Compact mode converter having first and second straight portions for a heat-assisted magnetic recording device
US10971179B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2005/0021
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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 (TE00) 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 (TE10) 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 TE10 mode from the waveguide and directing surface plasmons to a recording medium in response thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.