High numerical aperture optical focusing device for use in data storage systems
AssigneeRead-Rite Corporation
InventorChuan He
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A near-field optical or magneto-optical data storage system uses an optical focusing device for focusing an incident optical beam to a small size focal spot. The optical focusing device includes an objective lens, an optically transparent base plate, and an optically transparent adapter. The adapter is secured to, and disposed intermediate the objective lens and the base plate, and includes an opening that faces the base plate. A fluid fills the adapter opening to form a fluid cell when the adapter is secured to the base plate. The fluid has an index of refraction that substantially matches the index of refraction of the base plate.
Claims20
An optical device capable of focusing an incident optical beam to a focal spot, comprising:
- an objective lens;
- an optically transparent base plate;
- an optically transparent adapter secured to, and disposed intermediate said objective lens and said base plate, and including an opening that faces said base plate;
- and
- a fluid that fills said adapter opening to form a fluid cell when said adapter is secured to said base plate.
A fluid matching lens comprising:
- an optically transparent base plate;
- an optically transparent adapter secured to said base plate and including an opening that faces said base plate;
- and
- a fluid that fills said adapter opening to form a fluid cell when said adapter is secured to said base plate.
A method of making an optical device capable of focusing an incident optical beam to a focal spot, comprising:
- forming an objective lens wafer;
- forming an optically transparent base plate wafer;
- forming an optically transparent adapter;
- disposing said adapter intermediate said objective lens wafer and said base plate wafer;
- securing said adapter to said objective lens wafer and said base plate wafer;
- forming an opening in said adapter that faces said base plate;
- and
- filling said adapter opening with a fluid to form a fluid cell when said adapter is secured to said base plate.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.