Magneto-optical disk drive technology using multiple fiber-coupled flying optical heads. Part I. System design and...

Area of Science:

• Data Storage Technology
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional data storage technologies face limitations in speed and density.
• Advancements in optical recording offer potential for higher storage capacities.
• Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) enable miniaturization of optical components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel flying-optical-head data storage technology.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using micro-optical recording heads for high-bandwidth track following.
• To present the design and performance of a prototype drive utilizing this technology.

Main Methods:

• Development of a micro-optical recording head with a silicon micromachined torsional mirror.
• Integration of multiple heads and disks within a Winchester-style rotating disk drive.
• Utilization of single-mode optical fibers for light delivery and collection.
• Implementation of polarization-maintaining and low-birefringence fiber systems for magneto-optical (MO) recording.
• Design of a fixed optics module with laser diode, MO detection optics, and a fiber bundle switch.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of a micro-optical recording head capable of high-bandwidth track following.
• Demonstration of a functional prototype drive integrating multiple heads and disks.
• Effective use of optical fibers for data transfer to and from the heads.
• Successful application in magneto-optical recording using specialized fiber systems.

Conclusions:

• The novel flying-optical-head data storage technology shows promise for future high-density storage solutions.
• The micro-optical recording head design enables precise and efficient data access.
• The integrated system represents a significant advancement in optical data storage architecture.