Novel suspension structure for near-field optical recording system

A suspension structure for a near-field optical flying head is proposed. This structure is designed to attain a stable flying attitude and high structural resonance of the optical head, which has a larger mass and high centre of gravity compared with that of a hard-disc head. The width-to-length aspect ratio of the loadbeam and flexure hinges were designed using numerical simulation to optimise the structural resonance by controlling their bending and torsional stiffness. Experimental results show that this suspension structure achieves both remarkably high structural resonance characteristics and a stable flying attitude against roll acceleration.