Abstract:
A slider having an air bearing surface is configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). The slider comprises a write pole, a near-field transducer (NFT) proximate the write pole, a return pole magnetically coupled to the write pole, and an optical waveguide configured to receive light from a light source and couple the light to the NFT. The optical waveguide comprises first and second opposing major surfaces and opposing first and second edges connected to the first and second major surfaces. An optically opaque overlay is disposed on one or both of the first and second major surfaces of the optical waveguide. The optically opaque overlay can be light reflective or light absorbing.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a slider configured for heat assisted magnetic recording and comprising a substrate. At least one component of the slider generates heat when energized. At least one thermal via extends through a portion of the slider from a location proximate the component to the substrate. The thermal via is configured to conduct heat away from the component and to the substrate.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
A slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording has an upper surface, an opposing air bearing surface (ABS), and a body defined between the upper surface and the ABS. The slider comprises a write pole and a near-field transducer (NFT) at or near the ABS. An optical waveguide is configured to receive light from a laser source and comprises a first cladding layer, a second cladding layer, and a core between the first and second cladding layers. The core has a width, a length, and a longitudinal axis oriented along the length of the core. A bolometer is situated within the body of the slider at a location that receives at least some of the light communicated along the waveguide used during a writing operation. The bolometer is spaced apart from the core and comprises a longitudinal axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the core.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a slider of a magnetic recording head, a submount, and an interface defined between the slider and the submount. A laser diode is connected to the submount. A metal layer is provided at the interface between the slider and the submount. The metal layer connects at least about 30% of the surface area of the submount at the interface to the slider and serves as a thermal conduction pathway between the submount and the slider.
Abstract:
A head transducer, configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium, includes a first sensor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and configured to produce a first sensor signal, and a second sensor having a TCR and configured to produce a second sensor signal. One of the first and second sensors is situated at or near a close point of the head transducer in relation to the magnetic recording medium, and the other of the first and second sensors spaced away from the close point. Circuitry is configured to combine the first and second sensor signals and produce a combined sensor signal indicative of one or both of a change in head-medium spacing and head-medium contact. Each of the sensors may have a TCR with the same sign (positive or negative) or each sensor may have a TCR with a different sign.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a slider structure having a waveguide and a cavity configured to align a laser to the waveguide. The cavity includes a plurality of solder bumps on a bottom of the cavity configured to electrically and thermally couple the laser to the slider. At least one mechanical stopper is disposed in the cavity to facilitate vertical alignment between an output of the laser and an input of the waveguide. At least one solder bump is disposed on the mechanical stopper to facilitate lateral alignment between the output of the laser and the input of the waveguide in response to a reflow of the solder bumps.
Abstract:
An apparatus includes a slider structure having a waveguide and a cavity configured to align a laser to the waveguide. The cavity includes a plurality of solder bumps on a bottom of the cavity configured to electrically and thermally couple the laser to the slider. At least one mechanical stopper is disposed in the cavity to facilitate vertical alignment between an output of the laser and an input of the waveguide. At least one solder bump is disposed on the mechanical stopper to facilitate lateral alignment between the output of the laser and the input of the waveguide in response to a reflow of the solder bumps.
Abstract:
An apparatus (e.g., a heat assisted magnetic recording write heat) includes a magnetic write pole having a tip portion proximate a media-facing surface. A near-field transducer is proximate the tip portion of the magnetic write pole. A first heat sink portion is provided along a first side of the tip portion that faces away from the near field transducer. The first heat sink portion includes a highly reflective, thermally conductive metal and is spaced away from the media facing surface. A second heat sink portion is provided along the first side of the tip portion between the media facing surface and the first heat sink portion. The second heat sink portion includes a relatively hard material.
Abstract:
A head transducer, configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium, includes a first sensor having a temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and configured to produce a first sensor signal, and a second sensor having a TCR and configured to produce a second sensor signal. One of the first and second sensors is situated at or near a close point of the head transducer in relation to the magnetic recording medium, and the other of the first and second sensors spaced away from the close point. Circuitry is configured to combine the first and second sensor signals and produce a combined sensor signal indicative of one or both of a change in head-medium spacing and head-medium contact. Each of the sensors may have a TCR with the same sign (positive or negative) or each sensor may have a TCR with a different sign.