Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/DE60038723T2/en
Timestamp: 2020-01-19 00:08:19
Document Index: 440061656

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1002', 'art 1002', 'art 1002', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 4002', 'art 4001', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 1001', 'art 4001', 'art 4001', 'art 5001', 'art 5002', 'art 5001', 'art 5001', 'art 5002', 'art 1002', 'art 5001', 'art 5002', 'art 1001', 'art 1002', 'art 5001', 'art 1001', 'art 5001', 'art 5002', 'art 1002', 'art 5002', 'art 5002', 'art 5002', 'art 6001', 'art 6002', 'art 6001', 'art 2001', 'art 6002', 'art 2002', 'art 6001', 'art 2001', 'art 6002', 'art 6002', 'art 7002', 'art 7001', 'art 7002', 'art 7001', 'art 8001', 'art 8001', 'art 9001', 'art 9001', 'art 9001', 'art 10001', 'art 100002', 'art 10001', 'art 10002', 'art 10001', 'art 10002', 'art 10001', 'art 10002', 'art 2', 'art 10001', 'art 10001', 'art 10002', 'art 11002', 'art 11011', 'art 11011', 'art 11011', 'art 11002', 'art 11011']

DE60038723T2 - Optical closure head and method for the production thereof - Google Patents
Optical closure head and method for the production thereof
DE60038723T2
DE60038723T2 DE60038723T DE60038723T DE60038723T2 DE 60038723 T2 DE60038723 T2 DE 60038723T2 DE 60038723 T DE60038723 T DE 60038723T DE 60038723 T DE60038723 T DE 60038723T DE 60038723 T2 DE60038723 T2 DE 60038723T2
DE60038723T
DE60038723D1 (en
Susumu Chiba-shi Ichihara
Nobuyuki Chiba-shi KASAMA
Kenji Chiba-shi KATO
Yasuyuki Chiba-shi MITSUOKA
Takashi Chiba-shi NIWA
Manabu Chiba-shi OUMI
Yoko Chiba-shi Shinohara
1999-08-25 Priority to JP23806299 priority Critical
1999-08-25 Priority to JP23806299 priority
1999-11-26 Priority to JP33606299A priority patent/JP4020233B2/en
1999-11-26 Priority to JP33606299 priority
2000-08-21 Application filed by Seiko Instruments Inc filed Critical Seiko Instruments Inc
2000-08-21 Priority to PCT/JP2000/005605 priority patent/WO2001015151A1/en
2008-06-12 Publication of DE60038723D1 publication Critical patent/DE60038723D1/en
2009-07-02 Publication of DE60038723T2 publication Critical patent/DE60038723T2/en
The The present invention relates to a near-field optical head which is capable of high density information using near field light play and record.
In recent years has seen rapid development in both aspects, Hardware and software, achieved in the field of information equipment, and the amount of information that is handled is thus increasing dramatically at. With respect to the information storage device as one of the information devices (in particular HDD) is currently undergoing a rapid change to record high Density, so that the recording capacity per unit area in a recording medium with an annual Rate of 60 percent is increasing. Therefore, a further miniaturization in size one Recording unit (bit) desired, recorded on and reproduced from a recording medium becomes.
To the Recording or playing in a tiny region is a device for watching the tiny region in an order of magnitude of nanometers on the surface the sample or an application of the scanning probe microscope by a Scanning tunneling microscope ("Scanning Tunnel Microscope "- STM) or an atomic force microscope ("Atomic Force Microscope "- AFM) becomes public, to the subject Become interested. An SPM leads the probe with a sharpened Tip over the surface the sample while an interaction, like the tunneling current, between the probe and the surface the sample is generated, or the force between the atoms is observed so that an image of a certain resolution depends on the tip configuration the probe is obtained.
to execution has a high-density recording on a recording medium the method of recording and reproducing using Light compared to magnetism has the advantage of having a record high density along a scanning direction (radial direction of Recording medium) possible is. Thus, the application of the near-field optical microscope, the viewed with light, especially under SPM as promising considered.
The optical near-field microscope uses an interaction between the near-field light generated at the surface of a verification sample, and the probe as the observation subject, so that the tiny region of the sample surface can be considered. The principle of the test procedure is in the sequence in detail described.
The Near-field light is emitted by emitting propagation light the surface the review sample generated. Since the near-field light only in a very adjacent area at the surface the review sample is generated, the sharpened tip the probe near to the surface the review sample within a distance equal to or smaller than μm, so that the near-field light, the is generated by the tip of the probe is scattered. The scattered Light is guided through a small aperture of the tip of the probe and by a conventional Process of detection of transmitted light processed. Consequently will be the limitation of viewing resolution of the conventional optical microscope is broken, and thus the observation a tiny region with the help of light possible. There is also a light greater Intensity in the probe to the verification sample introduced to a near field light of high energy density in the tiny aperture of the To generate a probe. With the help of this near field light is also a local Modification of the construction or the properties of the sample surface possible. As previously described, an embodiment of an optical memory recording is explained high-density using the use of the near-field optical microscope as possible considered.
In the architecture of the optical storage recording apparatus using such a near-field light, the probe is the most important key part because it has a minute aperture serving as an optical recording and reproducing head. As an example of a probe with a tiny aperture, such as in USP 5,294,790 is proposed, a cantilever type photosensor comprising an aperture passing through a silicon substrate using a semiconductor manufacturing technology of photolithography or the like, and an insulating film formed on one side of the surface of the silicon substrate and a conical optical waveguide layer formed on the insulating film is formed on the side opposite to the aperture. In this cantilever type photosensor, an optical fiber is inserted into the aperture so that the light can pass through the minute aperture formed by coating an optical waveguide layer with a metal film except at the tip portion. Therefore, it is easy to make the aperture judgment.
Further, an application of the planar probe without a sharpened tip such as the above-mentioned probe is proposed (T. Yatsui et al., "Readout capability of a planar aperture probe for optical near-field memory", NFO-5, 115, Shirahama, Dec. 10 1998). The plane probe is that provided with an inverted pyramidal structure aperture on a silicon substrate by anisotropic etching, in particular, the vertex of the aperture having a diameter of several nm is perforated to form an aperture. Several such planar probes can be simultaneously fabricated as a group on the same substrate by a semiconductor fabrication technology, that is, the fabrication of a set of planar probes is easy, and in particular, the planar probe has the advantage of being useful as an optical head for recording and reproducing the optical memories , which uses near field light, is used. As the optical head using this planar probe, there is proposed a head having a plane probe provided on the floating head used in a hard disk drive (Nikkei Electronics, March 10, 1997 issue). The floating head is conventionally designed to float by aerodynamic design, with a spacing of 50 to 100 nm being maintained above the recording medium. By using this floating head with the head and the recording medium held in an extreme proximity (an extreme positional relationship) and a minute aperture formed in the floating head on the side of the recording medium, it becomes possible to produce near-field light. Therefore, high density recording and reproduction by light is considered possible.
at the execution of the optical information recording apparatus using near-field light is the utility value of the device higher in itself, when the device itself is small and narrow. For the production a small and narrow device, it is considered appropriate to use a structure in which the light that is parallel to propagated on the recording medium, using optical components directed in a direction perpendicular to the medium and the aperture becomes. With this structure, however, the head becomes due to the combination The optical components themselves are big and heavy and this leads to that Problem that the positioning accuracy and the reaction properties impaired are.
In addition, when light is using an optical fiber path, such as an optical fiber Fiber into which aperture is passed, the intensity of the near field light, which is emitted by the aperture, low, causing problems leads, that the recording and playback rate is reduced and that the reliability the information recorded and reproduced is deteriorated. Because in relation to this problem the light coming from the light emission edge of the optical fiber path is propagated propagating, thus becomes the spot diameter of the light according to the distance big from the broadcasting edge. Then the intensity decreases of the light that is radiated onto the aperture, and thus becomes the intensity of the near-field light for recording and reproducing is reduced. There The relationship the light intensity depending on the information is (S / N), therefore, there arises a problem that the recording and playback rate or the reliability of the information is deteriorating.
EP0549236 describes an optical system that utilizes the principles of optical stethoscopy to provide sub-wavelength resolution energy. The device includes one or more optical elements mounted on a slider which is in physical sliding contact with the recording medium.
Therefore includes the first near-field optical head according to the present invention a slider carried by a load-carrying hanging arm to a Float force by means of a relative movement to a recording medium obtain, leaving a space between it and the recording medium according to a balance between the load and the levitation force arises, a tiny structure on the recording medium side is formed of the slider, a light propagating medium, the on the slider on a side opposite to the recording medium and is arranged substantially parallel to the hanging arm, a Mirror for directing the light emitted by the light propagating medium which is essentially over the tiny structure is arranged, and a structure for shortening the Path for shortening the path between the light emission edge of the light propagation medium and the tiny structure. It uses a construction in the structure for shortening the optical path is a groove near the tiny Structure is formed, and the light propagating medium in the Groove is arranged
Therefore, according to the first near-field optical head according to the present invention, by disposing the mirror near the minute structure by means of the optical path shortening structure and also adjusting the position of the light emitting edge of the light propagating medium near the minute structure, the distance between the light emitting edge of the light path Light propagation medium and the minute structure can be shortened and also the spot diameter of the light from the light propagation medium can be reduced so that the intensity of the near-field light generated by the minute structure is reinforced. Therefore, a near-field optical head capable of high-density recording and reproduction can be obtained.
Therefore can according to the optical Nahfeldkopf according to the present Invention the distance between the light emission edge of the light propagation medium and the tiny structure shortens so that a near-field optical head capable of intervening Near field light big intensity can be obtained. Because it is light, the light propagation medium by the formation of a light propagating medium in the groove To attach, a near-field optical head can be obtained, the is capable of generating a near field light of stable intensity.
Further is in the second near-field optical head according to the present invention used a construction in which the tiny structure is a tiny one Aperture is.
Therefore becomes according to the second near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention recording and high density reproduction possible since the spot diameter of the near-field light on the recording medium to approximate the same size as the tiny aperture is reduced.
Further is in the third near-field optical head according to the present invention a mirror on and in one piece is arranged with a substrate disposed above the slider is.
Therefore can according to the third near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention, a stable optical system can be constructed and the intensity of the near field light, which is generated by the tiny structure is stabilized.
Further becomes in the fourth near-field optical head according to the present invention uses a construction in which the mirror in the light propagating medium is formed.
Therefore becomes according to the fourth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention, as the mirror and the light propagating medium, respectively a component of the near-field optical head, are integrally formed can be the adjustment of the optical axis of the mirror and the light propagating medium unnecessary, and thus the adjustment of the optical axis becomes easy. In addition, the Number of components is reduced, the unit price of Head cheap, so provided a cheaper near field optical head can be.
Further becomes in the fifth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention uses a construction in which the mirror in a concave Shaped to provide a near field optical head, the light emitted by the light propagation medium is concentrated.
Additionally has in the sixth near-field optical head according to the present invention the head has a lens function for concentrating the light at the Tip of the light propagation medium.
Therefore is it according to the fifth and sixth near field optical head possible, to increase the energy density of the light in the tiny structure, so that the intensity of near-field light generated by the tiny structure elevated can be.
Further is in the seventh near-field optical head according to the present invention a near-field optical head characterized in that a mirror alignment mechanism on the slider and / or the substrate on which the mirror is formed, is designed to position the mirror and the tiny structure bring to.
Therefore becomes according to the seventh optical Nahfeldkopf the optical adjustment to maximize the intensity of near-field light generated by the minute structure easily.
Further has the eighth near-field optical head according to the present invention a construction in which a groove or an extension for fixing optical Components for casting light on the light propagating medium is formed on the mirror substrate.
Therefore will according to the eighth near-field optical light effectively on the light propagation medium thrown, so the intensity of the near-field light produced by the minute structure becomes large.
Further has the ninth near-field optical head according to the present invention a construction in which the light propagating medium on the slider attached or formed.
Therefore becomes according to the ninth near-field optical head, the position of the light propagation medium by attachment or formation of the light propagating medium stabilized on the slider, so that the intensity of the near field light, which is generated by the tiny structure can be stabilized.
Further, in the tenth near-field optical head according to the present invention, a construction characterized in that is that the light propagating medium is fixed or formed on the substrate on the same side where the mirror is formed.
Therefore becomes according to the tenth near-field optical head, the position of the light propagation medium stabilized, even if a slider with a small thickness is used. additionally allows the use of a slider with small thickness shortening the Distance between the light propagation medium and the tiny Structure, so that the intensity of the near-field light generated by the minute structure can be increased.
Further has the eleventh near-field optical head according to the present invention a construction in which the light propagating medium is designed such that the light incident part is fixed to the substrate and that Light emitting part is attached to the slider.
Therefore can according to the eleventh Near-field optical head, the positioning of the groove or the extension for fixing the light incident edge of the light propagation medium and the components for Light that falls on the light propagating medium, be carried out precisely, and the light emission edge of the light propagation medium can be placed near the tiny structure be, so the intensity of near-field light generated by the minute structure increased to a greater extent can.
Further has the twelfth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention a construction in which the light propagating medium an optical fiber with a tip that is parallel by grinding machined to the optical axis machined to a narrow shape is.
According to the construction allows an optical fiber whose tip is sharpened, the arrangement of Light emission edge of the optical fiber near the mirror, so that the spot diameter of the light coming from the light emitting edge of the optical fiber is emitted into the tiny structure, reduced can be. Therefore, the intensity of the near-field light, that of the tiny structure is generated increases.
Further has the thirteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention a construction characterized in that the light propagating medium is a thin film waveguide.
By the use of a thin-film waveguide, the thinner and lighter than an optical fiber, as a light propagation medium, Consequently, the mass of the near-field optical head is reduced. Therefore it becomes easy, the positioning accuracy or the positioning speed of the near-field optical head. In addition, by use of the thin-film waveguide Light as a light propagation medium, the near-field optical head in a thin one Shape shape, and the device can be constructed in a more compact size become.
In addition is the first method of manufacturing the near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention a method for producing the Nahfeld optical head, comprising a method of forming a mirror, a method for forming a slider and a mounting process for the mirror and the slider. The method of forming the mirror is a Process that involves a process of forming an extension on one Substrate, a process for forming the reflection coating contains the extension and a process for forming the configuration. The Method of forming the slider is a process that involves a process to make the tiny structure, a process of making the structure for shortening of the optical path, a process for forming the reflection coating and includes a process of forming the configuration. Finally is the process for mounting the mirror and the slider in the first Method for producing the Nahfeld optical head included.
Therefore can according to the first Method of Making the Near-Field Optical Head The Optical Nahfeldkopf according to the invention easily manufactured. additionally uses the method of forming the mirror and the slider photolithography or micromachining technology, wherein Mirror and slide with uniform powers in big Quantities can be produced.
Further is the second method of fabricating the near-field optical head according to the present Invention A method that provides a process for fastening or forming of the light propagating medium in the method of production of the near-field optical head.
Therefore the light propagation medium is attached to the substrate the slider or mirror is formed so that the intensity of the light, which is emitted to the tiny aperture, is stabilized, which leads to, that the intensity of the Light emitted by the aperture is stabilized.
Further, the third method of manufacturing the near-field optical head according to the present invention is a method characterized is characterized in that a process for forming a thin film waveguide is included in the process of forming the mirror or slider.
Therefore For example, the light propagation medium can be obtained by a photolithography process be prepared so that the process for producing the optical Nahfeldkopfs for a mass production becomes easy.
Further is the fourth method of fabricating the near-field optical head according to the present Invention a method which is characterized in that the Process for forming a groove or an extension for fastening the optical components in the method of forming the mirror is included.
Therefore the mirror can be positioned to facilitate its mounting, and the near-field optical head can be provided capable of generating near-field light of high intensity with stability is.
Further is the fifth A method of manufacturing the near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention a method which is characterized in that the Process a process for grinding the tip of the optical fiber parallel to the optical axis of the optical fiber to the To sharpen the tip of the optical fiber.
Therefore it is easy to arrange the tip of the optical fiber near the mirror, such that a near-field optical head is provided, which is a near-field light greater intensity generated.
Further is the sixth method of fabricating the near-field optical head according to the present Invention a method which is characterized in that the Process a process for diagonal machining of Tip of the optical fiber for forming a reflection coating on the diagonally machined surface.
Therefore can the mirror and the light propagating medium are formed integrally and their manufacturing process can be simplified while the Number of components can be reduced, making a cheaper one near-field optical head with uniform power and less faulty components can be provided.
Further is the seventh method of fabricating the near-field optical head according to the present Invention a method which is characterized in that the Process a process for machining the top of the contains optical fiber in a lens shape to that of the optical Focusing fiber on the tiny structure emitted light.
Therefore becomes the spot diameter of the light coming from the optical fiber emitted to the tiny structure is reduced, so that a near field optical head, the near field light of high intensity of the tiny structure generated, can be provided.
1 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
2 Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a slider part and a mirror part of the near-field optical head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
3 Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a method of manufacturing the mirror portion of the near-field optical head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
4 Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a method of manufacturing the slider part of the near-field optical head according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
5 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
6 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
7 FIG. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
8th Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
9 FIG. 15 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
10 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field head according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
11 Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a part of a method of manufacturing the mirror portion of the near-field optical head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
12 FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a slider part of the near-field optical head according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
13 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a slider part of the near-field optical head according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
14 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a slider part of the near-field optical head according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
15 Fig. 10 is a construction view of an apparatus showing the optical recording and reproducing apparatus using the near-field optical head.
16 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field optical head according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
17 FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a slider part and a mirror part of the near-field optical head according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
18 FIG. 15 is a constructional view showing a method of manufacturing the mirror portion and the optical waveguide of the near-field optical head according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
19 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field optical head according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
20 Fig. 10 is a construction view showing a near-field optical head according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
Of the near-field optical head and the method for its production according to the present invention Invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings explained.
1 is a construction view showing a near-field optical head 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1a is a cross-sectional view of the near-field optical head 1000 and 1b FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the near-field optical head. FIG 1000 along the line AA 'in 1a , The near field optical head 1000 includes a slider part 1001 , a mirror part 1002 and an optical fiber 1803 whose tip is partially ground parallel to the optical axis. 2a and 2 B are perspective views, each the slider part 1001 and the mirror part 1002 show, with the reflective coating is removed.
In the slider part 1001 is a hole 1005 formed in reverse conical shape and in its top is a tiny aperture 1006 formed as a tiny structure. The reflection coating 1004 is on the surface of the hole 1005 formed to the light that enters the hole 1005 falls, effectively on the tiny structure 1006 to concentrate. In addition, the slider part 1001 with a V-shaped groove 1007 provided with a width W1, and a plane is formed in the bottom part of the V-shaped groove.
On the other hand, the mirror part 1002 with a U-shaped extension 1008 formed with a width W2. The extension 1008 is with a reflective coating 1009 provided as a mirror 1010 serves. By inserting the U-shaped extension of the mirror part 1002 in the V-shaped groove 1007 of the slider part 1001 become the slider part 1001 and the mirror part 1002 connected to form a structure for shortening the optical path. By adjusting the width W1 of the V-shaped groove 1007 of the slider part 1001 and the width W2 of the U-shaped extension 1008 of the mirror part 1002 and by connecting the surface indicated by an arrow a in the V-shaped groove of the slider part 1001 is shown, and the surface by an arrow b in the U-shaped extension of the mirror part 1002 is shown, the position of the mirror 1010 be easily determined. Therefore, the width W1, W2 and the dimensions of the extension become 1008 defined so that the near field light, that of the tiny aperture 1006 is broadcast, maximized. The optical fiber 1803 is designed so that its tip is parallel to the optical axis up to the vicinity of the core 1011 the optical fiber 1803 is ground.
The optical fiber 1803 is inserted into the space through the V-shaped groove 1007 of the slider part 1001 and the inner surface of the U-shaped extension 1008 of the mirror part 1002 is defined. The optical fiber 1803 is in the V-shaped groove 1007 of the slider part 1001 attached. The light passing through the optical fiber 1803 propagates and from the top of the optical fiber 1803 is broadcast in its propagation direction through the mirror 1010 to the tiny aperture 1006 distracted. The optical fiber 1803 with a ground point, the light emission edge of the optical fiber 1803 closer to the mirror 1010 arrange as the optical fiber without ground point. In addition, the distance between the optical fiber 1803 and the tiny aperture 1006 also be reduced because the V-shaped groove 1007 near the tiny aperture 1006 is formed.
In terms of the slider part 1001 the thickness T1 is 200 to 500 μm, the length L1 is 1 to 5 mm and the width W3 is 1 to 5 mm. In addition, at the V-shaped groove 1007 the width W1 is 150 to 500 μm, the length L2 is 500 to 4000 μm, and the depth D1 is 100 to 400 μm. The size of the tiny aperture 1006 is 50 to 300 nm. The thickness of the reflection coating 1004 is 100 to 300 nm.
In terms of the mirror part 1002 the thickness T2 is 200 to 1000 μm, the length L2 is 1 to 5 mm and the width W4 is 1 to 5 mm. In terms of the extension 1008 the width W2 is 100 to 450 μm, the length L3 is 500 to 4000 μm and the height H1 is 100 to 400 μm. In addition, the thickness of the reflection coating is 1009 50 to 300 nm.
The diameter D2 of the optical fiber 1803 is 125 μm. The depression depth D2 of the tip of the optical fiber is 50 to 60 μm, and the length L4 of the recessed part is 500 to 5000 μm.
The material of the slider part 1001 and the mirror part 1002 is a dielectric, such as silicon or quartz, or a metal, such as stainless steel or copper. The material of the reflection coating 1004 and 1009 is a metal with high reflection factor, such as aluminum or gold, or a dielectric multilayer.
As described above, according to the near-field optical head 1000 according to the first embodiment, since the tip of the optical fiber 1803 is ground and thus the tip of the optical fiber 1803 next to the mirror 1010 can be arranged, the distance between the light emission edge of the optical fiber 1803 and the tiny aperture 1006 be shortened, and the spot diameter of the light at the tiny aperture 1006 can be reduced, can be reduced. Therefore, the intensity of the near field light, that of the tiny aperture 1006 is broadcast. Because the optical head 1000 Constructed in one plane, its miniaturization also becomes easy. Therefore, the mass of the optical head 1000 can be reduced, so that its positioning accuracy can be increased and at the same time the resonance frequency of the head positioning mechanism including the optical head can be raised, so that the positioning speed is improved. Additionally, with the help of determining the dimensions of the V-shaped groove 1007 and the U-shaped extension in such a way that the intensity of the near-field light, that of the tiny aperture 1006 is broadcast, maximized, the positioning of the mirror 1010 simplified and the adjustment of the optical axis becomes easy.
The following is a description of the method of manufacturing the near-field optical head 1000 with reference to 3 and 4 , 3 is a drawing showing the process of making the mirror part 1002 shows.
A substrate 100 , like silicon, quartz or stainless steel, is in 3a shown. A mask 101 such as an oxide film or nitride film, is deposited on the substrate 100 educated. Incidentally, the upper side of the substrate in the drawing will hereinafter be referred to as the front side, and the lower side will be referred to as the rear side.
3b shows a patterning process on the front side of the substrate 100 , wherein a state is shown that the mask 101 already provided with a pattern. The mask 101 on the substrate 100 is provided with a U-shaped pattern by means of a photolithography process.
3c shows a process for forming the U-shaped extension, wherein a state is shown that the U-shaped extension is already formed. If the substrate 100 of silicon, the U-shaped extension is formed by etching the substrate by anisotropic etching with potassium hydroxide (KOH) or tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
3d shows a process for building the reflection coating 102 , wherein a state is shown that the reflection coating 102 already built up. After the formation of the U-shaped extension, the mask becomes 101 removed by etching. Thereafter, the reflection coating 102 on the substrate 100 formed by sputtering or a vacuum deposition or the like.
3e shows the process for forming the configuration of the mirror part 1002 , wherein a state is shown that the mirror part 1002 already finished. Once the reflective coating 102 is built, the mirror part 1002 processed by a method such as dicing or dicing so that it has a desired outer dimension.
4 shows a drawing illustrating a method of manufacturing the slider part 1001 represents.
4a shows a substrate 103 like silicon, quartz or stainless steel. A mask 104 such as an oxide film or nitride film is on the substrate 103 educated.
4b shows a process for patterning on the mask 104 on the substrate 103 to form a tiny aperture therein, with an Zu is shown that the patterning on the mask 104 already done. The pattern formation on the mask 104 on the substrate 103 is performed by a photolithography process.
4c Fig. 10 shows a process of forming a minute aperture, showing a state that the minute aperture is already formed. If the substrate 103 is made of silicon, the minute aperture is formed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) or tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH).
4d shows a process of forming a mask 105 for forming a V-shaped groove, wherein a state is shown that the patterning on the mask 105 already done. After the formation of the tiny aperture becomes the mask 104 on the substrate 103 removed, and the mask 105 is constructed by a gas phase synthesis method or spin coating or the like. The material of the mask 105 is an oxide film or nitrile film. Then the mask becomes 105 patterning with a mask geometry by a photolithography process, so that the V-shaped groove is formed.
4e Fig. 10 shows a process of forming a V-shaped groove, showing a state that the V-shaped groove is already formed. If the substrate 103 is made of silicon, the V-shaped groove is formed by anisotropic etching by KOH or TMAH.
4f FIG. 12 shows a process for building a reflection coating, showing a state that the reflection coating. FIG 106 already built up. After the formation of the V-shaped groove, the mask 105 and the mask 104 at the back of the substrate 103 removed by wet etching or dry etching. Thereafter, a metal having a high reflection factor and shading factor, such as aluminum or gold, is sputtered or vacuum deposited onto the substrate 104 applied. Then, using the simultaneous construction of the reflection coating 106 on the circumference of the tiny aperture, the size of the reflective coating 106 customized.
4g shows a configuration process of the contour of a slider part 1001 , wherein a state is shown that the slide part is already completed. Once the reflective coating 106 is constructed, the slider part 1001 to a desired outer dimension by a method such as dicing or dicing.
An optical fiber 1803 that has a ground tip, becomes on the slider part 1001 , which has been produced by the process described above, fixed by means of adhesive or solid phase bonding, etc. and then becomes the extension of the mirror part 1002 in the V-shaped groove in the slider part 1001 used to be fixed there by means of adhesive or solid phase bonding, etc., whereby the near-field optical head 1000 is completed.
According to the method described above, the near-field optical head 1000 which is shown in the first embodiment of the present invention, easily and in large quantities. Because the mirror 1010 easily by inserting the U-shaped extension of the mirror part 1002 in the V-shaped groove 1007 of the slider part 1001 In addition, the assembly is simple and it can be a near field optical head 1000 which can stably generate a near-field light of high intensity.
15 Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a short installation architecture of an optical recording and reproducing apparatus.
With reference to the above-mentioned near-field optical head 1000 that's on a recording medium 504 is arranged, the recording and reproducing method of the information is explained by means of near-field light emitted from the minute aperture.
The near field optical head 1000 floats through the interaction between the airflow on the recording medium 504 generated by a drive motor for the recording medium 505 is rotated, and the slider part 1001 in the position with 10 to 100 nm distance above the recording medium 504 , Therefore, the position of the tiny aperture 1006 that in the slider 1001 is formed, also in their position of the recording medium 504 10 to 100 nm apart. The light coming from the semiconductor laser 502 is broadcast through the lens 503 condensed and into the near-field optical head 1000 directed. The light that enters the near-field optical head 1000 is directed, as near field light from the tiny aperture 1006 on the recording medium 504 broadcast. The recording medium 504 For example, a phase change recording medium which is brought into an amorphous state or a crystalline state by heat application and by which recording or reproduction can be made by utilizing the difference in the reflection factor or the transmittance factor. In this case, for example, the information is recorded on the recording medium by means of radiating a near-field light generated from the minute aperture, so that the region irradiated with near-field light is changed from the crystalline state to the amorphous state. Because the distance between the tiny aperture 1006 and the recording medium 504 10 to 100 nm, the size of the near-field light is that of the minute aperture 1006 is irradiated on the recording medium, substantially the same as the minute aperture, for example, has a diameter of 100 nm. Therefore, according to the optical head 1000 who in 1 is shown, a high-density recording easily be carried out.
On the other hand, for example, information is reproduced as explained below. First, the control circuit initiates 506 of the optical head 1000 a signal to the servo drive circuit 508 to move the minute aperture to the desired information recording position. The servomotor 509 that receives the signal from the servo drive circuit 508 received, moves the optical head 1000 as a whole through the hanger 501 to the tiny aperture 1006 to move to the information recording position. Then, near-field light is irradiated from the minute aperture to the recording pit while the propagating light passing through the recording medium 504 to the photodetector 507 of the condenser lens system 510 is concentrated, whereby the information signal is provided. The provided information signal becomes the control circuit 506 where the shift between the minute aperture and the recording pit is detected, for example by comparing the signal strength. If a shift between the position of the tiny aperture 1006 and the recording pit has occurred, a signal for modifying the shift from the control circuit 506 to the servo circuit 508 passed, and the servo circuit 508 drives the servomotor 509 at. On the other hand, the propagation light passing through the recording medium becomes 103 is concentrated on the photodetector as a signal containing, for example, a difference in transmittance factor between the amorphous state and the crystal state of the recording medium. This information on the difference of the transmission factor is detected as an information signal. The obtained information signal is converted into a reproduction signal by a signal processing circuit not shown in the drawings.
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the optical head floats 1000 that by the hanger 501 is pushed further in the vicinity of the recording medium 504 with the help of the optimally designed slider 1001 , the tiny aperture 1006 contains, and the near-field light with a small spot diameter can from the tiny aperture 1006 be blasted onto the recording medium, so that an optical head 1000 which is capable of high density recording and playback.
In addition, the optical head has 1000 of the present invention in which a mirror is provided on a thin substrate by forming an appendix at the location where thereafter a thin reflective coating is built up. Therefore, the optical head 1000 be moved quickly and accurately, so that an optical head capable of high-sampling scanning can be provided.
In addition, it goes without saying that the information recorded on the recording medium differs from the reflected light by the formation of a photodetector on the surface of the slider of the optical head 1000 or extracted by means of the arrangement of a photodetector on the recording medium. Further, in the case of detecting the recorded information by using light reflected from the recording medium, by arranging an optical head and a photodetector on both sides of the recording medium, the recording density per recording medium can be increased.
The optical head shown in the following embodiment can be used without exception in the construction disclosed in U.S. Pat 15 is shown.
5 is a construction view illustrating the near-field optical head 2000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the near-field optical head 2000 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference lies in the geometry of the mirror 2002 , The mirror 2002 consists of a concave mirror. The light coming from the optical fiber 2803 through the mirror 2002 is broadcast, becomes in its direction of propagation to the tiny aperture 2006 distracted and at the same time on the tiny aperture 2006 concentrated. Therefore, according to the near-field optical head 2000 the near field light coming from the tiny aperture 2006 is emitted, a greater intensity than that of the near-field optical head, which is shown in the first embodiment.
6 is a construction view illustrating the near-field optical head 3000 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the near-field optical head 3000 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference lies in that the tip of the optical fiber 3803 of the present invention is machined to a spherical shape.
Therefore, the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber propagates while on the tiny aperture 3006 concentrated. Therefore, according to the near-field optical head 3000 the near field light coming from the tiny aperture 3006 is generated, a greater intensity than that of the near-field optical head, which is shown in the first embodiment.
7 is a construction view illustrating the near-field optical head 4000 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the near-field optical head 4000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head 1000 the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference is that the optical fiber 4803 at the mirror part 4002 is attached.
The thickness T1 of the slider part 4001 is 10 to 50 microns. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, when the thickness T1 of the slider part 1001 for example, is quite small, the problem is that the slider part 1001 by the strain occurring in the period of the bonding or bonding process of the optical fiber 1803 to or with the slider part 1001 is generated, could be deformed. By using the structure of the near-field optical head 4000 According to the present embodiment, however, even if the slider part 4001 thin, the light in the tiny aperture 4006 be blasted stable without deformation. In addition, if the slider part 4001 is made thin, the spatial propagation distance of the light generated by the optical fiber is shortened, so that the near-field optical head 4000 In the present embodiment, a greater intensity than the near-field optical head 4001 has, which is shown in the fourth embodiment. In addition, it goes without saying that by combining the first embodiment with the second or third embodiment, the intensity of the near-field light is increased to a greater extent.
9 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 5000 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The near field optical head 5000 consists of a slide part 5001 and a mirror part 5002 , In the slider part 5001 is a hole 5005 formed in inverted conical shape, the top of which is a tiny aperture 5006 is. A reflection coating 5004 to effectively condensate the light that enters the hole 5005 in the tiny aperture 5006 falls is on the surface of the hole 5005 educated. In addition, there is a V-shaped groove 5007 in the slider part 5001 formed and formed in the bottom of the V-shaped groove is a plane on which a waveguide 5903 is provided. The mirror part 5002 has a U-shaped groove 5008 like the mirror part 1002 of the first embodiment according to the present invention, a V-shaped groove 5060 for attaching the optical fiber, which transmits the light into the waveguide 5903 casts, and a groove 5050 for easier placement of the optical fiber near the waveguide 5903 , Incidentally, optical components, such as a semiconductor laser or a prism, may be used as alternative means for transmitting the light into the waveguide 5903 to throw. In this case, the V-shaped groove has 5007 a suitable construction for attachment of each optical component.
The dimensions of the slider part 5001 and the outer dimensions of the mirror part 5002 are about the same as those of the slider part 1001 and the mirror part 1002 the first embodiment. The waveguide 5903 is 500 to 4000 μm long, 4 to 10 μm thick and 10 to 200 μm wide. The material of each component of the near-field optical head 5000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head 1000 the first embodiment. The material of the waveguide 5903 is a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or polyimide. The waveguide 5903 may be either a two-layered structure composed of a coating layer and a core layer, or a three-layered construction in which the core layer is interposed between the coating layer or a construction in which all peripheries of the core layer are covered with a coating layer. The V-shaped groove 5060 is 5 to 50 mm long.
According to the above-mentioned near-field optical head 5000 , the optical path of the light emitted by a waveguide is shortened as the light becomes the mirror 5010 with the help of a waveguide 5903 which is formed near the tiny aperture. Hence, the intensity of the near field light is that of the tiny aperture 5006 is generated increases. Because the near-field optical head 5000 In addition, as a head having an integrated composition of minute optical components such as prism, lens or semiconductor laser, the overall construction of the device becomes compact. With the aid of the combination of the present embodiment with the second embodiment, it goes without saying that the intensity of the near-field light, that of the minute aperture 5006 is increased to a greater extent.
The process for producing the optical near field light head 5000 is described below. The method of making the slider part 5001 is almost the same as that for the slider part 1001 of the near-field optical head 1000 the first embodiment. The difference is that a process of forming a waveguide 5903 on the slide part 5001 after the process in 4f is shown remains. The method of making the waveguide 5903 is as follows. First, a silicon dioxide or a polyimide is built by means of a gas phase synthesis method or a spin coating. Then, a mask for patterning the waveguide 5903 formed and then the pattern of the waveguide 5903 formed by dry etching, such as reactive ion etching or plasma etching.
After that, the method for producing the mirror part 5002 almost the same as that of the mirror part 1002 the first embodiment. The difference is that there is a process of forming the V-shaped groove that is in 11 is shown, after the process, in 3c is shown executed.
11a shows a process for forming the V-shaped groove 5060 wherein a state is shown that the V-shaped groove is already formed. After the process, in 3c is shown, the mask is 101 removed to form the U-shaped extension. Then the material for the mask 160 for forming the V-shaped groove 5060 on the substrate 100 by a method such as CVD, spin coating or sputtering. The material for the mask 160 For example, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, amorphous silicon, titanium, chromium, etc. Once the material for the mask 160 is built, the mask becomes 160 formed by means of a photolithography. The V-shaped groove is formed by a process such as wet etching by KOH or TMAH, active ion etching or the like.
11b shows the process of forming a pit 5050 to facilitate the placement of the fiber or optical components near the waveguide, showing a condition that the recess 5050 already formed. Once the V-shaped groove is formed, the mask becomes 160 removed, and the material for the mask 161 to form a depression is applied to the substrate 100 applied by sputtering, vacuum deposition or spin coating. The material for the mask 161 For example, a metal such as aluminum, titanium, or a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or a photoresist. Once the material for the mask 161 is built, the mask becomes 161 formed by photolithography. Then, the recess is formed by dry etching such as reactive ion etching or plasma etching, or wet etching using a liquid mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid.
11c shows a process for forming the reflection coating 102 so that it is a U-shaped extension, wherein a state is shown that the reflection coating 102 already applied. After the formation of the well, the mask becomes 161 removed and the material for the reflective coating 102 will be on the substrate 100 by means of a method such as sputtering, vacuum deposition or plating. The material for the reflection coating 102 For example, aluminum or chromium with gold applied thereto, or titanium. Once the material for the reflective coating 102 is constructed, the reflection coating 102 patterned by photolithography. The patterning of the reflection coating 102 however, may be omitted if the size of the V-shaped groove taking into account the thickness of the reflective coating 102 was determined.
11d shows a configuration process of the mirror part 5002 , wherein a state is shown that the mirror part 5002 already cut out. After the patterning of the reflective coating 102 was performed, the contour of the mirror part 5002 formed by dicing or dicing or anisotropic etching by KOH or TMAH.
8th is a construction view of a near-field optical head 6000 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The near field optical head 6000 consists of a slide part 6001 and a mirror part 6002 , The slider part 6001 has the same construction as the slider part 2001 the second embodiment of the present invention. The mirror part 6002 has in its U-shaped extension like the mirror part 2002 the second embodiment of the present invention, a waveguide 6003 , a V-shaped groove 6060 for attaching the optical fiber to the light in the waveguide 6003 to throw, and a groove 6050 arranging the optical fiber near the waveguide 6003 to facilitate. Incidentally, the optical components, such as a semiconductor laser or a prism, can be used as a means to transmit light into the waveguide 6003 to throw. In this case, the V-shaped groove has 6060 a suitable construction for attachment of each optical component.
Dimensions of the slider part 6001 are almost the same as the slider part 2001 the second embodiment. The configuration of the mirror part 6002 has a length of 1 to 5 mm, a width of 1 to 60 mm and a thickness of 200 up to 500 mm. The waveguide 6003 has a length of 500 .mu.m to 50 mm, a thickness of 4 to 10 .mu.m, and a width of 10 to 200 .mu.m. The material of each component of the near-field optical head 6000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head 1000 the first embodiment. The material of the waveguide 6003 is a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or polyimide. The waveguide 6003 may be either a two-layered structure composed of a coating layer and a core layer, or a three-layered construction in which the core layer is interposed between the coating layer or a construction in which all peripheries of the core layer are covered with a coating layer. The V-shaped groove 6060 is 5 to 50 mm long.
According to the above-mentioned near-field optical head 6000 , will, as the waveguide 6003 and the means for directing the light into the waveguide 6003 integral part of the mirror 6002 are formed, the alignment of the optical components easier than in the near-field optical head 5000 , which is shown in the fifth embodiment, and each element has a smaller displacement. Therefore, the optical head of the present embodiment can generate near-field light of more stable intensity than that produced by the fifth embodiment. Since the heavy optical components, such as the optical head or semiconductor laser, by increasing the length of the waveguide 6003 In addition, at a position away from the minute aperture, the positioning accuracy and the positioning speed can be improved.
Furthermore, with the help of the construction of the mirror part 6002 as a hanging arm, the head and the hanging arm are integrally formed, so that the manufacturing cost is reduced, whereby the provision of a cheap recording and playback head and a cheap suspension is possible.
The method of manufacturing the near-field optical head 6000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head according to the fifth embodiment. The difference is that there is a process of forming the waveguide 6003 before the process is carried out in 11a is shown. The method of making the waveguide 6003 is as follows. First, a silicon dioxide or polyimide is constructed by a gas phase synthesis method or spin coating. Subsequently, the mask is used to pattern the waveguide 6003 formed and then the pattern of the waveguide 6003 by dry etching, such as reactive ion etching or plasma etching.
10 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 7000 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The construction of the near-field optical head 7000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head shown in the sixth embodiment. The difference is that the light incident edge on the mirror part 7002 is attached while the light emitting edge on the slider part 7001 is attached, and that a hole 7070 for pushing the waveguide 7903 at the mirror part 7002 is formed.
Any size of near-field optical head 7000 is approximately the same as in the sixth embodiment. The size D70 of the hole 7070 is 1 to 4 mm. The waveguide 7903 may be a two-layered structure consisting of a coating layer and a core layer, or a three-layered construction in which the core layer is sandwiched between the coating layer or a construction in which all peripheries of the core layer are covered with a coating layer.
Since according to the above-mentioned near-field optical head 7000 the light emission edge of the waveguide 7903 on the slider part 7001 is fixed, the distance between the light emitting edge of the waveguide 7903 and the tiny aperture 7006 shorter than that of the near-field optical head shown in the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the near-field optical head 7000 According to the present embodiment, the near-field light is generated with greater intensity than that generated by the near-field optical head of the sixth embodiment.
The method of manufacturing the near-field optical head 7000 is almost the same as that of the near-field optical head 6000 which is shown in the sixth embodiment. The difference is that a process of forming a hole 7070 for sliding the waveguide after the process of forming the waveguide 7903 is carried out. The hole 7070 is explained as explained below. First, a mask for providing a hole 7070 on the substrate 100 on a side opposite to the side provided with the U-shaped extension, according to the process described in U.S. Pat 11c is formed. After that, the hole becomes 7070 formed by anisotropic etching such as TMAH or KOH.
13 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 8000 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. additionally is 12 a perspective view of the slider part 8001 of the near-field optical head 8000 , The construction of the near-field optical head 8000 is almost the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention. The difference is that they have a mirror alignment edge 8080 having. Because the position of the mirror part along the direction of the V-shaped groove, which in the slider part 8001 is formed, with the help of the mirror alignment edge 8080 can be finely adjusted, a near-field optical head capable of generating near-field light of greater intensity is provided.
14 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 9000 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The near field optical head 9000 consists of a slide part 9001 and an optical fiber 9803 which is equipped with a mirror, and a mirror 9090 , The slider part 9001 is almost the same as the mirror part 9001 the first embodiment. The construction of the optical fiber 9803 that is equipped with the mirror is approximately the same as that of the optical fiber 1003 , which is shown in the first embodiment. The difference is that the tip of the optical fiber is ground and the mirror 9090 is formed on the bottom surface. According to the near-field optical head 9000 In the above structure, the assembly becomes easier not only because of the effects described in the first embodiment, but also because the number of components is smaller than that of the first embodiment.
16 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 10000 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. 16b is a cross-sectional view of the near-field optical head 10000 and 16b is a cross-sectional view of the near-field optical head 10000 at a position indicated by a line AA 'in 16a is shown. The near field optical head 10000 includes a slider part 10001 , a mirror part 100002 and an optical fiber 10903 , In the slider part 10001 is a hole 10005 formed in reverse conical shape, the top of which is a tiny aperture 10006 is. A reflection coating 10004 is on the surface of the hole 10005 educated. On the other hand, the mirror part 10002 formed with a downward step whose inclination is a mirror 10010 is. The optical fiber 10903 has the shape of a rectangular bar and a core 10011 for propagating light is at the side of the slider part 10001 arranged in Maldistribution.
The light 1 that in the optical fiber 10903 is thrown, planted by the optical fiber 10903 and continues from the end face of the side of the mirror 10010 broadcast. The emitted light is from the mirror 10010 reflected back and enters the hole 10005 and is reflected by the reflective coating 10004 effectively in the tiny aperture 10006 condensed. Because the core 10011 of the optical fiber 10903 Therefore, the length of the optical path from the emitting edge of the optical waveguide can be arranged on the side of the slide in Maldistribution 10903 to the tiny aperture 10006 be shortened.
With respect to the method of manufacturing the near-field optical head of the present invention, the mirror 10010 and the light emitting edge of the optical waveguide 10903 by grinding with the cone-shaped blade 600 , as in 18 shown, formed after the optical waveguide 10903 on the lower side (down-step side) of the mirror part 10002 was produced. Then he will with the slider part 10001 connected or bound to these. Incidentally, it may also be possible, the optical fiber 10903 with the mirror part 10002 to connect or bond to it to perform a similar grinding operation after the optical fiber 10903 was made separately.
Further, the near-field optical head has 10000 According to the present embodiment, the following advantages compared to the construction with a ground optical fiber such as the near-field optical head 1000 the above first embodiment. Since in each near-field optical head of the present invention, the minute aperture must be located near the recording medium, the side of the recording medium of the structural member (such as the slider member) having a minute aperture must be located closer to the recording medium than the recording medium side of the light to be connected. Therefore, if the head by grinding the optical head, such as the above-mentioned near-field optical head 1000 is provided, the slider part has a structure of greater thickness than the coating on the recording medium side of the light propagating medium. As in 17 2, in the slider part having a narrow structure, the part 2 (the light propagating medium and the recording medium) is troublesome 10504 ) represented by the dotted line, physically. However, the distance between the recording medium and the minute aperture, as well as the distance between the light emitting edge of the light propagating medium and the minute aperture, must be made as small as possible to provide near-field light with a greater intensity. Therefore, if the optical Nah field head 10000 Having a core, which is arranged with a Maldistribution on the slider part, namely on the recording medium side, the thickness of the coating and also the thickness of the slider part can be made small. Therefore, the minute aperture and the recording medium can be arranged close to each other, and at the same time, a construction is provided in which the length of the optical path between the light emitting edge of the waveguide and the minute aperture can be shortened to a greater extent.
Regarding the material of the slider part 10001 For example, a dielectric such as silicon or quartz, or a metal such as stainless steel or copper, particularly a high reflectivity material having a grinding ability, is desirable. The material of the reflection coating 10004 is a metal with high reflectivity, such as aluminum or gold, or a dielectric multilayer film. In terms of the material of the optical waveguide 10903 For example, formation with polymeric materials represented by silica (glass) or UH-curing resin is possible. Consequently, with respect to the optical fiber 10903 the optimum materials are selected according to the propagation characteristics and the intensity of the light or the method of manufacturing the optical head.
In addition is 19 a construction view of the Nahfeld optical head 10000 which is carried by a hanging arm. Here is the fiber optic cable 10903 also as a part of the hanging arm for holding the slider part 10001 and the mirror part 10002 (not shown). Incidentally, the entire hanging arm may consist of an optical waveguide.
As described above, according to the near-field optical head 1000 the tenth embodiment, the core of the optical waveguide 10903 arranged in Maldistribution, the distance between the light emission edge of the optical waveguide 10903 and the tiny aperture 10006 shortened, so that the spot diameter of the emission light at the tiny aperture 10006 is reduced. Therefore, the intensity of the near field light, that of the tiny aperture 10006 is broadcast. Further, since the construction is such that the optical fiber 10903 and the recording medium do not physically interfere with each other, the length of the optical path between the light emitting edge and the minute aperture can be shortened to a greater extent. In addition, by adding a function of a hanger to the optical fiber 10903 the near-field optical head can be made easier.
20 Fig. 10 is a construction view of the near-field optical head 11000 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The near field optical head 11000 includes a mirror part 11002 , an optical fiber with a core 11903 , which is arranged in Maldistribution, and a shading film 11012 standing on the surface of the fiber optic cable 10903 is applied. A tiny aperture 11006 is on the shading film 11012 provided. The light 1 that is in the optical fiber with the core 11903 thrown in maldistribution, propagates along the curvature of the core part 11011 in the optical fiber with a core in Maldistribution 11903 continued. Because the light 1 directly into the tiny aperture 11006 is initiated, a near-field light can be generated with a large intensity. Incidentally, by decreasing the curvature radius of the core part 11011 Also possible is a construction in which the light just moving, that of the core part 11011 is distracted by the mirror 11010 reflected back to the mirror part 11002 is formed to enter the tiny aperture 11006 to be thrown.
In addition, for the light that is in the near-field optical head 11000 of the embodiment according to the present invention, an optical fiber or an optical fiber 700 with a core in Maldistribution effectively. This optical fiber or the optical fiber 700 has a core 701 in Maldistribution on the recording medium page. This is because of the reason mentioned in the above-described tenth embodiment, namely, that the physical interference between the recording medium and the optical waveguide or the optical fiber 700 can be avoided, and that the length of the optical path to the tiny aperture due to the Maldistribution of the core part of the optical waveguide with the core in Maldistribution 11903 can be shortened on the recording medium side.
With respect to the manufacturing method, the same process as in the above-mentioned first embodiment, which is shown in FIG 3 is shown executed. An optical fiber 11903 is provided by laminating three or more layers of silicon oxide or the like in the groove. The upper side (the recording medium side, namely, the side to be formed with the minute aperture) of the optical waveguide is ground to a flat plane onto which a shading film is ground 11012 geschich tet, and at least the tiny aperture 11006 is formed by FIB, etc. By the way, the position differs to the formation of the minute aperture 10006 depending on whether the light is along the core part 11011 of the optical fiber moves or just distracted moves from the core.
According to this structure is the tiny aperture 11006 directly on the surface of the optical fiber 11903 provided so that the distance between the incident light and the tiny aperture 11006 can be shortened further. Therefore, it becomes possible to stably generate the near-field light of high intensity.
As previously described, in the first near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention arranged the mirror position near the tiny structure and also the position of the light emitting edge of the light propagating medium with the help of the structure for shortening closer to the optical path arranged at the tiny structure, leaving the length between the light emission edge of the light propagation medium and the shortened tiny structure and the spot diameter of the light coming from the light propagating medium is emitted at the location of the tiny structure is reduced can become what causes that the intensity of near-field light emitted by the tiny structure, gets big. Therefore, a near-field optical head used for recording and playback high density is able to be provided.
Further becomes according to the second near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the first near-field optical head recording and high-density reproduction possible, because the spot diameter of the near-field light on the playback medium to approximate the same size as the tiny aperture can be reduced.
Further can according to the third near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the first and second near-field optical heads near-field optical head for generating near-field light with stable Intensity provided as the above-mentioned light propagation medium easily permeates the provision of the light propagating medium is fixed in the groove can.
Further can according to the fourth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the first to third near-field optical heads stable optical system and the intensity of the near field light, which is generated by the tiny structure to be stabilized.
Further becomes according to the fifth near-field optical head according to the present Invention in addition to the effects of the first to third near-field optical head the Adjusting the optical axis simplifies, as the mirror and the light propagation medium, both components of the optical Head are in one piece can be provided so that the adjustment of the optical axis becomes unnecessary. Further, a cheaper one be provided near field optical head, since the number of components is reduced, so that the unit costs of the head are lowered.
Further becomes according to the sixth or seventh near-field optical head according to the present invention additionally to the effects of the first to fifth near-field optical head, the intensity of near-field light emitted by the tiny structure is emitted, as the energy density of the Nahfeldkopfs on the tiny structure can be increased.
Further will according to the eighth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the fourth, the sixth and the seventh optical Nahfeldkopfs the optimal setting to maximize the intensity of the near field light, which is emitted by the tiny structure, easily.
Further becomes according to the ninth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention the intensity of near-field light generated by the tiny structure increases because, additionally to the fourth and sixth to eighth effects of the near-field optical head, the light is effectively thrown onto the light propagating medium.
Further can according to the tenth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the first to ninth near field optical head the intensity of near-field light emitted by the tiny structure, be stabilized because the position of the light propagation medium by means of attachment or formation of light propagation medium can be adjusted on the slider.
Further can according to the eleventh near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition to the effects of the fourth to ninth near field optical head the Position of the light propagation medium can be stabilized, even when a slider of small thickness is used. Furthermore, the intensity of the near-field light generated by the minute structure increases because of the Distance between the light propagation medium and the tiny Structure can be shortened using the slider of small thickness can.
Further, according to the twelfth near-field optical head according to the present invention, in addition to the effects of the sixth to ninth near-field optical head, the intensity of the near field Since the positioning accuracy of the light incident edge of the light propagating medium and the groove or projection for fixing the optical components to throw the light into the light propagating medium is satisfactory, and the light emitting edge of the light source Light propagation medium can be arranged near the tiny structure.
Further can according to the thirteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition on the effects of the first to twelfth near-field optical heads the dot diameter of the light coming from the light emitting edge the optical fiber is emitted in the tiny structure, be reduced because the light emitting edge of the optical Fiber closer can be arranged at the mirror. Therefore, the intensity of the near-field light, which is generated by the tiny structure can be increased.
Further can according to the fourteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention in addition on the effects of the first to twelfth near-field optical heads the mass of the near-field optical head by using a thin film waveguide, the thinner and lighter than the optical fiber, as a light propagation medium be reduced. Therefore, it is easy, the positioning accuracy and the positioning speed of the near-field optical head to improve. additionally is due to the use of the thin film waveguide as light propagation medium, the thickness of the near field optical head slightly reduced and the construction of the device is in one higher Dimensionally compact designed.
Further it will be according to the first to seventh methods of manufacturing the near-field optical head according to the present Invention possible, the near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention easily and in large To produce quantities.
Further can according to the fifteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention Invention the light emission edge at the optimum position for the optical state are designed according to the structure the slider changes, because the light emission edge of the light propagation medium each position of the slider can be set. Therefore, can the intensity of the Light that is thrown into the tiny aperture can be increased to a greater extent.
Further it will according to one Sixteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention possible, the intensity of the generated near-field light, since the distance between the light emission edge and the tiny aperture with the help of a Maldistribution of the core part for propagating the light in the Light propagation medium on the recording medium side is shortened. Furthermore, a physical disorder between the light propagating medium and the recording medium due to the structure of the head itself can be avoided, as well the distance between the core part of the light propagation medium and the recording medium shortened is.
Further it will be according to the seventeenth and the eighteenth near-field optical head according to the present invention possible, the intensity of near-field light emitted from the tiny aperture, to increase and to stabilize, since avoiding the connection with the light propagating medium and the stable provision of the light propagation medium becomes possible.
There the number of components is reduced, it is also possible, the Reduce workload during the assembly process and accuracy to improve in assembly, thereby ensuring stable production huge Quantities possible becomes.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ), comprising: a slider ( 1001 ) carried by a load-carrying hanging arm for obtaining a levitation force by means of a relative movement to a recording medium, so that a distance between it and the recording medium arises in accordance with a balance between the load and the levitation force; a tiny structure ( 1006 ) located on the recording medium side of the slider ( 1001 ) is formed; a light propagation medium ( 1803 ) disposed on a side opposite to the recording medium side of the slider, approximately parallel to the hanging arm; a mirror ( 1010 ), which is approximately over the tiny structure ( 1006 ) is arranged to reflect the light emitted by the light propagating medium ( 1803 ), to the tiny structure ( 1006 ) to direct; and a structure for shortening the optical path for shortening the length of the optical path between the light emitting edge of the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) and the tiny structure ( 1006 ), characterized in that the structure for shortening the optical path is a groove ( 1007 ) formed in the vicinity of the minute structure and the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) is arranged in the groove.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 1, where the tiny structure ( 1006 ) is an aperture.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mirror ( 1010 ) is arranged on and integral with a substrate which is above the slide ( 1001 ) is arranged.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mirror ( 1010 ) on the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) is formed.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mirror ( 1010 ) is configured in a concave shape, which is the light emitted by the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) is emitted, condensed.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light propagating medium ( 1803 ) a lens function for condensing light at the tip of the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) having.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 3, 5 or 6, wherein a mirror alignment mechanism on the slider ( 1001 ) and / or the substrate on which the mirror ( 1010 ) is formed, and the mirror alignment mechanism the mirror ( 1010 ) and the tiny structure ( 1006 ) in position.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 3 or 5 to 7, wherein a groove or a projection for fixing optical components for throwing light into the light propagating medium in the substrate is formed.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the light propagating medium ( 1803 ) on the slider ( 1010 ) is attached or formed.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the light propagating medium ( 1803 ) is attached or formed on the same side as the mirror ( 1010 ) is formed.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 3 or 5 to 8, wherein the light incident edge of the light propagation medium ( 1803 ) is attached to the substrate and its light emitting edge on the slider ( 1001 ) is attached.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light propagating medium ( 1803 ) is an optical fiber machined to a narrow shape by grinding its tip parallel to the optical axis.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light propagating medium ( 1803 ) is an optical waveguide.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ), comprising a method for forming a mirror ( 1010 ), a method of forming a slider ( 1001 ) and a mounting process for the mirror ( 1010 ) and the slider ( 1001 ), wherein: the method of forming a mirror ( 1010 ) includes a process of forming an appendage on a substrate, a process of forming a reflection film on the appendage and a process of forming a configuration thereof, and the method of forming a slider (FIG. 1001 ) a process for forming a minute structure ( 1006 ), a process for forming a structure for shortening the optical path, a process for forming a reflection coating, and a process for forming a configuration therefor.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises a process for attaching the optical fiber to the slider ( 1001 ) or the substrate on which the mirror ( 1010 ) is formed.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 14, wherein said method of forming a mirror ( 1010 ) or the method for forming a slider ( 1001 ) includes a process for forming a thin film waveguide.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the method for forming a mirror ( 1010 ) includes a process for forming a groove or an extension for fixing optical components.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the method comprises a process for grinding the tip of the optical fiber ( 1803 ) parallel to the optical axis of the optical fiber ( 1803 ) to sharpen the tip of the optical fiber.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the method comprises a process for diagonally forming the tip of the optical fiber ( 1803 ) and a process for forming a reflection coating on the diagonally shaped surface.
Method for producing a near-field optical head ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 15 to 16 or 18 to 19, the method comprising a process for machining the optical fiber ( 1803 ) in a lens mold to that of the optical fiber on the tiny structure ( 1006 ) Condensed light to condense.
Near field optical head ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the substrate associated with the mirror ( 1010 ) is assembled or mounted, characterized in that the mirror ( 1010 ) a part of the slider ( 1001 ) and that the substrate forms at least part of the hanging arm.
DE60038723T 1999-08-25 2000-08-21 Optical closure head and method for the production thereof Active DE60038723T2 (en)
JP33606299A JP4020233B2 (en) 1999-08-25 1999-11-26 Near-field optical head and manufacturing method thereof
JP33606299 1999-11-26
DE60038723D1 DE60038723D1 (en) 2008-06-12
DE60038723T2 true DE60038723T2 (en) 2009-07-02
DE60038723T Active DE60038723T2 (en) 1999-08-25 2000-08-21 Optical closure head and method for the production thereof
DE (1) DE60038723T2 (en)
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1999-11-26 JP JP33606299A patent/JP4020233B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
2000-08-21 US US09/806,649 patent/US6724718B1/en active Active
2000-08-21 WO PCT/JP2000/005605 patent/WO2001015151A1/en active IP Right Grant
2000-08-21 EP EP00953551A patent/EP1122722B1/en active Active
2000-08-21 DE DE60038723T patent/DE60038723T2/en active Active
JP4020233B2 (en) 2007-12-12
US6724718B1 (en) 2004-04-20
EP1122722A1 (en) 2001-08-08
WO2001015151A1 (en) 2001-03-01
JP2001134971A (en) 2001-05-18
DE60038723D1 (en) 2008-06-12
EP1122722B1 (en) 2008-04-30
EP1122722A4 (en) 2005-02-09
JP3513448B2 (en) 2004-03-31 Optical probe
US20030141444A1 (en) 2003-07-31 Near-field optical probe
US6549346B2 (en) 2003-04-15 Assembled lens, optical head and optical recordable player with them