U.S. patent application number 12/232469 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-26 for magnetic head and magnetic recording device.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Junichi Akiyama, Tomomi Funayama, Hitoshi Iwasaki, Mariko Shimizu, Masayuki Takagishi, Masahiro Takashita, Kenichiro Yamada.
Application Number | 20090080106 12/232469 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40471317 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090080106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shimizu; Mariko ; et
al. |
March 26, 2009 |
Magnetic head and magnetic recording device
Abstract
It is made possible to restrict the variation of the oscillation
frequency of a spin torque oscillator placed in the vicinity of the
recording magnetic pole. A magnetic head includes: a recording
magnetic pole to generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque
oscillator formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole;
and a magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic
field to the spin torque oscillator. The magnetic field applied to
the spin torque oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit is
perpendicular to a recording magnetic field generated from the
recording magnetic pole.
Inventors: |
Shimizu; Mariko;
(Yokohama-Shi, JP) ; Iwasaki; Hitoshi;
(Yokosuka-Shi, JP) ; Yamada; Kenichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Akiyama; Junichi; (Kawasaki-Shi, JP) ;
Takagishi; Masayuki; (Tokyo, JP) ; Funayama;
Tomomi; (Tokorozawa-Shi, JP) ; Takashita;
Masahiro; (Yokohama-Shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40471317 |
Appl. No.: |
12/232469 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
360/75 ;
360/125.03; G9B/21.003; G9B/5.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 2005/0024 20130101;
G11B 2005/0005 20130101; G11B 5/314 20130101; Y10T 428/1171
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
360/75 ;
360/125.03; G9B/5.04; G9B/21.003 |
International
Class: |
G11B 21/02 20060101
G11B021/02; G11B 5/127 20060101 G11B005/127 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2007 |
JP |
2007-247966 |
Claims
1. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to
generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator
formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a
magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field
to the spin torque oscillator, the magnetic field applied to the
spin torque oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit being
perpendicular to a recording magnetic field generated from the
recording magnetic pole.
2. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a
magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is
designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic
core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core
to the spin torque oscillator.
3. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
4. The head according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic applying
unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air
bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic
recording medium.
5. The head according to claim 1, further comprising a shield
magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a
portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface
of the recording magnetic pole.
6. The head according to claim 5, wherein the spin torque
oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic
pole.
7. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to
generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator
formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a
magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the
spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction
parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the
spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing
surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a
magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque
oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least
one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at
least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided
between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and
an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of
the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate
layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second
magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer,
the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a
direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer,
the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first
electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer,
the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being
stacked in a direction parallel to a direction connecting the two
end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
8. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a
magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is
designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic
core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core
to the spin torque oscillator.
9. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
10. The head according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic applying
unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air
bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic
recording medium.
11. The head according to claim 7, further comprising a shield
magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a
portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface
of the recording magnetic pole.
12. The head according to claim 11, wherein the spin torque
oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic
pole.
13. A magnetic head comprising: a recording magnetic pole to
generate a recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator
formed in the vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a
magnetic field applying unit provided at either end portion of the
spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction
parallel to a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the
spin torque oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing
surface, the magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a
magnetic field to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque
oscillator including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least
one layer of magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at
least one layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided
between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and
an electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of
the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate
layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second
magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer,
the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a
direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer,
the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first
electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer,
the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being
stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction connecting the
two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
14. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with an electromagnet that includes a
magnetic core having a void, and an electromagnetic coil that is
designed to surround the magnetic core and excite the magnetic
core, and applies a magnetic field generated from the magnetic core
to the spin torque oscillator.
15. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic field
applying unit is formed with hard bias film.
16. The head according to claim 13, wherein the magnetic applying
unit is further away from the magnetic recording medium than an air
bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator facing the magnetic
recording medium.
17. The head according to claim 13, further comprising a shield
magnetically connected to the recording magnetic pole, and having a
portion extending in a direction parallel to an air bearing surface
of the recording magnetic pole.
18. The head according to claim 17, wherein the spin torque
oscillator is placed between the shield and the recording magnetic
pole.
19. A magnetic recording device comprising: a magnetic recording
medium; and the magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein writing
on the magnetic recording medium is performed with the use of the
magnetic recording head.
20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the spin torque
oscillator is placed on a trailing side of the recording magnetic
pole.
21. The device according to claim 19, wherein the spin torque
oscillator is placed on a leading side of the recording magnetic
pole.
22. The device according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic
recording medium is a discrete track medium that has a plurality of
tracks arranged in parallel with one another, and a nonmagnetic
portion provided between the adjacent tracks.
23. The device according to claim 19, wherein the magnetic
recording medium is a discrete bit medium that has a plurality of
magnetic dots, and a nonmagnetic portion provided between the
magnetic dots.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-247966
filed on Sep. 25, 2007 in Japan, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a magnetic head having a
spin torque oscillator, and a magnetic recording device.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] In the 1990's, the recording density and capacity of HDDs
(Hard Disk Drives) dramatically increased, with MR
(Magneto-Resistive effect) heads and GMR (Giant Magneto-Resistive
effect) heads being put into practical use. However, the problems
of heat fluctuations of magnetic recording media became apparent in
the early 2000's, and the increase of the recording density
temporarily slowed down. In 2005, perpendicular magnetic recording,
which is more suitable for high-density recording than in-plane
magnetic recording in principle, was put into practical use. Since
then, the recording density of HDDs has been increasing at an
annual rate of approximately 40%.
[0006] The latest examinations on recording density show that the
recording density of 400 Gbits/inch.sup.2 has been reached. If the
growth continues at this rate, the recording density of 1
Tbits/inch.sup.2 will be achieved around the year 2012. However,
achieving such a high recording density is not easy by the
perpendicular magnetic recording method by itself, as the problem
of heat fluctuations has resurfaced.
[0007] To counter this problem, a "high-frequency assisted magnetic
recording method" has been suggested. By the high-frequency
assisted magnetic recording method, a high-frequency magnetic field
at a frequency in the neighborhood of the resonant frequency of a
magnetic recording medium, which is much higher than the recording
signal frequency, is locally applied to the magnetic recording
medium. As a result, the magnetic recording medium where the
high-frequency magnetic field applied resonates, and its coercivity
(Hc) decreases to half the original value. Having a high-frequency
magnetic field been overlapped with the recording magnetic field,
magnetic recording on a magnetic recording medium having higher
coercivity (Hc) and greater magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku) can be
feasible (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,664, for example). However,
according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,664, a high-frequency magnetic
field is generated with a coil. By this method, the intensity of
the high-frequency magnetic field that can be applied to the
recording area rapidly decreases, as the recording area on the
magnetic recording medium is made smaller so as to increase the
recording density. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the
coercivity of the recording area.
[0008] To counter this problem, a method of utilizing spin torque
oscillators has been suggested (see United States Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771, for
example). According to United States Patent Application Publication
Nos. 2005/0023938 and 2005/0219771, spin torque oscillators are
formed with a stacked film consisting of a spin polarization layer,
a nonmagnetic layer provided on the spin polarization layer, and a
spin oscillation layer provided on the nonmagnetic layer. When a
direct current is applied to the spin torque oscillators, the
electron spins passing through the spin polarization layer are
polarized. The polarized spin current applies a spin torque to the
spin oscillation layer, so that the magnetization of the spin
oscillation layer has ferromagnetic resonance. As a result, a
high-frequency magnetic field is generated from the spin
oscillation layer.
[0009] This phenomenon can be often observed if the device size is
several tens of nanometers or less. Therefore, the region where the
high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin torque
oscillators is applied is limited to a very small area at a
distance of several tens of nanometers from the spin torque
oscillators. A magnetic recording head with the spin torque
oscillators, whose oscillation frequency is set at a value equal to
or in the neighborhood of the ferromagnetic resonant frequency of
the recording layer of the magnetic recording medium, should be
provided near the recording magnetic pole and the magnetic
recording medium. With this arrangement, the high-frequency
magnetic field generated from the spin torque oscillators can be
applied only to the very small recording area on the recording
layer of the magnetic recording medium. As a result, only the
coercivity of the very small recording area can be reduced.
[0010] When the coercivity is reduced, the magnetization of the
recording area can be reversed or information writing can be
performed by applying a recording magnetic field to the recording
area with the use of the recording magnetic pole.
[0011] Meanwhile, there is a method of performing recording on a
magnetic recording medium having high coercivity (Hc) with the use
of a diagonal recording magnetic field. According to the
Stoner-Wohlfarth model, in a case of a magnetic field in a
45-degree direction, magnetic reversal of a magnetic recording
medium having high coercivity (Hc) can be achieved with a small
recording magnetic field. By the perpendicular magnetic recording
method, it is possible to generate a diagonal recording magnetic
field from a plane perpendicular to the plane of the recording
magnetic pole facing the recording medium. To generate a diagonal
magnetic field having a rapid field intensity change, an auxiliary
magnetic pole can be effectively provided near the recording
magnetic pole. The gap distance between the plane perpendicular to
the plane of the recording magnetic pole facing the recording
medium and the plane perpendicular to the plane of the auxiliary
magnetic pole facing the recording medium is adjusted so that a
magnetic field is diagonally generated in the recording medium and
a rapid intensity change can be achieved. Accordingly, a
high-density recording can be performed with a magnetic recording
head having a recording magnetic pole and an auxiliary magnetic
pole. In this manner, a magnetic recording medium having higher
coercivity (Hc) and greater magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku) can be
used.
[0012] To effectively reduce the coercivity of the recording area
by applying a high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin
torque oscillators, the oscillation frequency of the spin torque
oscillators needs to be substantially equal to the ferromagnetic
resonant frequency of the magnetic recording medium. The
oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillators increases in
proportion to the effective magnetic field H.sub.eff applied to the
spin oscillation layer. This effective magnetic field H.sub.eff is
determined by an internal magnetic field (such as the magnetic
anisotropy) of the spin oscillation layer and an external magnetic
field (such as a recording magnetic field). In a case where the
spin torque oscillators are placed near the recording magnetic
pole, the magnetic field applied from the recording magnetic pole
to the spin torque oscillator has a value as large as several kOe.
As a result, the recording magnetic field applied to the spin
torque oscillators becomes much greater than the internal magnetic
field, and the oscillation frequency of the spin torque oscillators
varies with the direction of the write magnetic field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention has been made in view of these
circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a magnetic head
that can restrict the variation of the oscillation frequency of a
spin torque oscillator placed in the vicinity of the recording
magnetic pole, and a magnetic recording device that has the
magnetic head.
[0014] A magnetic head according to a first aspect of the present
invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a
recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the
vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field
applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field to the spin
torque oscillator, the magnetic field applied to the spin torque
oscillator by the magnetic field applying unit being perpendicular
to a recording magnetic field generated from the recording magnetic
pole.
[0015] A magnetic head according to a second aspect of the present
invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a
recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the
vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field
applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque
oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to
a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque
oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the
magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field
to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator
including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of
magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one
layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the
first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an
electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of
the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate
layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second
magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer,
the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a
direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer,
the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first
electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer,
the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being
stacked in a direction parallel to a direction connecting the two
end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
[0016] A magnetic head according to a third aspect of the present
invention includes: a recording magnetic pole to generate a
recording magnetic field; a spin torque oscillator formed in the
vicinity of the recording magnetic pole; and a magnetic field
applying unit provided at either end portion of the spin torque
oscillator in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to
a line connecting the recording magnetic pole and the spin torque
oscillator in a plane parallel to an air bearing surface, the
magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a magnetic field
to the spin torque oscillator, the spin torque oscillator
including: a first magnetic layer comprising at least one layer of
magnetic film; a second magnetic layer comprising at least one
layer of magnetic film; an intermediate layer provided between the
first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and an
electrode comprising a first electrode layer placed on a face of
the first magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate
layer, and a second electrode layer placed on a face of the second
magnetic layer on the opposite side from the intermediate layer,
the electrode being capable of applying a current flowing in a
direction perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer,
the intermediate layer, and the second magnetic layer, the first
electrode layer, the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer,
the second magnetic layer, and the second electrode layer being
stacked in a direction perpendicular to a direction connecting the
two end portions of the spin torque oscillator.
[0017] A magnetic recording device according to a fourth aspect of
the present invention includes: a magnetic recording medium; and
the magnetic head according to any one of first to third aspects,
wherein writing on the magnetic recording medium is performed with
the use of the magnetic recording head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a first embodiment, taken in the track longitudinal
direction;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic recording
head of the first embodiment, taken in the track width
direction;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first
embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the second specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIGS. 7A to 7D illustrate the relationship between the
leakage magnetic field from the main magnetic pole and the
effective magnetic field applied to the oscillator layer;
[0025] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the effects of the first
embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a first modification of the first embodiment, taken in
the track width direction;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a magnetic head according
to a second modification of the first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a magnetic head according
to a third modification of the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment, taken
in the track longitudinal direction;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment, taken in
the track longitudinal direction;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the positions of
the electromagnetic coils in a magnetic head of the fifth
modification;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the position of
the electromagnetic coil in a magnetic head of the fifth
modification;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken in
the track longitudinal direction;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a first specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the second
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a second specific
example of the spin torque oscillator according to the second
embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a first modification of the second embodiment, taken
in the track longitudinal direction;
[0037] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic head
according to a second modification of the second embodiment, taken
in the track longitudinal direction;
[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a magnetic recording and
reproducing device according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the top portions of the
magnetic head assembly;
[0040] FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b) illustrate a discrete-track magnetic
recording medium that can be used in each of the embodiments;
and
[0041] FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) illustrate a discrete-bit magnetic
recording medium that can be used in each of the embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The following is a description of embodiments of the present
invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8B, a magnetic head in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is
described. The magnetic head of this embodiment is a magnetic head
for assisting a high-frequency magnetic field, and is used with a
perpendicular magnetic recording medium.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of
this embodiment and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a
plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is
perpendicular to a plane facing the magnetic recording medium and
is parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic recording
medium. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of
this embodiment, taken along a plane in a direction (the track
width direction) that is perpendicular to the plane facing the
magnetic recording medium and is perpendicular to the moving
direction of the magnetic recording medium.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic recording head of this
embodiment includes a reproducing head unit 10 and a writing head
unit 20. The reproducing head unit 10 includes a magnetic shield
12, a magnetic shield 14, and a magnetic reproducing element 16
interposed between the magnetic shield 12 and the magnetic shield
14.
[0046] The magnetic reproducing element 16 may be a GMR (Giant
Magneto-Resistive effect) element or a TMR (Tunneling
Magneto-Resistive effect) element. The magnetic reproducing element
16 is interposed between the end portions of the magnetic shields
12 and 14 on the side of a magnetic recording medium 100.
[0047] The magnetic recording medium 100 includes a magnetic
recording medium substrate 102, a soft magnetic layer 103 placed on
the magnetic recording medium substrate 102, and a magnetic
recording layer 104 placed on the soft magnetic layer 103. The
magnetic reproducing element 16 is placed in the vicinity of the
magnetic recording layer 104 of the magnetic recording medium 100.
The magnetic reproducing element 16 and the area of the magnetic
recording layer 104 located immediately below the magnetic
reproducing element 16 (the read area) form a magnetic circuit. The
magnetic resistance of this magnetic circuit varies with the
magnetization direction recorded in the read area of the magnetic
recording layer 104. The magnetic reproducing element 16 detects
the varying magnetic resistance, so as to read (reproduce) the
magnetization direction recorded on the magnetic recording layer
104 (recorded information). In FIG. 1, the moving direction of the
magnetic recording medium 100 is indicated by the arrow 50.
[0048] The writing head unit 20 includes a magnetic core 21 formed
with a main magnetic pole (recording magnetic pole) 22 and a return
yoke (a magnetic shield) 24, an electromagnetic coil 27 for
exciting the magnetic core 21, a spin torque oscillator 26, and an
electromagnet 28 for applying a magnetic field to the spin torque
oscillator 26. The return yoke 24 includes a main portion 24a, a
front portion 24b connected to the end portion of the main portion
24a on the side of the magnetic recording medium 100, and a rear
portion 24c connected to the end portion of the main portion 24a on
the opposite side from the magnetic recording medium 100. The front
portion 24b extends in a direction parallel to an air bearing
surface 22a of the recording magnetic pole. The rear portion 24c is
also connected to the end portion of the main magnetic pole 22 on
the opposite side from the magnetic recording medium 100. The spin
torque oscillator 26 is interposed between the end portion of the
main magnetic pole 22 on the side of the magnetic recording medium
100 and the front portion 24b of the return yoke 24. The
electromagnetic coil 27 is designed to surround or wind around the
rear portion 24c of the return yoke 24, so as to excite the
magnetic core 21. In this embodiment, the spin torque oscillator 26
is provided on the trailing side of the main magnetic pole 22.
[0049] The electromagnet 28 includes a C-shaped magnetic core 28a
and electromagnetic coils 28b for exciting the magnetic core 28a
(see FIG. 2). The C-shaped magnetic core 28a is placed to
substantially be perpendicular to the magnetic core 21, and the
spin torque oscillator 26 is placed between the magnetic poles of
the magnetic core 28a.
[0050] The components of the reproducing head unit are insulated
from the components of the writing head unit by an insulator (not
shown) such as alumina. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 indicates
the moving direction of the magnetic recording medium 100, which
moves forward in the direction perpendicular to the paper
plane.
[0051] The magnetization of the magnetic recording layer 104 is
controlled in a predetermined direction by the magnetic field
applied by the writing head unit 20, and writing is performed. The
reproducing head unit 10 reads the magnetization direction of the
magnetic recording layer 104.
[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a first specific example of the spin
torque oscillator 26 to be used for the magnetic head of this
embodiment. The spin torque oscillator 26 of the first specific
example has a stacked structure. In the stacked structure, an
electrode layer 26.sub.1, a spin injection layer 26.sub.2 (a second
magnetic layer) having a fixed magnetization direction, an
intermediate layer 26.sub.3 having a high spin transmission rate,
an oscillation layer 26.sub.4 (a first magnetic layer), and an
electrode layer 26.sub.5 are stacked. The film plane of this
stacked structure is substantially perpendicular to the air bearing
surface of the stacked structure facing the magnetic recording
medium 100, and is substantially parallel to the moving direction
50 of the magnetic recording medium 100. In other words, the film
plane of this stacked structure is substantially parallel to the
direction extending from the main magnetic pole 22 to the front
portion 24b of the return yoke 24. In this first specific example,
the film plane of the stacked structure of the spin torque
oscillator 26 is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of
the magnetic field that is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26
by the electromagnet 28.
[0053] With the use of a constant current source 70 that is
suitably placed inside or outside the magnetic head, a
predetermined direct current can be applied to the spin torque
oscillator 26 via the electrode layer 26.sub.1 and the electrode
layer 26.sub.5, as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the current flows
from the electrode layer 26.sub.5 to the electrode layer 26.sub.1,
as indicated by the arrow 75, or the current flows in a direction
perpendicular to the film plane of the stacked structure of the
spin torque oscillator 26.
[0054] FIG. 3 shows the magnetization directions of the spin
injection layer 26.sub.2 and the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 that
are observed when there is not an external magnetic field, and the
current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into the
spin torque oscillator 26. The magnetization of the spin injection
layer 26.sub.2 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film
plane, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 is
oriented in a direction parallel to the film plane. When the
current generated from the constant current source 70 is applied to
the spin torque oscillator 26 in this situation, a spin torque is
applied to the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 as
described later, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer
26.sub.4 exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization
precession), as shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] As in a second specific example shown in FIG. 5, the spin
torque oscillator 26 may have a stacked structure in which an
electrode layer 26.sub.1, a spin injection layer 26.sub.2, an
intermediate layer 26.sub.3 having a high spin transmission rate,
an oscillation layer 26.sub.4, and an electrode layer 26.sub.5 are
stacked, and the film plane of this stacked structure is
substantially perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the
stacked structure and is substantially perpendicular to the moving
direction 50 of the magnetic recording medium 100. In this case,
the film plane of this stacked structure is substantially
perpendicular to the direction extending from the main magnetic
pole 22 to the front portion 24b of the return yoke 24. In this
second specific example, the film plane of the stacked structure of
the spin torque oscillator 26 is substantially parallel to the
orientation of the magnetic field that is applied to the spin
torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28.
[0056] FIG. 5 shows the magnetization directions of the spin
injection layer 26.sub.2 and the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 that
are observed when there is not an external magnetic field, and the
current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into the
spin torque oscillator 26. The magnetization directions of the spin
injection layer 26.sub.2 and the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 are
substantially parallel to the film plane, and are antiparallel to
each other (the opposite direction from each other). When the
current generated from the constant current source 70 is applied in
the direction indicated by the arrow 75 in FIG. 6 to the spin
torque oscillator 26 in this situation, a spin torque is applied to
the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 as described
later, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4
exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession), as
shown in FIG. 6. In a case where the magnetic directions of the
spin injection layer 26.sub.2 and the oscillation layer 26.sub.4
are parallel to the film plane and are parallel to each other (the
same directions) when there is not an external magnetic field and
the current from the constant current source 70 does not flow into
the spin torque oscillator 26, a spin torque can be applied to the
magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 by applying the
current in the opposite direction from the arrow 75 shown in FIG.
6, and the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 exhibits
ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession).
[0057] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 through 6, the bias magnetic
field H.sub.bias applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the
electromagnet 28 is substantially perpendicular to the direction
extending from the main magnetic pole 22 to the front portion 24b
of the return yoke 24. In FIGS. 3 through 6, the main magnetic pole
22 and the front portion 24b of the return yoke 24 are only
schematically shown for convenience sake.
[0058] Next, the principles of the ferromagnetic resonance of the
magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 are described. When
a current is applied to the electrode layer 26.sub.5, the
oscillation layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the
spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the electrode layer 26.sub.1 in
this order, electrons flow in the opposite direction from the
current flowing direction. In this case, the electron spins flowing
from the electrode layer 26.sub.1 into the spin injection layer
26.sub.2 and passing through the spin injection layer 26.sub.2 are
polarized in a direction parallel to the magnetization direction of
the spin injection layer 26.sub.2. The polarized electrons then
flow into the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 via the intermediate layer
26.sub.3 having a high spin transmission rate, and cause a spin
torque in the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4.
[0059] In a case where the current is applied in the opposite
direction from the above, electrons having spins in the opposite
direction from the magnetization direction of the spin injection
layer 26.sub.2 are reflected by the interface between the
intermediate layer 26.sub.3 and the spin injection layer 26.sub.2.
The reflected electrons are injected into the oscillation layer
26.sub.4 through the intermediate layer 26.sub.3, and cause a spin
torque in the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4. As a
result, the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4
exhibits ferromagnetic resonance (magnetization precession), and a
high-frequency magnetic field is generated in accordance with the
magnetic characteristics of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 and the
intensity of the magnetic field applied by the electromagnet
28.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spin torque oscillator 26 is
placed between the main magnetic pole 22 and the return yoke 24,
and between the magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 that applies
a magnetic field. The bias magnetic field H.sub.bias applied by the
electromagnet 28 that is provided to generate a magnetic field is
applied to the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 of the spin torque
oscillator 26. Since the oscillation frequency of the spin torque
oscillator 26 is substantially determined by the intensity of the
applied magnetic field, the oscillation frequency can be controlled
by the electromagnet 28 applying the bias magnetic field
H.sub.bias. The electromagnet 28 is made of a material such as
FeCo, which has a relatively high saturation flux density.
[0061] The electrode layer 26.sub.1 and the electrode layer
26.sub.5 of the spin torque oscillator 26 are preferably made of a
material such as Ti or Cu, which has a low electric resistance and
is not easily oxidized. The intermediate layer 26.sub.3 is made of
a material having a high spin transmission rate, such as Cu, Ag, or
Au. Examples of the materials for the spin injection layer 26.sub.2
and the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 include:
(1) soft magnetic layers each having a relatively high saturation
flux density and magnetic anisotropy in the film in-plane
direction, such as a CoFe layer, a CoNiFe layer, a NiFe layer, a
CoZrNb layer, a FeN layer, a FeSi layer, and a FeAISi layer
(suitable for the oscillation layer); (2) CoCr magnetic alloy films
each having magnetization oriented in the film in-plane direction;
(3) CoCr magnetic layers each having magnetization oriented in a
direction perpendicular to the film plane, such as a CoCrPt layer,
a CoCrTa layer, a CoCrTaPt layer, and a CoCrTaNb layer (suitable
for the spin injection layer); (4) RE-TM amorphous alloy magnetic
layers, such as a TbFeCo layer (suitable for the spin injection
layer); (5) Co artificial lattice magnetic layers, such as a Co/Pd
layer, a Co/Pt layer, and a CoCrTa/Pd layer (suitable for the spin
injection layer); (6) materials with excellent vertical alignment,
such as CoPt or FePt alloy magnetic layers and SmCo alloy magnetic
layers (suitable for the spin injection layer); and (7) alloys that
are formed by adding Al, Si, Ge, Mn, or Cr to CoFe (suitable for
the spin injection layer).
[0062] Alternatively, to adjust the saturation flux density and the
anisotropic magnetic field, the above materials may be stacked to
form the spin injection layer and the oscillation layer. Also, to
increase the oscillation frequency of the oscillation layer, or to
effectively secure the magnetization of the spin injection layer,
the above materials may be stacked, with a nonmagnetic layer being
interposed in between, so as to form the spin injection layer
26.sub.2 or the oscillation layer 26.sub.4. The resultant stacked
structure may be a stacked ferri-structure in which the
magnetization directions of the above materials are antiparallel to
one another, or a stacked structure in which the magnetization
directions of the above materials are parallel to one another. In
such a case, it is preferable that a noble metal such as Cu, Pt,
Au, Ag, Pd, or Ru is used for the nonmagnetic layer, and it is
possible to use a nonmagnetic transition metal such as Cr, Rh, Mo,
or W.
[0063] Further, a stacked structure of a ferromagnetic layer and an
antiferromagnetic layer that takes advantage of exchange coupling
may be used for the spin injection layer 26.sub.2 or the
oscillation layer 26.sub.4. This is because the magnetization of
the spin injection layer can be effectively secured as the
oscillation frequency of the oscillation layer is increased. Here,
examples of the material for the antiferromagnetic layer include
FeMn, NiMn, FeNiMn, FeMnRh, RhMn, CoMn, CrMn, CrMnPt, CrMnRh,
CrMnCu, CrMnPd, CrMnIr, CrMnNi, CrMnCo, CrMnTi, PtMn, PdMn, PdPtMn,
and IrMn.
[0064] The thickness of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 is
preferably 5 nm or greater so as to apply a sufficient
high-frequency magnetic field to the magnetic recording medium 100,
and is preferably 20 nm or smaller so as to achieve a uniform
oscillation mode. The thickness of the spin injection layer
26.sub.2 is preferably 2 nm or greater, so as to restrict the
oscillation at the spin injection layer 26.sub.2.
[0065] The effects of this embodiment are now described. FIGS. 7A
to 7D illustrate the relationship between the leakage field from
the main magnetic pole of a conventional magnetic head and the
magnetization direction of the spin injection layer of the spin
torque oscillator in each of the magnetic heads that are disclosed
in United States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938
and 2005/0219771. To form a magnetic recording head that
efficiently assists a high-frequency magnetic field, the spin
torque oscillator should be placed close to the main magnetic pole,
and the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field and the diagonal
recording magnetic field should be efficiently combined with each
other in a magnetic recording medium. As the spin torque oscillator
is placed in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole, the write
magnetic field applied to the oscillator layer of the spin torque
oscillator by the main magnetic pole reaches several kOe.
Therefore, each of the conventional structures disclosed in United
States Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0023938 and
2005/0219771 has the problem that the oscillation conditions vary
with the orientation of the write magnetic field. As shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B, the effective magnetic field H.sub.eff of the
oscillation layer is substantially determined by the write magnetic
field H.sub.write, and becomes substantially antiparallel (FIG. 7A)
or parallel (FIG. 7B) to the magnetization direction M.sub.SIL of
the spin injection layer, depending on the positive or negative
orientation of the write magnetic field H.sub.write. In a case
where a current flows in the direction shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D,
when the effective magnetic field H.sub.eff is substantially
antiparallel to the magnetization direction M.sub.SIL of the spin
injection layer (FIG. 7C), a spin torque is applied to the
oscillation layer, and a high-frequency magnetic field in
accordance with the magnetic characteristics and effective magnetic
field and the likes of the oscillator layer is generated. When the
effective magnetic field H.sub.eff is substantially parallel to the
magnetization direction M.sub.SIL of the spin injection layer (FIG.
7D), a spin torque is not applied to the oscillation layer, and the
magnetization of the oscillation layer does not oscillate. In FIGS.
7A to 7D, the symbol M indicates the magnetization direction of the
oscillation layer.
[0066] In this embodiment, on the other hand, the direction of the
bias magnetic field H.sub.bias is substantially perpendicular to
the direction of the write magnetic field H.sub.write, as shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B. Accordingly, the effective magnetic field
H.sub.eff of the oscillator layer of the spin torque oscillator 26
(the rotational axis of the magnetization of the oscillator layer)
is tilted from the direction of the bias magnetic field H.sub.bias
of the spin torque oscillator 26 by a predetermined angle
.+-..theta., depending on the write magnetic field H.sub.write of
the main magnetic pole 22. However, it is considered that the
effective magnetic field H.sub.eff determining the oscillator
frequency has an invariable component in the direction of the bias
magnetic field H.sub.bias. Accordingly, the oscillator frequency
can be made stable even when the direction of the write magnetic
field H.sub.write varies. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the magnetization
direction M.sub.SIL of the spin injection layer is substantially
antiparallel to the direction of the bias magnetic field
H.sub.bias, and the angle .theta. is small enough. Accordingly, the
effective magnetic field H.sub.eff is substantially antiparallel to
the magnetization direction M.sub.SIL of the spin injection layer,
and stable oscillation can be maintained when a current flows in
the direction of the arrow 75 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIGS. 8A
and 8B are plan views of the writing head unit, seen from the
magnetic recording medium side. In this embodiment, each specific
example of the spin torque oscillator has the electrode layer
26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate layer
26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the electrode
layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially parallel to the
magnetic field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26. However,
the electrode layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the
intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and
the electrode layer 26.sub.1 may be stacked in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field
applied to the spin torque oscillator 26. With such a spin torque
oscillator, a variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field can also be restricted.
[0067] Next, modifications of the magnetic head of this embodiment
are described.
First Modification
[0068] FIG. 9 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
first modification of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional
view of the magnetic head of this modification, taken along a plane
in a direction (the track width direction) perpendicular to the
surface of the magnetic recording medium and the moving direction
of the magnetic recording medium. This modification differs from
the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, in that the magnetic
core of the electromagnet 28 is placed several nanometers to 10 nm
further away from the air bearing surface 26a of the spin torque
oscillator 26, so that the magnetic core is also further away from
the magnetic recording medium 100. With this arrangement, the
intensity of the leakage magnetic field applied to the magnetic
recording medium 100 by the magnetic core 28a of the electromagnet
28 becomes lower, and magnetization information can be stably
recorded in the recording unit.
[0069] Like the first embodiment, this modification can restrict
the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a
recording magnetic field.
[0070] In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it
is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode
layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate
layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the
electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin
torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4.
It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the
electrode layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the
intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and
the electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the orientation of the magnetic field applied to
the spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in
FIG. 6.
Second Modification
[0071] FIG. 10 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic
perspective view of the magnetic head of this modification. In the
first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 or 6, the magnetic core 28a
of the electromagnet 28 is designed to surround the rear portion
24c of the return yoke 24. In this modification, however, the
magnetic core 28a of the electromagnet 28 is designed to surround
the main magnetic pole 22. This magnetic core 28a includes a pair
of first portions 28a.sub.1, a pair of second portions 28a.sub.2, a
pair of third portions 28a.sub.3, and a pair of fourth portions
28a.sub.4. The pair of first portions 28a.sub.1 has magnetic poles
magnetically connected to the spin torque oscillator 26, and extend
in a direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin
torque oscillator and perpendicular to the direction from the front
portion 24b of the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22.
Each of the second portions 28a.sub.2 has one end connected to the
corresponding first portion 28a.sub.1, and extends in a direction
parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator
and also parallel to the direction from the front portion 24b of
the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22. Each of the third
portions 28a.sub.3 has one end connected to the other end of the
corresponding second portion 28a.sub.2, and extends in a direction
perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the spin torque
oscillator. The pair of fourth portions 28a.sub.4 are connected to
the other ends of the third portions 28a.sub.3, and extend in a
direction parallel to the air bearing surface of the spin torque
oscillator and perpendicular to the direction from the front
portion 24b of the return yoke 24 to the main magnetic pole 22.
[0072] The first through fourth portions are designed to surround
the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, the fourth portions
28a.sub.4 are interposed between the main magnetic pole 22 and the
reproducing head unit (not shown). Also, a pair of electromagnetic
coils 28b are provided to surround the respective third portions
28a.sub.3.
[0073] Like the first embodiment, this modification can restrict
the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due to a
recording magnetic field.
[0074] In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it
is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode
layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate
layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the
electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin
torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4.
It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the
electrode layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the
intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and
the electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the
spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG.
6.
Third Modification
[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic
perspective view of the magnetic head of this modification. The
magnetic head of this modification differs from the second
modification illustrated in FIG. 10, in that the electromagnetic
coils 28b are designed to surround the fourth portions
28a.sub.4.
[0076] Like the first embodiment, this modification can also
restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field.
[0077] In this modification, as the spin torque oscillator 26, it
is possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the electrode
layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate
layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the
electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
parallel to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin
torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG. 4.
It is also possible to employ a spin torque oscillator having the
electrode layer 26.sub.5, the oscillator layer 26.sub.4, the
intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and
the electrode layer 26.sub.1 stacked in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the
spin torque oscillator 26 by the electromagnet 28, as shown in FIG.
6.
Fourth Modification
[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a
cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and
a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction
(the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the
surface of the magnetic recording medium and is parallel to the
moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic
head of this modification differs from the first embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, in that the writing head unit 20 is replaced
with a writing head unit 20A of a single-pole structure. In this
writing head unit 20A, the return yoke 24 of the first embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 is replaced with a return yoke 24A that does
not have the front portion (the shield) 24b. Accordingly, in this
modification, the cross section taken along the plane in a
direction (the track width direction) that is perpendicular to the
air bearing surface and is perpendicular to the moving direction of
the magnetic recording medium is exactly the same as the cross
section of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2.
[0079] In a magnetic recording head having a conventional
single-pole structure, a perpendicular recording magnetic field is
generated immediately below the main magnetic pole, but an
insufficient diagonal recording magnetic field is generated in the
magnetic recording medium. Therefore, it is preferable that a
return yoke (a shield) is placed in the vicinity of the main
magnetic pole. In a case where the electromagnet 28 is placed in
the vicinity of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification
(see FIG. 2), however, the in-plane magnetic field generated from
the two magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 is combined with the
perpendicular recording magnetic field generated from the main
magnetic pole 22, and a diagonal recording magnetic field is
generated within the magnetic recording medium 100 accordingly.
With this arrangement, the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field
and the diagonal recording magnetic field can be combined with each
other within the medium, without the return path (the shield) 24b.
In a magnetic recording operation utilizing such a diagonal
recording magnetic field, recording can be performed with a smaller
magnetic field than the normal coercivity of the magnetic recording
medium 100.
[0080] Like the first embodiment, this modification can also
restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field.
Fifth Modification
[0081] FIG. 13 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a
cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and
a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction
(the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the
surface of the magnetic recording medium and is parallel to the
moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. The magnetic
head of this modification differs from the magnetic head of the
fourth modification shown in FIG. 12, in that the writing head unit
20A is replaced with a writing head unit 20B having the spin torque
oscillator 26 placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole
22. Accordingly, the electromagnet 28 is also placed on the leading
side of the main magnetic pole 22.
[0082] In a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency
assisted magnetic field, writing is performed at the portion at
which the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated from the
spin torque oscillator 26 is combined with the recording magnetic
field generated from the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, in a
magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted
magnetic field, the magnetization information in the recording area
with respect to the recording magnetic field generated from the
main magnetic pole 22 is more stable than in a conventional
magnetic recording operation. Thus, the spin torque oscillator 26
can be placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22 as
in this modification.
[0083] In this modification, the electromagnetic coils 28b of the
electromagnet 28 may be designed to surround the two portions of
the magnetic core 28a perpendicular to the air bearing surface of
the spin torque oscillator, as shown in FIG. 14. Alternatively, the
electromagnetic coil 28b may be designed to surround the portion of
the magnetic core 28a that is the furthest away from the air
bearing surface of the spin torque oscillator and is parallel to
the air bearing surface, as shown in FIG. 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are
cross-sectional views of magnetic heads in accordance with this
modification, taken along a plane in a direction (the track width
direction) that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface of the
spin torque oscillator and is perpendicular to the moving direction
of the magnetic recording medium.
[0084] Like the first embodiment, this modification can also
restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field.
Second Embodiment
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 18, a magnetic head in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is
described.
[0086] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of
this embodiment and a magnetic recording medium, taken along a
plane in a direction (the track longitudinal direction) that is
perpendicular to the air bearing surface and is parallel to the
moving direction of the magnetic recording medium. FIGS. 17 and 18
are perspective views showing first and second specific examples of
the spin torque oscillator of the magnetic head of this
embodiment.
[0087] In a magnetic head of the first embodiment, a bias magnetic
field is applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the
electromagnet 28. In the magnetic head of this embodiment, however,
a bias magnetic field is applied by hard bias film, instead of the
electromagnet 28. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, in the
magnetic head of this embodiment, the writing head unit 20 of the
first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a writing head
unit 20C that does not have the electromagnet 28. Instead of the
electromagnet 28, a hard bias film 30 is provided outside the
electrodes 26, and 26.sub.5 of the spin torque oscillator 26, and a
bias layer 26.sub.6 is provided between the electrode 26.sub.5 and
the oscillator layer 26.sub.4 of the spin torque oscillator 26, as
shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Accordingly, the spin torque oscillator
26 includes the electrode 25.sub.1, the spin injection layer
26.sub.2, the intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the oscillator layer
26.sub.4, the bias layer 26.sub.6, and the electrode 26.sub.5.
[0088] The method of applying a bias magnetic field to the spin
torque oscillator 26 by virtue of the hard bias film 30 as in this
embodiment has the advantage that the resultant structure is simple
and is easier to produce than a structure with an electromagnet.
The bias layer 26.sub.6 of the spin torque oscillator 26 reinforces
the magnetic field of the hard bias film 30, and is used to
increase the magnetization of the oscillation layer 26.sub.4 and
the spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and to increase the effective
magnetic field in the track width direction by virtue of strong
exchange coupling. Accordingly, if the bias magnetic field
generated by the hard bias film 30 is sufficient, the bias layer
26.sub.6 is not necessary.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 17, in the first specific example of the
spin torque oscillator 26, the film planes of the electrode
26.sub.5, the bias layer 26.sub.6, the oscillation layer 26.sub.4,
the intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the spin injection layer 26.sub.2,
and the electrode 26, are substantially perpendicular to the
recording air bearing surface and are substantially perpendicular
to the direction of the magnetic field applied to the spin torque
oscillator 26 by the hard bias film 30. The current generated from
the constant current source 70 flows in the direction of the arrow
75, and is substantially parallel to the magnetic field applied by
the hard bias film 30. In this first specific example, the
magnetization directions of the spin injection layer 26.sub.2 and
the bias layer 26.sub.6 are perpendicular to the film plane, and
are parallel to each other.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 18, in the second specific example of the
spin torque oscillator 26, the film planes of the electrode
26.sub.5, a base layer 26.sub.7, the bias layer 26.sub.6, the
oscillation layer 26.sub.4, the intermediate layer 26.sub.3, the
spin injection layer 26.sub.2, and the electrode 26.sub.1 are
substantially perpendicular to the recording air bearing surface
and are substantially parallel to the direction of the magnetic
field applied to the spin torque oscillator 26 by the hard bias
film 30. The spin injection layer 26.sub.2 has a stacked structure
in which a spin injection film 26.sub.21, an intermediate film
26.sub.22, a spin injection film 26.sub.23, and an
antiferromagnetic film 26.sub.24 are stacked in this order. The
current generated from the constant current source 70 flows in the
direction of the arrow 75, and is substantially perpendicular to
the magnetic field applied by the hard bias film 30. The base layer
26.sub.7 is a Cr film of 5 nm in film thickness. The bias film 30
is a CoPt alloy film of 20 nm in film thickness. The oscillation
layer 26.sub.4 is a stack film formed with a 2-nm thick CoFe alloy
film and a 6-nm thick NiFe alloy film. The intermediate layer
26.sub.3 is a Cu film of 2 nm in film thickness. The spin injection
film 26.sub.21 is a FeCo alloy film of 3 nm in film thickness. The
intermediate film 26.sub.22 is a Ru film of 0.8 nm in film
thickness. The spin injection film 26.sub.23 is a FeCo alloy film
of 3 nm in film thickness. The antiferromagnetic film 26.sub.24 is
an IrMn alloy film of 7 nm in film thickness. The hard bias film 30
is a stack film formed with a 5-nm thick Cr film and a 30-nm thick
CoCrPt alloy film. In this second specific example, the
magnetization directions of the spin injection film 26.sub.23, the
spin injection film 26.sub.21, and the bias layer 26.sub.6 are
parallel to the film plane, and are antiparallel to one another in
the above order. This is because the spin injection film 26.sub.21,
the intermediate film 26.sub.22, and the spin injection film
26.sub.23 form a stacked ferri-structure, and the ferromagnetic
film 26.sub.24 applies an exchange coupling magnetic field to the
spin injection film 26.sub.23 in a direction parallel to the film
plane. This is also because the base layer 26.sub.7 causes the easy
axis direction of the bias layer 26.sub.6 to be parallel to the
film plane, and magnetization is performed so that the
magnetization direction of the bias layer 26.sub.6 and the
magnetization direction of the hard bias film 30 become parallel to
the direction of the exchange coupling magnetic field generated by
the antiferromagnetic film 26.sub.24. In FIG. 18, the core width x
of the main magnetic pole 22 (the size of the main magnetic pole
that is parallel to the recording air bearing surface and is
parallel to the track width) is smaller than the core width of the
spin torque oscillator 26. This is because, since writing on the
recording medium is performed in the overlapping area of the
recording magnetic field generated from the main magnetic pole 22
and the high-frequency magnetic field generated from the spin
torque oscillator 26, the track width on the recording medium can
be determined by the smaller core width of the spin torque
oscillator 26. Further, by increasing the core width of the main
magnetic pole 22, a greater recording magnetic field can be
generated, and writing can be performed on a recording medium
having higher coercivity.
[0091] As described above, the magnetic field applied to each of
the first and second specific examples of the spin torque
oscillator 26 by the hard bias film 30 is a magnetic field in a
direction that is perpendicular to the magnetic field generated
between the main magnetic pole 22 and the shield 24b in the track
longitudinal direction (or is parallel to the track width). With
this arrangement, the oscillation frequency can be stabilized,
regardless of the direction of the writing magnetic field, as
described above.
[0092] As in the first embodiment of the present invention, the
spin injection layer 26.sub.2 and the bias layer 26.sub.6 may be
formed with materials having excellent vertical orientation,
including CoCr magnetic layers such as a CoCrPt layer, a CoCrTa
layer, a CoCrTaPt layer, and a CoCrTaNb layer, CoPt or FePt alloy
magnetic layers, and SmCo alloy magnetic layers. In this case, a
base layer may be employed so as to control the magnetization
direction of the magnetic layer to be perpendicular or parallel to
the film plane. For example, to make the magnetization direction
parallel to the film plane, it is possible to employ a nonmagnetic
transition metal such as Cr, Ta, Ti, or W, or an alloy of those
metals, or a stack film of those metals. Also, the spin injection
layer 26.sub.2 and the bias layer 26.sub.6 may be formed with
stacked structures including a ferromagnetic layer and an
antiferromagnetic layer utilizing exchange coupling. In such a
case, the ferromagnetic layer may be one of the above CoCr alloy
layers, CoPt alloy layers, FePt alloy layers, and SmCo alloy
layers, or a soft magnetic layer made of CoFe, CoNiFe, NiFe,
CoZrNb, FeN, FeSi, or FeAISi, or an alloy layer formed by adding
Al, Si, Ge, Mn, or Cr to CoFe. The antiferromagnetic layer may be
made of a material such as FeMn, NiMn, FeNiMn, FeMnRh, RhMn, CoMn,
CrMn, CrMnPt, CrMnRh, CrMnCu, CrMnPd, CrMnIr, CrMnNi, CrMnCo,
CrMnTi, PtMn, PdMn, PdPtMn, or IrMn. It is also possible to employ
a stacked ferri-structure in which a ferromagnetic film, a
nonmagnetic film, and a ferromagnetic film are stacked, or a
stacked structure in which a stacked ferri-structure and an
antiferromagnetic film are stacked. In such a case, the above
described ferromagnetic layer can be used as the ferromagnetic
films. It is preferable that a noble metal such as Cu, Pt, Au, Ag,
Pd, or Ru is used for the nonmagnetic film. Also, a nonmagnetic
transition metal such as Cr. Rh, Mo, or W can be used for the
nonmagnetic film. The above described antiferromagnetic layer may
be used for the antiferromagnetic film.
[0093] Next, modifications of this embodiment are described.
First Modification
[0094] FIG. 19 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
first modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is a
cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and
a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction
(the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the air
bearing surface and is parallel to the moving direction of the
magnetic recording medium. In the magnetic head of this
modification, the writing head unit 20C of the magnetic head of the
second embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is replaced with a writing head
unit 20D of a single-pole structure. In this writing head unit 20D,
the return yoke 24 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is
replaced with a return yoke 24A that does not have the front
portion (the shield) 24b.
[0095] In a magnetic recording head having a conventional
single-pole structure, a perpendicular recording magnetic field is
generated immediately below the main magnetic pole, but an
insufficient diagonal recording magnetic field is generated in the
magnetic recording medium. Therefore, it is preferable that a
return yoke (a shield) is placed in the vicinity of the main
magnetic pole. In a case where the electromagnet 28 is placed in
the vicinity of the main magnetic pole 22 as in this modification,
however, the in-plane magnetic field generated from the two
magnetic poles of the electromagnet 28 is combined with the
perpendicular recording magnetic field generated from the main
magnetic pole 22, and a diagonal recording magnetic pole is
generated within the magnetic recording medium 100 accordingly.
With this arrangement, the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field
and the diagonal recording magnetic field can be combined with each
other within the medium, without the return path (the shield) 24b.
In a magnetic recording operation utilizing such a diagonal
recording magnetic field, recording can be performed with a smaller
magnetic field than the normal coercivity of the magnetic recording
medium 100.
[0096] Like the second embodiment, this modification can also
restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field.
Second Modification
[0097] FIG. 20 illustrates a magnetic head in accordance with a
second modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is a
cross-sectional view of the magnetic head of this modification and
a magnetic recording medium, taken along a plane in a direction
(the track longitudinal direction) that is perpendicular to the air
bearing surface and is parallel to the moving direction of the
magnetic recording medium. The magnetic head of this modification
differs from the magnetic head of the first modification shown in
FIG. 19, in that the writing head unit 20D is replaced with a
writing head unit 20E having the spin torque oscillator 26 placed
on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22.
[0098] In a magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency
assisted magnetic field, writing is performed at the portion at
which the in-plane high-frequency magnetic field generated from the
spin torque oscillator 26 is combined with the recording magnetic
field generated from the main magnetic pole 22. Accordingly, in a
magnetic recording operation utilizing a high-frequency assisted
magnetic field, the magnetization information in the recording area
with respect to the recording magnetic field generated from the
main magnetic pole 22 is more stable than in a conventional
magnetic recording operation. Thus, the spin torque oscillator 26
can be placed on the leading side of the main magnetic pole 22 as
in this modification.
[0099] Like the second embodiment, this modification can also
restrict the variation of the spin torque oscillator frequency due
to a recording magnetic field.
[0100] As described above, each magnetic head of the first and
second embodiments and their modifications includes a main magnetic
pole (the recording magnetic pole), a spin torque oscillator formed
in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole, and an electromagnet or
a hard bias film for applying a magnetic field to the spin torque
oscillator. The bias magnetic field generated from the
electromagnet or the hard bias film is substantially perpendicular
to the direction of the magnetic field generated from the main
magnetic pole. More specifically, the magnetic poles of the
electromagnet or the hard bias film is placed along the end
portions in the track width direction, so that the bias magnetic
field generated from the magnetic poles of the electromagnet or the
hard bias film is applied in the track width direction. The
electromagnet has a structure formed by winding a coil around a
magnetic member having a closed magnetic path and a void therein. A
large magnetic field is generated in the void in a direction
perpendicular to the pole facing plane. In a case where the hard
bias film is used, it is preferable that a pair of hard bias films
are placed at the ends of the track width direction, so as to
increase the uniformity and intensity of the bias magnetic
field.
[0101] The spin torque oscillator has a stacked structure formed
with an oscillator layer, an intermediate layer, and a spin
injection layer. The spin torque oscillator also has electrodes and
a direct current source for generating a driving current required
for oscillations. In a case where the film planes of the respective
layers are parallel to the moving direction of the magnetic
recording medium, a spin injection layer having magnetization
oriented in a direction perpendicular to the film planes is used,
and a bias magnetic field is applied in the track width direction,
so as to effectively cause oscillations in the magnetization of the
oscillation layer. In a case where the film planes of the
respective layers are parallel to the track width direction, a spin
injection layer having magnetization oriented in the in-plane
direction is used, and a bias magnetic field is applied in the
track width direction, so that the magnetization of the oscillation
layer oscillate effectively.
[0102] Here, to reduce the adverse influence of the magnetic body
of the electromagnet or the magnetic field of the hard bias film on
the magnetic recording medium located immediately below the
electromagnet or the hard bias film, it is preferable that the
magnetic body of the electromagnet or the hard bias film is placed
further behind the air bearing surface, compared with the spin
torque oscillator and the recording magnetic pole.
Third Embodiment
[0103] Next, a magnetic recording and reproducing device in
accordance with the present invention is described. The magnetic
head of each of the embodiments of the present invention and their
modifications described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20 can be
incorporated into a magnetic head assembly of an integrated
recording and reproducing type, and can be mounted on a magnetic
recording and reproducing device.
[0104] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view showing the
components of such a magnetic recording device. The magnetic
recording and reproducing device 150 of this embodiment is a device
with a rotary actuator. In FIG. 21, a longitudinal-direction or
vertical-direction recording magnetic disk 200 is mounted onto a
spindle 152, and is rotated in the direction of the arrow A by a
motor (not shown) that responds to a control signal supplied from a
driving device controller (not shown). The magnetic disk 200 is a
two-layer magnetic recording medium that has a perpendicular
recording layer and a soft-magnetic backing layer. A head slider
153 that reproduces the information recorded on the magnetic disk
200 is attached to the top end of a thin-film suspension 154. Here,
the head slider 153 has a magnetic head of one of the embodiments
in the vicinity of the top end.
[0105] When the magnetic disk 200 is rotated, the air bearing
surface (ABS) of the head slider 153 is maintained at a
predetermined floating distance from the surface of the magnetic
disk 200.
[0106] The suspension 154 is connected to one end of an actuator
arm 155 that has a bobbin portion for holding a driving coil (not
shown). A voice coil motor 156 that is a kind of a linear motor is
attached to the other end of the actuator arm 155. The voice coil
motor 156 is formed with the driving coil (not shown) wound around
the bobbin portion of the actuator arm 155, and a magnetic circuit
that includes a permanent magnet and a facing yoke that face each
other and sandwich the driving coil.
[0107] The actuator arm 155 is held by ball bearings (not shown)
provided at an upper portion and a lower portion of a fixed axis
157, and can freely rotate and slide by virtue of the voice coil
motor 156.
[0108] FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the top portions
of the magnetic head assembly including the actuator arm 155, seen
from the disk side. The magnetic head assembly 160 includes the
actuator arm 155 having the bobbin portion for holding the driving
coil, for example. The suspension 154 is connected to one end of
the actuator arm 155.
[0109] The head slider 153 having one of the reproducing magnetic
head described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20 is attached to the
top end of the suspension 154. The suspension 154 has lead lines
164 for the spin torque oscillator and for signal writing and
reading. The lead lines 164 are electrically connected to the
respective electrodes of the magnetic head incorporated into the
head slider 153. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 165 indicates
electrode pads of the magnetic head assembly 160.
[0110] Here, the predetermined floating distance is maintained
between the air bearing surface (ABS) of the head slider 153 and
the surface of the magnetic disk 200.
[0111] The embodiments of the present invention have been described
so far by way of specific examples. However, the present invention
is not limited to those specific examples. For example, magnetic
recording media that can be used in the present invention are not
limited to the magnetic recording medium 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to
20, and any magnetic recording medium having a recording layer and
a soft magnetic layer can be used to achieve the same effects as
the above described effects. More specifically, it is possible to
use a discrete track medium that has tracks arranged in parallel
with one another and nonmagnetic portions provided between the
adjacent tracks, or a discrete bit medium that has magnetic bits
and nonmagnetic portions provided between the magnetic bits.
[0112] Also, the materials and shapes of the components of magnetic
heads are not limited to those described as the specific examples,
and any materials and shapes that can be selected by those skilled
in the art can be used to achieve the same effects as above.
[0113] Also, magnetic recording media that can be used in magnetic
recording and reproducing devices are not limited to hard disks,
but any other magnetic recording media such as flexible disks and
magnetic cards can be used. Further, it is possible to employ a
so-called "removable"-type device from which a magnetic recording
medium can be detached.
[0114] FIGS. 23A and 23B show a specific example of a magnetic
recording medium that can be used in each of the above described
embodiments. The magnetic recording medium 201 in this specific
example is a discrete magnetic recording medium having
multiparticle magnetic discrete tracks 286 that are separated from
one another by nonmagnetic portions (or air portions) 287 and are
vertically oriented. When this medium 201 is rotated by a spindle
motor 204 and is moved in the medium running direction 285,
recorded magnetized portions 284 can be formed by a magnetic
recording head 205 mounted onto a head slider 203. The head slider
203 is attached to the top end of a suspension 202. This suspension
202 has lead lines for signal writing and reading, and the lead
lines are electrically connected to the electrodes of the magnetic
head 205 incorporated into the head slider 203.
[0115] The width (TS) of the spin oscillator in the recording track
width direction is made equal to or greater than the width (TW) of
each of the recording tracks 286 and equal to or smaller than the
recording track pitch (TP), so that a decrease in the coercivity of
the adjacent recording tracks due to the leakage high-frequency
magnetic field generated from the spin oscillator can be
effectively restricted. Accordingly, in the magnetic recording
medium in this specific example, high-frequency assisted magnetic
recording can be performed effectively only on desired recording
tracks 286.
[0116] In this specific example, a high-frequency assisted
recording device having narrow tracks and a high track density is
more readily realized than in a case where a multiparticle vertical
medium of a so-called "no-gap film type" is used. Also, in a
conventional magnetic recording head, an unwritable medium magnetic
material with high magnetic anisotropic energy (Ku), such as FePt
or SmCo, is used according to the high-frequency assisted magnetic
recording method, so as to further reduce the nanometer size of the
medium magnetic particles. In this manner, a magnetic recording
medium having a much higher line recording density in the recording
track direction (the bit direction) than a conventional magnetic
recording medium can be obtained.
[0117] FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic views showing another
example of a magnetic recording medium that can be used in each of
the above embodiments. The magnetic recording medium 201 in this
specific example is a discrete bit magnetic recording medium that
has magnetic discrete bits 288 separated from one another by a
nonmagnetic portion 287. When this medium 201 is rotated by the
spindle motor 204 and is moved in the medium running direction 285,
recorded magnetized portions 284 can be formed by the magnetic
recording head 205 mounted onto the head slider 203.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 23A through 24B, with any of the magnetic
heads of the above described embodiments, recording can be
accurately performed on the recording layer with high coercivity on
the magnetic recording medium 201 of the discrete track type or the
discrete bit type. Thus, high-density and high-speed magnetic
recording can be performed.
[0119] In this specific example, the width (TS) of the spin
oscillator in the recording track width direction is made equal to
or greater than the width (TW) of each of the recording tracks 286
and equal to or smaller than the recording track pitch (TP), so
that a decrease in the coercivity of the adjacent recording tracks
due to the leakage high-frequency magnetic field generated from the
spin oscillator can be effectively restricted. Accordingly,
high-frequency assisted magnetic recording can be performed
effectively only on desired recording tracks 286. With this
embodiment, there is a possibility that a high-frequency assisted
magnetic recording medium with a recording density of 10
Tbits/inch.sup.2 or higher can be realized by giving high magnetic
anisotropic energy (Ku) to the magnetic dots 288 and reducing the
size of the magnetic dots 288, as long as the resistance to heat
fluctuations is maintained in the usage environment.
[0120] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and
representative embodiments shown and described herein.
[0121] Accordingly, various modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive
concepts as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *