electric (TE) mode. The waveguide core has a first straight portion. The waveguide core has a mode converter portion comprising a branched portion extending from the first straight portion. The mode converter portion is configured to convert the light to a higher-order (TE) mode, the mode converter portion spaced apart from the input coupler. The waveguide core has a second straight portion between the mode converter portion and a media-facing surface. The write head has a near-field transducer at the media-facing surface, the near-field transducer receiving the light at the TEmode from the waveguide and directing surface plasmons to a recording medium in response thereto. 1. A write head comprising:an input coupler configured to receive light excited by a light source;{'sub': '00', 'claim-text': a first straight portion;', {'sub': '10', 'a mode converter portion comprising a branched portion extending from the first straight portion, the mode converter portion configured to convert the light to a higher-order (TE) mode, the mode converter portion separated from the input coupler; and'}, 'a second straight portion between the mode converter portion and a media-facing surface; and, 'a waveguide core configured to receive light from the input coupler at a fundamental transverse electric (TE) mode, the waveguide core comprising{'sub': '10', 'a near-field transducer at the media-facing surface, the near-field transducer receiving the light at the TEmode from the waveguide and directing surface plasmons to a recording medium in response thereto.'}2. The write head of claim 1 , wherein the branched portion is separated from at least part of the second straight portion by a gap for a predetermined length.3. The write head of claim 2 , wherein the gap has a substantially constant ...

USING WINDOW UNDERLAYER STRUCTURES TO PROTECT NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS ON HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEADS

A system, according to one embodiment, includes: a near field transducer, a return pole, a main pole, a waveguide adjacent the near field transducer, wherein the waveguide extends away from the near field transducer along a direction perpendicular to a media facing surface, at least one cladding layer adjacent to the waveguide, an underlayer positioned behind the near field transducer with respect to the media facing surface, the underlayer extending away from the near field transducer along the direction perpendicular to the media facing surface, and a fill material at least partially surrounding the underlayer, the waveguide and the at least one cladding layer. The underlayer has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the fill material. Other systems, and methods are described in additional embodiments. 1. A magnetic head comprising:an underlayer;a near field transducer between the underlayer and a media facing surface; anda waveguide configured to direct energy from a light source to the near field transducer,wherein the waveguide is at least partially surrounded by a cladding layer; andwherein the underlayer surrounds at least a portion of the waveguide and the cladding layer.2. The magnetic head of claim 1 , wherein the near field transducer comprises an aperture and a main body claim 1 , and wherein the near field transducer occupies a portion of the media facing surface.3. The magnetic head of claim 2 , wherein the aperture is C-shaped.4. The magnetic head of claim 1 , wherein the underlayer surrounds at least a portion of the near field transducer.5. The magnetic head of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the underlayer extends to the media facing surface.6. The magnetic head of claim 1 , wherein the underlayer has a height of no more than fifteen microns in a direction that is perpendicular to the media facing surface.7. The magnetic head of claim 1 , wherein the underlayer has a thickness of no more than five microns in a direction parallel to the media ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A HAMR WRITER INCLUDING A MULTI-MODE INTERFERENCE DEVICE

A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write apparatus includes a laser for providing energy and resides in proximity to a media during use. The HAMR write apparatus includes a write pole that writes to a region of the media, coil(s) for energizing the write pole and a waveguide optically coupled with the laser. The waveguide includes at least one multi-mode interference (MMI) device. The MMI device has at least one input, a plurality of outputs, a propagation section and a multi-mode interference (MMI) section. Energy from the laser propagates through the propagation section before the MMI section. The propagation section expands the energy from the laser to a plurality of modes. A first portion of the outputs is output from the propagation section. The MMI section is between the propagation section and a second portion of the plurality of outputs. 1. A magnetic write apparatus comprising:a waveguide configured to direct energy from a light source to a near field transducer, the waveguide comprising a multi-mode interference device comprising a propagation section,wherein the propagation section receives the energy from the light source via a propagation section entrance; andwherein the propagation section entrance is narrower than a propagation section exit.2. The magnetic write apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide further comprises a mode converter configured to receive the energy from the light source and direct the energy to the propagation section entrance.3. The magnetic write apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waveguide further comprises an additional portion configured to receive an output from the multi-mode interference device and transmit the output to the near field transducer.4. The magnetic write apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an output from the propagation section comprises a first output portion and a second output portion claim 1 , and wherein the first output portion is transmitted outside the waveguide to control the light source and ...

Polarization Rotator for Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording

A process sequence for forming a waveguide structure with a light polarization rotator section that converts transverse electric light from a TE light source to transverse magnetic light which is subsequently coupled to a plasmon generator (PG) is disclosed. The light polarization rotator section has a length determined by TE LD light wavelength, and the effective mode index of the two orthogonal fundamental modes, and a slope is formed in one side of the symmetric structure with a 45 degree angle with respect to a bottom surface. Offsets that narrow the cross-track width may be formed on the two sides of the light polarization rotator section to improve symmetry for higher TE to TM polarization conversion efficiency.

NFT WITH MECHANICALLY ROBUST MATERIALS

A recording head includes a near-field transducer proximate a media-facing surface. The near-field transducer comprises an aperture portion surrounded by walls of plasmonic material, the walls oriented normal to the media-facing surface. A notch protrudes within the aperture. The notch comprises at least one of Rh and Ir. A write pole is proximate the near-field transducer. The write pole has a back surface facing away from the media-facing surface and an aperture-facing surface proximate the aperture. 1. A recording head , comprising: a base portion; and', 'a peg embedded in a part of the base portion that faces a media-facing surface, the peg comprising an elongated outer part that extends from a lower edge of the enlarged portion towards the media-facing surface and an embedded part that is embedded within the base portion, one or both of the base portion and the peg comprising a thermally robust material; and, 'a near field transducer (NFT) comprisinga waveguide comprising a first core portion and a second core potion, the NFT disposed between the first waveguide core portion and the second waveguide core portion.2. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein NFT is a planar plasmon generator.3. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the NFT comprises a plasmonic material.4. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the base portion and the peg comprise different materials.5. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the peg comprises a thermally robust material.6. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the peg comprises at least one of Rh and Ir.7. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein all of the peg comprises at least one of Rh and Ir.8. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the peg comprises at least one of Rh and Ir.9. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the peg has a thickness that is less than that of the base portion.10. The recording head of claim 1 , wherein the NFT is configured to receive transverse electric (TE) mode light.11. The ...

Heat assisted magnetic recording head having dual waveguides

Systems that include an energy source configured to provide transverse electric (TE) mode energy; a channel waveguide configured to receive energy from the energy source, the channel waveguide having at least one mirror plane; and a near field transducer (NFT) configured to receive energy from the channel waveguide, the NFT having at least one mirror plane.

MATERIALS FOR NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS AND NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS CONTAINING SAME

A device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer including gold (Au) and at least one other secondary atom, the at least one other secondary atom selected from: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), and combinations thereof; erbium (Er), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), zinc (Zn), and combinations thereof; and barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), gadolinium (Gd), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), osmium (Os), phosphorus (P), rubidium (Rb), rhenium (Re), selenium (Se), samarium (Sm), terbium (Tb), thallium (Th), and combinations thereof. 1. A device comprising: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), and combinations thereof;', 'erbium (Er), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), zinc (Zn), and combinations thereof; and', 'barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), gadolinium (Gd), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), osmium (Os), phosphorus (P), rubidium (Rb), rhenium (Re), selenium (Se), samarium (Sm), terbium (Tb), thallium (Th), and combinations thereof., 'a near field transducer, the near field transducer comprising gold (Au) and at least one other secondary atom, the at least one other secondary atom selected from2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary atom is selected from: boron (B) claim 1 , bismuth (Bi) claim 1 , indium (In) claim 1 , sulfur (S) claim 1 , silicon (Si) claim 1 , tin (Sn) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , manganese (Mn) claim 1 , antimony (Sb) claim 1 , tellurium (Te) claim 1 , carbon (C ...

Waveguide light delivery with subwavelength mirror for heat-assisted magnetic recording

A recording head has a near-field transducer proximate a media facing surface of the read/write head. A waveguide overlaps and delivers light to the near-field transducer. A subwavelength focusing mirror is at an end of the waveguide proximate the media-facing surface. The subwavelength focusing mirror recycles a residual transverse field for excitation of the near-field transducer.

Apparatus with first and second close points on media-facing surface of magnetic head

A magnetic head includes a read transducer and a write transducer at a media-facing surface of the magnetic head. The magnetic head includes at least one heater that causes heat deformation at the media-facing surface in response to different first and second energizing currents. The first energizing current results in a first close point between the media-facing surface and a recording medium. The second energizing current results in a second close point between the media-facing surface and the recording medium. The second close point is at a different location in the media-facing surface than the first close point.

DEVICES INCLUDING A NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCER AND AT LEAST ONE ASSOCIATED ADHESION LAYER

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having a disc and a peg, and the peg having five surfaces thereof; and at least one adhesion layer positioned on at least one of the five surfaces of the peg, the adhesion layer including one or more of the following: yttrium (Y), tin (Sn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), carbon (C), holmium (Ho), gallium (Ga), silver (Ag), ytterbium (Yb), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), zirconium (Zr), yttrium (Y), scandium (Sc), cobalt (Co), silicon (Si), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), vanadium (V), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), hafnium (Hf), carbon (C), boron (B), holmium (Ho), antimony (Sb), gallium (Ga), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), indium (In), bismuth (Bi), zinc (Zn), ytterbium (Yb), and combinations thereof. 1. A device comprising:a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having a disc and a peg, and the peg having five surfaces thereof; andat least one adhesion layer positioned on at least one of the five surfaces of the peg, the adhesion layer comprising one or more of the following: yttrium (Y), tin (Sn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), carbon (C), holmium (Ho), gallium (Ga), silver (Ag), ytterbium (Yb), or combinations thereof combinations thereof.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the NFT comprises gold or an alloy thereof.3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one adhesion layer is located on a surface of the peg that is along an axis having a core of a waveguide and a write pole.4. The device according to claim 3 , wherein the at least one adhesion layer is located adjacent the core of the waveguide.5. The device according to further comprising at least one additional adhesion layer located on a surface of the peg that is perpendicular to the axis having the core and the write pole.6. The device according to ...

BOLOMETER FOR INTERNAL LASER POWER MONITORING IN HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING DEVICE

An apparatus comprises a slider having an air-bearing surface (ABS), a write pole at or near the ABS, and a reader at or near the ABS and connected to a pair of reader bond pads of the slider. A near-field transducer (NFT) is formed on the slider at or near the ABS, and an optical waveguide is formed in the slider and configured to receive light from a laser source. A sensor is situated proximal of the write pole at a location within the slider that receives at least some of the light communicated along the waveguide. The sensor may be electrically coupled to the reader bond pads in parallel with the reader, and configured to generate a signal indicative of output optical power of the laser source. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a slider having an upper surface, a lower air-bearing surface (ABS), and an internal body extending between the upper and lower surfaces;a write pole at or near the ABS;a reader at or near the ABS and connected to a pair of reader bond pads of the slider, the reader bond pads configured to electrically bias the reader during read operations;a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS;an optical waveguide in the slider and extending from the upper surface of the slider through the internal body of the slider and to the NFT, the waveguide configured to receive light from a laser source; and situated proximal of the write pole at a location within the internal body of the slider that receives at least some of the light communicated along the waveguide;', 'situated proximal but spaced apart from a core of the waveguide so as to absorb enough optical power to generate a bolometric response while negligibly disturbing transmission of optical energy along the waveguide; and', 'configured to generate a signal indicative of output optical power of the laser source during write operations., 'a bolometer2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bolometer is spaced apart from the core of the waveguide by about 50 to 300 nm.3. The apparatus of claim 1 ...

Branched waveguide configuration

An apparatus including a waveguide input coupler, a tapered branch waveguide, and a waveguide adaptor physically connected to the waveguide input coupler proximal end and to the branch waveguide proximal end. The waveguide input coupler includes a distal end having a distal end width and a proximal end having a proximal end width. The tapered branch waveguide includes a distal end having a distal end width and a proximal end having a proximal end width, the branch waveguide distal end width being greater than the branch waveguide proximal end width. The waveguide input coupler, the branch waveguide, and the waveguide adapter are configured to convert input light having a base transverse waveguide mode to output light having a higher-order waveguide mode.

Near field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic recording

An apparatus and method for heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) employing a near-field transducer (NFT) made of plasmonic ceramic materials or intermetallics are disclosed. The NFT is made of a piasmonic material as well as a protective outer layer, which provides for longer usefulness and improved performance of the NFT and recording device. The plasmonic materials used include but are not limited to TiN x , ZrN x , HfN x , TaN x , VN x , TiSi 2−x , TiAl x N y , TiZr x N y , ZnO, SnO 2 , In 2 O 3 , RuO 2 , Lu 2 O 3 , WO 2 , and MgB 2 . Such materials, in combination with a protective layer, provide higher resistances and greater performance at temperatures required for HAMR, ranging from 300 up to 500 degrees Celsius.

Peg only near-field transducer

An apparatus for a heat assisted magnetic recording device that includes a write pole, a near-field transducer, and a heat sink. The near-field transducer is comprised only of a peg disposed adjacent the write pole. The heat sink is disposed between the write pole and at least a portion of the near-field transducer.

Waveguide core layer with reduced downtrack thickness proximate a near-field transducer

An apparatus includes a write pole proximate a media-facing surface of a recording head. A near-field transducer is adjacent to the write pole. A waveguide has a core layer extending from an energy source to the media-facing surface. The core layer includes a region of reduced downtrack thickness proximate the near-field transducer. The region of reduced downtrack thickness is defined by a notch facing away from the near-field transducer. A material of the notch has a different index of refraction than an index of refraction of the core layer.

NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER WITH ENLARGED REGION, PEG REGION, AND HEAT SINK REGION

A near-field transducer includes an enlarged region having a top side adjacent to a magnetic pole, a base side opposite the top side, and a circumference that extends from proximal to a media-facing surface to distal to a media-facing surface. The near-field transducer includes a peg region in contact with a region of the bas side of the enlarged region, the peg region extending from the enlarged region towards the media-facing surface. The near-field transducer also includes a heat sink region having a contact side, a base side, and a circumference that extends from proximal to the media-facing surface to distal from the media-facing surface. The contact side of the heat sink region is in thermal contact with both the peg region and at least a region of the base side of the enlarged region. 1. An apparatus , comprising: a peg region formed from plasmonic material;', 'an enlarged region formed from plasmonic material and having a top side configured to contact a magnetic pole of the slider, a base side opposite the top side, and a circumference that extends from proximal an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider to distal the ABS; and', 'a heat sink region having a contact side, a base side, and a circumference that extends from proximal the ABS to distal the ABS, wherein the contact side of the heat sink region is in physical contact with at least a region of the base side of the enlarged region, and the heat sink region is formed from plasmonic material and configured to enhance coupling efficiency of the near-field transducer;, 'a near-field transducer of a heat-assisted magnetic recording slider comprisingwherein the circumference of the enlarged region is offset from the circumference of the heat sink region.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the circumference of the enlarged region is offset from the circumference of the heat sink region relative to the ABS.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the circumference of the enlarged region is offset from the ...

Optical reflectors for use with a near-field transducer

An apparatus is includes a near field transducer positioned adjacent a media-facing surface and at the end of a waveguide having at least one core layer and a cladding layer. The apparatus also includes at least one optical reflector positioned adjacent opposing cross-track edges of the near field transducer and/or adjacent a down-track side of the near-field transducer.

NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER PEG ENCAPSULATION

A near field transducer with a peg region, an enlarged region disposed adjacent the peg region, and a barrier material disposed between the peg region and the enlarged region. The barrier material reduces or eliminates interdiffusion of material between the peg region and the enlarged region. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a near field transducer comprising a peg region and an enlarged region disposed adjacent the peg region; anda barrier material encapsulating the peg region so as to separate the peg region from the enlarged region, the barrier material configured to reduce or eliminate interdiffusion of material between the peg region and the enlarged region;wherein the peg region remains in one or both of optical and electrical communication with the enlarged region.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the peg region comprises a plasmonic metal.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the enlarged region comprises a second plasmonic metal that has a same composition as the plasmonic metal of the peg region.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier material comprises one or more of ZrN claim 1 , TiN claim 1 , Rh claim 1 , Zr claim 1 , Hf claim 1 , Ru claim 1 , AuN claim 1 , AuO claim 1 , TaN claim 1 , Ir claim 1 , W claim 1 , Mo claim 1 , Co claim 1 , and alloys thereof.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier material comprises one or more layers that separate the peg region from the enlarged region.6. The apparatus claim 1 , wherein the barrier material extends along a non-media interfacing end of the peg region.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier material has a thickness of between about 1.0 nm and about 10.0 nm.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier material is disposed only between the enlarged region and the peg region.9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the barrier material is disposed between the enlarged region and the peg region and along one or more additional surfaces of the enlarged region.10. The apparatus of ...

Devices including a near field transducer and at least one associated adhesion layer

Devices that include a near field transducer (NFT), the NFT having a disc and a peg, and the peg having five surfaces thereof; and at least one adhesion layer positioned on at least one of the five surfaces of the peg, the adhesion layer including one or more of the following: yttrium (Y), tin (Sn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), carbon (C), holmium (Ho), gallium (Ga), silver (Ag), ytterbium (Yb), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), iridium (Ir), zirconium (Zr), yttrium (Y), scandium (Sc), cobalt (Co), silicon (Si), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), rhenium (Re), osmium (Os), platinum (Pt), aluminum (Al), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), vanadium (V), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), tungsten (W), hafnium (Hf), carbon (C), boron (B), holmium (Ho), antimony (Sb), gallium (Ga), manganese (Mn), silver (Ag), indium (In), bismuth (Bi), zinc (Zn), ytterbium (Yb), and combinations thereof.

HEAT-ASSISTED SHINGLED MAGNETIC RECORDING WITH VARIABLE TRACK WIDTHS

A storage device includes a storage controller configured to operate a heat-assisted magnetic recording head to write data to a band of consecutive data tracks in a consecutive track order while selectively alternating a power level of the heat source when writing to some data tracks of the band. 1. A system comprising:a storage medium;a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) head with a heat source; anda storage device controller configured to operate the HAMR head to write data to a data band of consecutive data tracks in a consecutive track order while dynamically altering a power level of the heat source to write the data to some data tracks of the data band, wherein the data band includes a first series of alternating data tracks and a second series of alternating data tracks interlaced with the first series, and each data track of the first series overlaps a previously-written track by a first offset and each data track of the second series overlaps a previously-written track by a second offset different than the first offset.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage device controller is configured to alternate a power level of the heat source for data writes to alternating data tracks in the data band.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage device controller is further configured to write data of a first linear density to the first series of alternating tracks in the data band and to write data of a second linear density to the second series of alternating data tracks in the data band.4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. The system of claim 1 , wherein data tracks of the data band are arranged according to a uniform track pitch.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the data band of consecutive data tracks is a shingled data band in a shingled magnetic recording system.8. The system of claim 1 , wherein all data tracks of the data band have a substantially uniform effective track width.9. A method comprising:receiving an instruction to write data to a data ...

Creating a sub-micron pattern proximate a near-field transducer using in-slider waveguide and laser

An air-bearing surface of a slider is coated with a photoresist having a high optical absorbance at or near an operational wavelength of the slider. Light is directed at a target wavelength through an entry of a waveguide integrated into the slider. The light exiting the waveguide forms a feature through the photoresist, the feature proximate a near-field transducer of the slider. A sub-micron pattern is formed using the feature.

METHODS OF FORMING NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS AND NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS FORMED THEREBY

A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT), the method including the steps of depositing a primary material; and implanting a secondary element, wherein both the primary material and the secondary element are chosen such that the primary material is densified via implantation of the secondary element. 1. A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT) , the method comprising the steps of:depositing a primary material;implanting a secondary element, wherein both the primary material and the secondary element are chosen such that the primary material is densified via implantation of the secondary element.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the primary material is gold (Au) claim 1 , silver (Ag) claim 1 , copper (Cu) claim 1 , aluminum (Al) claim 1 , or an alloy thereof.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the primary material is gold (Au).4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary element has an atomic mass of at least 40 atomic mass units (amu).5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the primary material is gold and the element is gold.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the primary material is copper (Cu) and the secondary element is xenon (Xe).7. The method according to further comprising annealing after implanting the secondary element.8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein implanting the secondary element comprises patterning steps.9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary element is implanted at a fluence from about 1×10to about 1×10ions/cm.10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the secondary element is implanted at an incident energy from about 1×10to about 5×10ions/cm.11. A method of forming a near field transducer (NFT) claim 1 , the method comprising the steps of:depositing a primary material;implanting a secondary element into the primary material; andforming at least part of a near field transducer (NFT) from the implanted primary material,wherein the primary material and ...

MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM AND MAGNETIC STORAGE APPARATUS

A magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an underlayer, and a magnetic layer that are arranged in this order. The magnetic layer has a granular structure including magnetic grains having a L1crystal structure, and grain boundary parts having a volume fraction in a range of 25 volume % to 50 volume %. The magnetic grains have a c-axis orientation with respect to the substrate. The grain boundary parts include a material having a lattice constant in a range of 0.30 nm to 0.36 nm, or in a range of 0.60 nm to 0.72 nm. 1. A magnetic recording medium comprising:a substrate;an underlayer disposed above the substrate; anda magnetic layer disposed above the underlayer,{'sub': '0', 'wherein the magnetic layer has a granular structure including magnetic grains having a L1crystal structure, and grain boundary parts having a volume fraction in a range of 25 volume % to 50 volume %,'}wherein the magnetic grains have a c-axis orientation with respect to the substrate, andwherein the grain boundary parts include a material having a lattice constant in a range of 0.30 nm to 0.36 nm, or in a range of 0.60 nm to 0.72 nm.2. The magnetic recording medium as claimed in claim 1 , whereinthe material included in the grain boundary parts is a crystalline material that is perpendicularly oriented with respect to the substrate, andthe lattice constant is that of an axis perpendicularly oriented with respect to the substrate.3. The magnetic recording medium as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the crystalline material is an ionic crystal selected from a group consisting of SnO claim 2 , OsO claim 2 , IrO claim 2 , VO claim 2 , MnO claim 2 , TiO claim 2 , RuO claim 2 , GeO claim 2 , NbO claim 2 , MgF claim 2 , NiF claim 2 , CoF claim 2 , FeF claim 2 , MnF claim 2 , ZnF claim 2 , PbTe claim 2 , SnTe claim 2 , KCl claim 2 , KBr claim 2 , KI claim 2 , InSb claim 2 , and NaI.4. The magnetic recording medium as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the grain boundary parts further include C claim 3 , BN ...

Bragg grating external cavity laser

A Bragg grating external cavity laser apparatus may comprise the combination of a slider and an external cavity laser. The slider includes a waveguide that delivers light to a recording media. The external cavity laser includes an active region with a reflective back facet and a front facet that is externally coupled to the waveguide of the slider. The external cavity laser additionally includes a Bragg grating within the waveguide of the slider where the reflective back facet and the Bragg grating operate to define a single resonator within the external cavity.

METHODS OF FORMING MATERIALS FOR AT LEAST A PORTION OF A NFT AND NFTS FORMED USING THE SAME

A method including depositing a plasmonic material at a temperature of at least 150° C.; and forming at least a peg of a near field transducer (NFT) from the deposited plasmonic material. 1. A method comprising:depositing a plasmonic material at a temperature of at least 150° C.; andforming at least a peg of a near field transducer (NFT) from the deposited plasmonic material.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material is deposited at a temperature of at least 175° C.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material is deposited at a temperature of at least 180° C.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein forming at least the peg of the NFT comprises patterning a peg with an oxide or amorphous carbon.5. The method according to further comprising forming at least a disk of the NFT from a material deposited at a temperature of at least 150° C.6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the material deposited to form the disk is deposited in a different step than the material deposited to form the peg.7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material is sputter deposited.8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the plasmonic material comprises gold (Au) claim 1 , silver (Ag) claim 1 , copper (Cu) claim 1 , aluminum (Al) claim 1 , or an alloy thereof.9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the near field transducer comprises gold (Au) claim 1 , or an alloy thereof.10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the material is not annealed.11. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the peg has an average grain size of at least about 50 nm.12. A near field transducer (NFT) comprising:a peg, the peg having an average grain size of not less than 75 nm.13. The NFT according to claim 12 , wherein the material making up the peg was deposited at a temperature of not less than 175° C.14. The NFT according to claim 12 , wherein the plasmonic material is deposited at a temperature of at least 180° C.15. The ...

Method of assessing recording characteristics of thermally assisted magnetic head

Using a thermally assisted magnetic recording head, reference signals are recorded into a magnetic recording medium; reproduction signal intensity of the reference signals is measured in a state where the thermally assisted magnetic head has been moved in the track width direction from the track width center of the track where the reference signals are recorded; a mean signal output of each sector in the track where the reference signals are recorded is calculated from the measurement results of the reproduction signal intensity of the reference signals; and the recording characteristics of a thermally assisted magnetic head are evaluated based upon the mean signal output of the sectors.

MATERIALS FOR NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS AND NEAR FIELD TRANSDUCERS CONTAINING SAME

A device including a near field transducer, the near field transducer including gold (Au) and at least one other secondary atom, the at least one other secondary atom selected from: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), and combinations thereof; erbium (Er), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), zinc (Zn), and combinations thereof; and barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), gadolinium (Gd), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), osmium (Os), phosphorus (P), rubidium (Rb), rhenium (Re), selenium (Se), samarium (Sm), terbium (Tb), thallium (Th), and combinations thereof. 1. A device comprising: boron (B), bismuth (Bi), indium (In), sulfur (S), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb), manganese (Mn), antimony (Sb), tellurium (Te), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), and combinations thereof;', 'erbium (Er), holmium (Ho), lutetium (Lu), praseodymium (Pr), scandium (Sc), uranium (U), zinc (Zn), and combinations thereof; and', 'barium (Ba), chlorine (Cl), cesium (Cs), dysprosium (Dy), europium (Eu), fluorine (F), gadolinium (Gd), germanium (Ge), hydrogen (H), iodine (I), osmium (Os), phosphorus (P), rubidium (Rb), rhenium (Re), selenium (Se), samarium (Sm), terbium (Tb), thallium (Th), and combinations thereof., 'a near field transducer, the near field transducer comprising gold (Au) and at least one other secondary atom, the at least one other secondary atom selected from2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one secondary atom is selected from: boron (B) claim 1 , bismuth (Bi) claim 1 , indium (In) claim 1 , sulfur (S) claim 1 , silicon (Si) claim 1 , tin (Sn) claim 1 , hafnium (Hf) claim 1 , niobium (Nb) claim 1 , manganese (Mn) claim 1 , antimony (Sb) claim 1 , tellurium (Te) claim 1 , carbon (C ...

NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER FOR HEAT ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING COMPRISING OF THERMALLY STABLE MATERIAL LAYER

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a HAMR head. The HAMR head includes a main pole, a waveguide and a NFT disposed between the main pole and the waveguide. The NFT includes an antenna, and the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be made of a material having a higher melting point than the material of the first portion. Having the second portion helps reduce the temperature rise of the NFT and reduce the laser power applied to the NFT. 1. A heat assisted magnetic recording head , comprising:a main pole;a waveguide;a nanobeak near-field transducer disposed between the main pole and the waveguide, wherein the near-field transducer comprises an antenna, wherein the antenna includes a first portion made of a first material, and a second portion made of a second material, wherein the second material is different from the first material; anda thermal shunt coupled to the antenna.2. The heat assisted magnetic recording head of claim 1 , wherein the second material has a higher melting point than the first material and the second material is immiscible in the first material.3. The heat assisted magnetic recording head of claim 1 , wherein the first material is selected from the group consisting of Au claim 1 , Ag claim 1 , Cu claim 1 , and Al.4. The heat assisted magnetic recording head of claim 3 , wherein the second material is selected from the group consisting of Rh claim 3 , Co claim 3 , Ni claim 3 , Pt claim 3 , Pd claim 3 , Ru claim 3 , B claim 3 , Mo claim 3 , W claim 3 , Ti claim 3 , Ir claim 3 , and Re.5. The heat assisted magnetic recording head of claim 4 , wherein the first material is Au and the second material is Rh.6. The heat assisted magnetic recording head of claim 1 , wherein the antenna further includes a first surface facing the main pole claim 1 , a second surface at a media facing surface claim 1 , a third surface facing the waveguide claim 1 , and a fourth surface connecting the second surface ...

Laser On Slider For A Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording Head

A recording head includes a magnetic write pole having an end positioned adjacent to an air bearing surface, a first waveguide having an end positioned adjacent to the air bearing surface, a laser, and a coupler for coupling light from the laser to the waveguide. The coupler can include a grating positioned in or adjacent to a lasing cavity of the laser.

Polishing composition for polishing silver and alumina, and polishing method using the same

An object to be polished includes a support body and a silver thin film. The support body has a surface to be polished and a trench that opens in the surface to be polished. At least part of the support body, including the surface to be polished, is made of alumina. The silver thin film is formed to fill the trench of the support body. A polishing composition is for use in a process of polishing the silver thin film and the surface to be polished of the object to be polished by chemical mechanical polishing. The polishing composition contains silica abrasive grains, nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and benzotriazole. The polishing composition is such one that the polishing rate of silver divided by the polishing rate of alumina in the process of polishing is equal to or higher than 5.

Gradient index optical waveguide coupler

A light source is coupled to an input facet that directs light from the light source to a core layer of a waveguide and a gradient index material layer disposed beside the core layer along a portion of a propagation length of the waveguide. Light is launched from the light source into the input facet. In response, the gradient index material layer directs light to the core layer at least along the portion of the propagation length.

SINGLE-GRAIN NEAR-FIELD TRANSDUCER AND PROCESS FOR FORMING SAME

A method comprises forming a single-crystal-like metal layer on a metal seed layer, the metal seed layer formed on a carrier wafer. The method comprises forming a first bonding layer on the single-crystal-like metal layer. The method also comprises forming a second bonding layer on a dielectric layer of a target substrate, the target substrate comprising one or more recording head subassemblies. The bonding layers may include diffusion layers or dielectric bonding layers. The method further comprises flipping and joining the carrier wafer with the target substrate such that the first and second diffusion layers are bonded and the single-crystal-like metal layer is integrated with the recording head as a near-field transducer.

Bolometer for monitoring internal laser power in thermally assisted magnetic recording devices

Gradient index optical waveguide coupler

광원은, 광원으로부터 도파관의 코어층으로 광을 지향시키는 입력 각면 및 도파관의 전파 경로의 부분을 따라서 코어층 옆에 배치된 구배 지수 물질층에 연결된다. 광은 광원으로부터 입력 각면으로 란치된다. 이에 대응하여, 구배 지수 물질층은 적어도 전파 경로의 부분을 따라서 코어층으로 광을 지향시킨다. The light source is connected to a layer of gradient index material disposed next to the core layer along a portion of the propagation path of the waveguide and the input facet that directs light from the light source to the core layer of the waveguide. Light is emitted from the light source to the input facet. Correspondingly, the gradient index material layer directs light to the core layer along at least a portion of the propagation path.

Laser-in slider light delivery for heat assisted magnetic recording

An apparatus includes a light source for producing a beam of light, a coupler for coupling the light into a slider waveguide, a beam expander for expanding the beam of light from the waveguide to produce an expanded beam, a collimator for collimating the expanded beam, and a focusing device for concentrating the collimated beam to a focal point. A method of delivering light to a focal point is also described.

Thermally assisted integrated head and thermally assisted recording device

Disclosed is a heat-assisted integrated head mounted with a semiconductor laser, by which stable flying can be realized, and occurrence of an optical power fluctuation due to wavelength variation can be prevented. Further, a rise in temperature of the semiconductor laser can be suppressed. A semiconductor laser (30) is arranged on a side face or a top face of a flying slider (5). At this time, a stripe structure (100) in the semiconductor laser is directed in parallel with the flying surface of the flying slider. A mirror (101) is formed inside the semiconductor laser so that a light path is bent in the in-plain direction of an active layer. The light emitted from the semiconductor laser is introduced to a near-field light generating element using a waveguide (3) formed in the slider. When the semiconductor laser is arranged on the side face of the flying slider, a curved portion of a mirror is formed in the middle of the waveguide (3) so that the light coming into the waveguide proceeds in the direction toward the near-field light generating element.

Method for directing light from waveguides and light sources

Thermally assisted magnetic recording head with near-field light generating element

Optical Waveguide With Reflector

An optical waveguide includes a core layer having a first core section and a second core section, wherein the first core section is non-axially aligned with the second core section. The optical waveguide also includes a cladding layer disposed about the core layer and a reflector in optical communication with the core layer for directing an electromagnetic wave from the first core section to the second core section.

Methods of forming magnetic devices with variable overcoats

Methods that include depositing a first layer over the entire surface of a structure, the structure having a magnetic reader and a magnetic writer, wherein the magnetic reader and the magnetic writer are positioned adjacent to each other on a substrate and the magnetic writer includes a near field transducer (NFT); depositing a second layer over the entire surface of the first layer; depositing a photoresist material layer over the entire surface of the second layer, the photoresist material layer having a bottom surface in contact with the second layer and an opposing top surface; exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the bottom surface of the photoresist material layer via the NFT to form a first exposed region; and exposing the photoresist material layer to radiation through the top surface of the photoresist material layer to form a second exposed region.

Thermally assisted magnetic recording head with converging lens

Thermally assisted magnetic recording head with plasmon generator

Multipiece near field transducers (NFTS)

Devices having air bearing surfaces (ABS), the devices including a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disc configured to convert photons incident thereon into plasmons; and a peg configured to couple plasmons coupled from the disc into an adjacent magnetic storage medium, wherein at least one of a portion of the peg, a portion of the disc, or a portion of both the peg and the disc include a multilayer structure including at least two layers including at least one layer of a first material and at least one layer of a second material, wherein the first material and the second material are not the same and wherein the first and the second materials independently include aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), boron (B), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cerium (Ce), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), erbium (Er), gadolinium (Gd), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), gold (Au), hafnium (Hf), indium (In), iridium (Ir), iron (Fe), lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), niobium (Nb), osmium (Os), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhenium (Re), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), scandium (Sc), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), strontium (Sr), tantalum (Ta), thorium (Th), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), tungsten (W), ytterbium (Yb), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), or combinations thereof.

Waveguide cladding layer with transparent heat sink for heat-assisted magnetic recording device

An apparatus comprises a slider of a magnetic recording head having an air bearing surface (ABS), a write pole terminating at or near the ABS, and a near-field transducer (NFT) adjacent the write pole. A light delivery arrangement extends through the slider and terminates at the ABS. The light delivery arrangement is configured to communicate light through the slider and to the NFT. A transparent heat sink layer abuts a terminal end portion of the light delivery arrangement and terminates at the ABS. The heat sink layer has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the light delivery arrangement.

Slider with integrated thermally-assisted recording (TAR) head and integrated long laser diode

A thermally-assisted recording (TAR) slider has an integrated TAR head and an integrated laser diode. The laser diode may be an external-cavity VCSEL that includes a semiconductor substrate with the VCSEL formed on one surface, an external cavity on the opposite surface, and an output third mirror on the output surface of the external cavity. The TAR head is integrated with the slider at the trailing end and includes an optical waveguide having a grating coupler oriented in a plane generally parallel to the slider trailing end, and a near-field transducer (NFT) at the slider air-bearing surface (ABS) and coupled to the waveguide. A carrier is attached to the slider and has a base portion that supports the external-cavity VCSEL so that the linear path of its output laser beam is aligned with and oriented orthogonal to the plane of the grating coupler. The grating coupler receives the laser radiation and turns it 90 degrees into the waveguide, which directs the laser radiation to the NFT at the ABS.