Patent ID: 9472226
Filing Date: 2016-10-18
CPC Classification: G11B

Claim Text:
1. A precise alignment method for an optical component that causes a precise alignment apparatus to capture a plurality of frame images at a predetermined frame rate from a bottom surface of a slider while moving a semiconductor laser device and the slider in the X and Y directions and positions the semiconductor laser device and an optical waveguide based on the captured frame images, the precise alignment apparatus including an X-axis stage which supports the slider having the optical waveguide opened in a direction toward a bottom surface thereof and moves only in the X direction, a Y-axis stage which supports the slider and moves only in the Y direction, a laser fixture which grips the semiconductor laser device by separating the semiconductor laser device in a direction toward the bottom surface of the slider supported by the X-axis stage and the Y-axis stage, an observation camera which is located in a direction toward a top surface of the slider and captures a plurality of frame images at a predetermined frame rate, and control means which controls the operation of moving the slider in the X and Y directions by the X-axis stage and the Y-axis stage and the capturing operation by the observation camera, the precise alignment method for the optical component causing the control means to perform: a first step of capturing a plurality of frame images including a laser beam passing through the optical waveguide of the slider while relatively moving a predetermined region of the slider and the semiconductor laser device emitting the laser beam at a uniform speed in the X and Y directions; a second step of calculating an X-axis coordinate of maximal intensity by performing a fitting calculation on a predetermined number of frames before and after the capturing operation based on the frame of the maximal intensity only in the X direction among the plurality of frame images captured by the first step; a third step of capturing a plurality of frame images including a laser beam passing through the optical waveguide of the slider while relatively moving a predetermined region of the slider and the semiconductor laser device emitting the laser beam at a uniform speed only in the Y direction in the state where the X-axis coordinate of the maximal intensity calculated by the second step is fixed; a fourth step of calculating a Y-axis coordinate of target maximal intensity by performing a fitting calculation on a predetermined number of frames before and after the capturing operation based on the frame of the maximal intensity only in the Y direction among the plurality of frame images captured by the third step; and a fifth step of positioning the slider to the X-axis coordinate of the maximal intensity calculated by the second step and the Y-axis coordinate of the maximal intensity calculated by the fourth step.