Apparatus and method for testing steerable mirrors mounted on optical heads
 An apparatus designed for the testing of a micro-machined mirror that is mounted onto a flying optical head is described. As in the case of normal operation of the head, laser light is coupled into the head using an optical fiber. The light propagates through the head, is emitted from the fiber, reflects off of the steerable mirror inclined at 45 degrees to the fiber axis, and passes through a focusing lens and exits the head. A position sensitive detector (PSD) is placed so as to detect the position of the light spot as it exits the head. Actuation of the mirror's steering capabilities modulates the spot position, which is detected by the PSD and its associated electronics. The profile of the PSD is made small enough to fit in a space between two opposing optical heads on a head stack assembly (HSA) so that the test can be performed immediately prior to the assembly of the disc drive. An array of such PSD's is constructed so that all of heads on an HSA can be tested simultaneously or in a multiplexed manner. 
Seagate Technology, Inc.
G G
G11B G11B
inventional additional
Raymond Joseph D.
Chin Drake