Input coupler with features to divert stray light from a waveguide
US10614843B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0021
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A recording head has a waveguide core with an input end proximate an energy source at an input surface of the recording head. The waveguide core couples light from the energy source to a near-field transducer that heats a recording medium in response to the light. An input coupler extends along the waveguide core from the input end to a termination region that is away from the input end in a light propagation direction. The input coupler has a first refractive index between that of the waveguide core and a surrounding material. The input coupler is wider than the waveguide core and has a slanted edge at the termination region. The slanted edge crosses the waveguide core such that the input coupler narrows to a neck away from the waveguide core in a crosstrack direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.