Patent ID: 6016290
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: B82Y,G11B

Abstract:
A read/write element that enables transduction of data on a data storage medium, comprising:a thermally assisted inductive write section that writes data on the data storage medium; anda magnetic read section that reads data from the data storage medium;said write section including an optical waveguide core formed between a first write pole and a second write pole to conduct a light beam for heating a target on the data storage medium;said second write pole and said optical waveguide core being offset relative to each other within a pole tip region and defining an overlap region;said overlap region defining a written track width;wherein said read section includes a magneto-resistive element;wherein one edge of said second write pole is substantially aligned with a first edge of said magneto-resistive element of said read section; andwherein one edge of said optical waveguide core is substantially aligned with a second edge of said magneto-resistive element such that said overlap area of said second write pole layer and said optical waveguide core is substantially aligned with said magneto-resistive element of said read section.