This disclosure is related to systems, devices, processes, and methods to optimize a laser power boost amplitude, a laser power boost duration, or both in a heat-assisted data recording device, such as in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). The amplitude and duration for the laser power boost may be determined for a specific portion of a write operation, such as a first sector of the write operation. During operation of a data storage device, the laser power boost may provide additional power to the laser for the specific portion. Once the laser power boost duration has elapsed, the data storage device may continue providing power to the laser at the normal power input range of the laser. The laser power boost settings may be determined on a per head per zone basis, per track basis, or another configuration.

An apparatus includes a slider test socket. The slider test socket includes a clamp, which includes a body, a handle having an opening, and a plurality of arms that extend between the body at a first end of the clamp and the handle at a second end of the clamp.

A pad/trace line layout for a PMR writer structure having two or more writers on a slider, and a process for selecting the best of the multiple writers is disclosed. Each writer is individually probed with a spin stand test device to generate performance results including bit error rate (BER), and area density capability (ADC). After the best writer is determined, the slider is integrated in a HGA. Only the best writer is connected through trace lines to a preamp to enable functionality. At least one trace line has a plurality of arms that enable flexibility in connecting the best writer to the preamp while other arms are not connected. In some embodiments, all writers share a common W pad that is connected to the preamp through one of two trace lines while the other trace line has one of the plurality of arms connected to the best writer.

This disclosure is related to systems, devices, processes, and methods to optimize a laser power boost amplitude, a laser power boost duration, or both in a heat-assisted data recording device, such as in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR). The amplitude and duration for the laser power boost may be determined for a specific portion of a write operation, such as a first sector of the write operation. During operation of a data storage device, the laser power boost may provide additional power to the laser for the specific portion. Once the laser power boost duration has elapsed, the data storage device may continue providing power to the laser at the normal power input range of the laser. The laser power boost settings may be determined on a per head per zone basis, per track basis, or another configuration.

An apparatus comprises a spindle to rotate a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic field generator to expose a track of the medium to a DC magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is configured to saturate the track during an erase mode and reverse the DC magnetic field impinging the track during a writing mode. A laser arrangement heats the track during the erase mode and, during the writing mode, heats the track while the track is exposed to the reversed DC magnetic field so as to write a magnetic pattern thereon. A reader reads the magnetic pattern and generates a read signal. A processor is coupled to the reader and configured to determine an anisotropy parameter using the read signal. The apparatus can further comprise a Kerr sensor that generates a Kerr signal using the magnetic pattern.

A unitary cartridge, or module, provides a self-contained, high accuracy, ready-to-use assembly for controlling fine positioning of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) disposed on a head mounting unit mounted on the cartridge, with respect to a spinstand or other device associated with a head tester. In a form, the head-mounting unit and a counterweight element are configured to be moveable relative to the base in opposite directions along a displacement axis in response to actuators in the cartridge, and are operative in concert with a damping assembly configured to interact with the counterweight element and the heads mounting unit to mitigate vibrational movement of the cartridge.

An apparatus includes a slider test socket. The slider test socket includes a clamp, which includes a body, a handle having an opening, and a plurality of arms that extend between the body at a first end of the clamp and the handle at a second end of the clamp.

A method and apparatus are directed to providing relative movement between a slider configured for heat-assisted magnetic recording and a magnetic recording medium, and causing protrusion of a portion of an air bearing surface (ABS) of the slider in response to activating at least a laser source while maintaining spacing between the protrusion and the medium. A magnitude of at least a portion of the protrusion is measured while maintaining spacing between the protrusion and the medium.

A method of testing a dynamic write field of a recording head includes preparing a test magnetic medium and recording a write signal on the test magnetic medium with the write signal being set at a first write parameter and a second write parameter. An average of multiple read-back signals of the recorded write signal are captured to determine an average amplitude of the read-back signals. The recording of the write signal on the test magnetic medium and the capturing of the average of multiple read-back signals of the recorded write signal are repeated to determine the average amplitude of the read-back signals by fixing the first write parameter of the write signal and changing the second write parameter of the write signal until the average amplitude of the read-back signals saturates.

An apparatus comprises a spindle to rotate a magnetic recording medium and a magnetic field generator to expose a track of the medium to a DC magnetic field. The magnetic field generator is configured to saturate the track during an erase mode and reverse the DC magnetic field impinging the track during a writing mode. A laser arrangement heats the track during the erase mode and, during the writing mode, heats the track while the track is exposed to the reversed DC magnetic field so as to write a magnetic pattern thereon. A reader reads the magnetic pattern and generates a read signal. A processor is coupled to the reader and configured to determine an anisotropy parameter using the read signal. The apparatus can further comprise a Kerr sensor that generates a Kerr signal using the magnetic pattern.