A data storage device may include one or more disks, an actuator arm assembly comprising one or more disk heads, at least one laser diode positioned inside a corresponding laser diode cavity, a preamplifier, and one or more processing devices. The one or more processing devices are configured to: generate a reverse bias; apply, using the preamplifier, the reverse bias to the at least one laser diode to preheat a corresponding laser diode cavity to a target temperature prior to a write operation; control transition of the preamplifier from applying the reverse bias to applying a forward bias to the at least one laser diode; and activate the at least one laser diode to begin the write operation.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising one or more disks; an actuator mechanism configured to position a selected head among one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface among the one or more disks, wherein the selected head comprises a magnetic write element and a laser generating component; and one or more processing devices. The one or more processing devices are configured to measure a magnetic saturation responsiveness of the corresponding disk surface to heat-assisted write operations using a range of values of write laser current applied to the laser generating component. The one or more processing devices are further configured to calibrate a nominal write laser current of the selected head for the corresponding disk surface based on the measured magnetic saturation responsiveness of the corresponding disk surface.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising one or more disks; an actuator mechanism configured to position a selected head among one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface among the one or more disks, wherein the selected head comprises a magnetic write element and a laser generating component; and one or more processing devices. The one or more processing devices are configured to measure a magnetic saturation responsiveness of the corresponding disk surface to heat-assisted write operations using a range of values of write laser current applied to the laser generating component. The one or more processing devices are further configured to calibrate a nominal write laser current of the selected head for the corresponding disk surface based on the measured magnetic saturation responsiveness of the corresponding disk surface.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising one or more disks; an actuator mechanism configured to position one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface of the one or more disks; and one or more processing devices. The selected head comprises a write element and an assistive energy emitter. The one or more processing devices are configured to apply an assistive energy current to the assistive energy emitter while refraining from applying a write current to the write element.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising one or more disks; an actuator mechanism configured to position one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface of the one or more disks; and one or more processing devices. The selected head comprises a write element and an assistive energy emitter. The one or more processing devices are configured to apply an assistive energy current to the assistive energy emitter while refraining from applying a write current to the write element.

A data storage device may include one or more disks, an actuator arm assembly comprising one or more magnetic recording heads, a laser diode positioned inside a laser diode cavity, and one or more processing devices configured to initiate a write operation, wherein initiating the write operation comprises activating a magnetic recording head corresponding to the laser diode, and applying a forward bias to the laser diode; apply a first reverse bias to the laser diode during at least one intervening event; and transition from applying the first reverse bias to the at least one laser diode to applying the forward bias to the at least one laser diode.

A data storage device may include one or more disks, an actuator arm assembly comprising one or more magnetic recording heads, a laser diode positioned inside a laser diode cavity, and one or more processing devices configured to initiate a write operation, wherein initiating the write operation comprises activating a magnetic recording head corresponding to the laser diode, and applying a forward bias to the laser diode; apply a first reverse bias to the laser diode during at least one intervening event; and transition from applying the first reverse bias to the at least one laser diode to applying the forward bias to the at least one laser diode.

A data storage device is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of data sectors and a plurality of servo sectors, and a head actuated over the disk, wherein the head comprises a laser configured to heat the disk while writing data to the disk. When the head is over a first data sector not being written, a first prelase bias is applied to the laser, and when the head is over a servo sector, a second, lower prelase bias is applied to the laser. When the head is over a second data sector being written, a write bias higher than the first prelase bias is applied to the laser.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device including one or more disks, an actuator mechanism configured to position a selected head among one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface among the one or more disks, the selected head comprising a write element and an assistive energy emitter, and one or more processing devices configured to, individually or in combination: apply an assistive energy current to the assistive energy emitter while refraining from applying a write current to the write element, and vary a level of the assistive energy current over time while refraining from applying the write current to the write element.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device including one or more disks, an actuator mechanism configured to position a selected head among one or more heads proximate to a corresponding disk surface among the one or more disks, the selected head comprising a write element and an assistive energy emitter, and one or more processing devices configured to, individually or in combination: apply an assistive energy current to the assistive energy emitter while refraining from applying a write current to the write element, and vary a level of the assistive energy current over time while refraining from applying the write current to the write element.