Near field optical head and method for manufacturing thereof
US6724718B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4296
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A near-field optical head has a slider having a minute aperture for emitting near-field light. The minute aperture has a diameter equal to or less than a wavelength of visible light. The slider is supported by a suspension arm for exerting a load, receiving a floating force due to relative movement with a recording medium, and forming a gap between the slider and the recording medium through a balance between the load and the floating force. A light propagating medium has an output end for emitting light. An optical path length shortening structure shortens an optical path length between the output end of the light propagating medium and the minute aperture of the slider. A mirror is disposed over the slider for guiding light emitted from the light propagating medium to the minute aperture of the slider.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.