Dual purpose bolometric sensor for heat-assisted magnetic recording device

摘要

An apparatus comprises a slider and an optical waveguide formed in the slider and configured to receive light from a laser source. A near-field transducer (NFT) is formed on the slider at or near an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider and optically coupled to the waveguide. A bolometric sensor is positioned proximate the NFT and exposed to at least some of the light. The bolometric sensor is configured to detect changes in output optical power of the laser source and contact between the slider and a magnetic recording medium.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a slider; an optical waveguide formed in the slider and configured to receive light from a laser source; a near-field transducer (NFT) formed on the slider at or near an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider and optically coupled to the waveguide; and a bolometric sensor positioned proximate the NFT and exposed to at least some of the light, the bolometric sensor configured to detect changes in output optical power of the laser source and contact between the slider and a magnetic recording medium.