Apparatus and method for transferring data in a data storage system, such as but not limited to a hard disc drive (HDD). An optical link is provided between an analog front end (AFE) of a data storage device controller circuit (SOC) and a preamplifier/driver circuit (preamp) mounted to a rotary actuator to transfer an analog domain signal. A selected component is extracted from the signal using a modulation element such as a micro-resonance ring (MRR) or a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Modulation (MZM) device. The extracted component is forwarded to a processing circuit to facilitate a transfer of data between a local memory and a non-volatile memory (NVM). The optical link includes a flexible portion in a flex circuit affixed to the rotary actuator and which supports the preamp. Multiplexed read, write, and power control signals are concurrently transmitted via the optical link. The link can concurrently service multiple head-disc assemblies (HDAs).

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising: one or more disks; an actuator assembly comprising a head, and configured to position the head over a corresponding disk surfaces; and one or more processing devices, wherein the head comprises: a write element; a laser unit; and a fly height control element, and wherein the one or more processing devices are configured to: iteratively perform write start operations of write start patterns with the head on the corresponding disk surface, at a plurality of values of at least one of laser pre-bias current, and write backoff; detect pattern signal amplitudes of the write start patterns on the corresponding disk surface; and determine a relation of write backoff to laser pre-bias current for the head, based at least in part on the pattern signal amplitudes.

Various illustrative aspects are directed to a data storage device, comprising: one or more disks; an actuator assembly comprising a head, and configured to position the head over a corresponding disk surfaces; and one or more processing devices, wherein the head comprises: a write element; a laser unit; and a fly height control element, and wherein the one or more processing devices are configured to: iteratively perform write start operations of write start patterns with the head on the corresponding disk surface, at a plurality of values of at least one of laser pre-bias current, and write backoff; detect pattern signal amplitudes of the write start patterns on the corresponding disk surface; and determine a relation of write backoff to laser pre-bias current for the head, based at least in part on the pattern signal amplitudes.

Apparatus and method for transferring data in a data storage system, such as but not limited to a hard disc drive (HDD). An optical link is provided between an analog front end (AFE) of a data storage device controller circuit (SOC) and a preamplifier/driver circuit (preamp) mounted to a rotary actuator to transfer an analog domain signal. A selected component is extracted from the signal using a modulation element such as a micro-resonance ring (MRR) or a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Modulation (MZM) device. The extracted component is forwarded to a processing circuit to facilitate a transfer of data between a local memory and a non-volatile memory (NVM). The optical link includes a flexible portion in a flex circuit affixed to the rotary actuator and which supports the preamp. Multiplexed read, write, and power control signals are concurrently transmitted via the optical link. The link can concurrently service multiple head-disc assemblies (HDAs).

A data storage device includes a base, a shaft that extends perpendicular from the base, and a head stack assembly (HSA) having a first end to which a head is coupled and a second end that is movably mounted on the shaft. The data storage device also includes either a first actuator assembly or a second actuator assembly. The first actuator assembly includes a first coil-permanent magnet assembly that rotatably moves the HSA about the shaft, and a second coil-permanent magnet assembly that serves as a first elevator to linearly move the HSA along the shaft. The second actuator assembly includes a third coil-permanent magnet assembly that rotatably moves the HSA about the shaft, and a second elevator that linearly moves the HSA along the shaft and also moves a data storage device ramp in unison with the HSA.

A data storage device includes a base, a shaft that extends perpendicular from the base, and a head stack assembly (HSA) having a first end to which a head is coupled and a second end that is movably mounted on the shaft. The data storage device also includes either a first actuator assembly or a second actuator assembly. The first actuator assembly includes a first coil-permanent magnet assembly that rotatably moves the HSA about the shaft, and a second coil-permanent magnet assembly that serves as a first elevator to linearly move the HSA along the shaft. The second actuator assembly includes a third coil-permanent magnet assembly that rotatably moves the HSA about the shaft, and a second elevator that linearly moves the HSA along the shaft and also moves a data storage device ramp in unison with the HSA.

A near field transducer includes gold and at least one dopant. The dopant can include at least one of: Cu, Rh, Ru, Ag, Ta, Cr, Al, Zr, V, Pd, Ir, Co, W, Ti, Mg, Fe, or Mo. The dopant concentration may be in a range from 0.5% and 30%. The dopant can be a nanoparticle oxide of V, Zr, Mg, Ca, Al, Ti, Si, Ce, Y, Ta, W, or Th, or a nitride of Ta, Al, Ti, Si, In, Fe, Zr, Cu, W or B.

A near field transducer includes gold and at least one dopant. The dopant can include at least one of: Cu, Rh, Ru, Ag, Ta, Cr, Al, Zr, V, Pd, Ir, Co, W, Ti, Mg, Fe, or Mo. The dopant concentration may be in a range from 0.5% and 30%. The dopant can be a nanoparticle oxide of V, Zr, Mg, Ca, Al, Ti, Si, Ce, Y, Ta, W, or Th, or a nitride of Ta, Al, Ti, Si, In, Fe, Zr, Cu, W or B.

A patterned magnetic recording medium for use in heat assisted magnetic recording comprises an electrically conductive heat sink layer and a plurality of discrete magnetic recording elements positioned adjacent to a first surface of the heat sink layer. Disc drives that include the patterned medium and a method of magnetic recording using the patterned media are also included.

A patterned magnetic recording medium for use in heat assisted magnetic recording comprises an electrically conductive heat sink layer and a plurality of discrete magnetic recording elements positioned adjacent to a first surface of the heat sink layer. Disc drives that include the patterned medium and a method of magnetic recording using the patterned media are also included.