Patent ID: 6037565
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B23K,G11B

Abstract:
An apparatus for patterning magnetic recording media, comprising:means for producing at least one synchronized pulse of laser light, wherein each pulse of said at least one synchronized pulse of laser light is synchronized to fire at the appropriate time to generate a spot at a plurality of desired positions on a target;means for producing an array of spots from said at least one synchronized pulse of laser light; andmeans for rotating said array of spots relative to said magnetic recording media,wherein said means for producing at least one synchronized pulse of laser light comprise:a laser for producing a laser beam;an alignment disk having a central opening, wherein said alignment disk comprises index holes evenly spaced along its outer perimeter, wherein the outer radial edge of said alignment disk comprises a first set of gear teeth; anda triggering system, comprising:a light emitting diode for generating a laser triggering beam;a photodiode for detecting said laser triggering beam, wherein said alignment disk is positioned between said light emitting diode and said photodiode such that light will periodically pass through said index holes as said alignment disk rotates; andtriggering electronics electrically and operatively connected to said photodiode and said laser, wherein said triggering electronics will provide a trigger pulse to said laser when said photodiode detects said triggering beam from said light emitting diode.