Input coupler with features to divert stray light from a waveguide

A recording head, comprising:

• a waveguide core extending from a light source to a near-field transducer;
• an input coupler extending along the waveguide core, the input coupler having a first end at the light source and a second end with a tapered neck that terminates off-center from the waveguide core in a crosstrack direction, the second end located between the light source and the near-field transducer;
• and
• an escape slab joined with the neck of the input coupler, stray light from the input coupler being coupled into the escape slab via the neck.

A method comprising:

• coupling light from an energy source into an input coupler of a recording head;
• directing a first part of the light from the input coupler to a waveguide core, the waveguide core delivering the first part of the light to a near-field transducer that heats a magnetic recording medium;
• and
• directing a second part of the light to a tapered neck of the input coupler, the tapered neck terminating off-center from the waveguide core in a crosstrack direction and reducing reflections of the second part of the light back towards the energy source.