Systems and methods for increasing media absorption efficiency using interferometric waveguides

A method for forming an interferometric waveguide assembly, the method comprising:

• forming a reader;
• forming a return pole on the reader;
• forming a cladding layer on the return pole;
• forming a core layer on the cladding layer;
• forming the interferometric waveguide assembly within the core layer, wherein the interferometric waveguide assembly comprises:
• a first waveguide arm and a second waveguide arm;
• and
• a splitter configured to receive light from a light source and to split the light into the first waveguide arm and the second waveguide arm,
• wherein the first waveguide arm and the second waveguide arm converge to form a preselected angle at a junction opposite the splitter in a light propagating direction, and
• wherein the first waveguide arm and the second waveguide arm are configured to induce a preselected phase difference in the light arriving at a near field transducer (NFT);
• and
• forming a write pole on the waveguide assembly.