Microactuator for fine tracking in a magneto-optical drive

A storage device for retrieving data stored on a medium, the storage device comprising:

• a lens having a focal axis;
• a light source capable of generating light having a direction of propagation substantially parallel to the focal axis of the lens as the light approaches the lens;
• a support assembly comprising a slider for supporting the lens over the medium;
• and
• a lens actuator, coupled to the support assembly and capable of moving the lens relative to the light while maintaining the focal axis of the lens substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of the light approaching the lens.

A disc drive for a computer system, the disc drive comprising:

• a disc;
• a lens, capable of directing light incident on the lens;
• a light beam production assembly, capable of creating a light beam and of directing the light beam toward the lens;
• a lens support structure, comprising a slider capable of supporting the lens;
• a coarse actuator coupled to the light beam production assembly and the lens support structure and capable of moving the lens support structure and the light beam production assembly so that the lens moves to different positions over the disc while substantially maintaining a position of the light beam relative to the lens;
• and
• a fine actuator, coupled to the lens support structure and capable of moving the lens while substantially maintaining a position of the light beam relative to the disc.