U.S. patent application number 16/995656 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for write heads configured to redirect current.
The applicant listed for this patent is Western Digital Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Muhammad ASIF BASHIR, Zhigang BAI, Venkatesh CHEMBROLU, Lijie GUAN, Michael Kuok San HO, Terence LAM, Xinjiang SHEN, Changqing SHI, Petrus Antonius VAN DER HEIJDEN, Yaguang WEI, Youfeng ZHENG, Jian-Gang ZHU.
Application Number | 20200381011 16/995656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005021611 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200381011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ASIF BASHIR; Muhammad ; et
al. |
December 3, 2020 |
WRITE HEADS CONFIGURED TO REDIRECT CURRENT
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to data
storage devices, and more specifically, to storage devices
employing an energy-assisted magnetic recording write head. The
write head may comprise a main pole, a trailing shield, a
conducting gap disposed between the main pole and the trailing
shield, and one or more current blockers. The conducting gap may be
conformal with the main pole. The one or more current blockers may
be configured to direct the current from the main pole to the
trailing shield through the conducting gap. The one or more current
blockers may be further configured to recess the conducting gap
away from the media facing surface. The one or more current
blockers may be configured to direct the current away from a media
facing surface of the write head.
Inventors: |
ASIF BASHIR; Muhammad; (San
Jose, CA) ; WEI; Yaguang; (Pleasanton, CA) ;
VAN DER HEIJDEN; Petrus Antonius; (Cupertino, CA) ;
SHEN; Xinjiang; (Fremont, CA) ; LAM; Terence;
(Cupertino, CA) ; BAI; Zhigang; (Fremont, CA)
; ZHENG; Youfeng; (San Jose, CA) ; SHI;
Changqing; (San Ramon, CA) ; HO; Michael Kuok
San; (Emerald Hills, CA) ; ZHU; Jian-Gang;
(San Jose, CA) ; GUAN; Lijie; (San Jose, CA)
; CHEMBROLU; Venkatesh; (Fremont, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005021611 |
Appl. No.: |
16/995656 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16450111 |
Jun 24, 2019 |
10777219 |
|
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16995656 |
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62771385 |
Nov 26, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 5/11 20130101; G11B
5/187 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G11B 5/11 20060101
G11B005/11; G11B 5/187 20060101 G11B005/187 |
Claims
1. A write head, comprising: a trailing shield; a main pole
disposed adjacent to the trailing shield; a first current blocker
disposed on the main pole, wherein the first current blocker is
disposed at a media facing surface; and a conducting gap disposed
adjacent to the first current blocker and recessed from the media
facing surface, wherein the conducting gap extends from the main
pole to the trailing shield, wherein the first current blocker is
configured to recess the conducting gap away from the media facing
surface, wherein the first current blocker comprises a first
portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the
media facing surface to the second portion, and the second portion
having a greater height than the first portion.
2. The write head of claim 1, wherein the conducting gap is
conformal with the main pole.
3. The write head of claim 1, wherein the conducting gap is
non-conformal with the main pole.
4. The write head of claim 1, wherein the first current blocker
comprises alumina.
5. The write head of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the
first current blocker is the same height as the conducting gap.
6. A storage device comprising the write head of claim 1.
7. The write head of claim 1, further comprising: a non-magnetic
metal layer disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield,
wherein the non-magnetic metal layer is recessed from the media
facing surface, wherein the non-magnetic metal layer overlaps with
a portion of the first current blocker, and wherein the
non-magnetic metal layer is disposed over the conducting gap.
8. The write head of claim 7, wherein the conducting gap is
conformal with the main pole.
9. The write head of claim 7, wherein the conducting gap is
non-conformal with the main pole.
10. A storage device comprising the write head of claim 7.
11. A write head, comprising: a main pole; a trailing shield
disposed adjacent to the main pole; a conducting gap disposed
between the main pole and the trailing shield, wherein the
conducting gap has a first end disposed at a media facing surface
and a second end opposite the media facing surface; a first current
blocker disposed on the main pole, wherein the first current
blocker is disposed at the media facing surface, and wherein the
first current blocker is shorter than the conducing gap; a
non-magnetic metal layer disposed on the main pole, wherein the
non-magnetic metal layer is recessed from the media facing surface,
and wherein the non-magnetic metal layer overlaps with a portion of
the conducting gap; a second current blocker disposed on the
non-magnetic metal layer, wherein the second current blocker is
aligned with the second end of the conducting gap; and a current
channel defined between the first current blocker and the second
current blocker.
12. The write head of claim 11, wherein the conducting gap is
conformal with the main pole.
13. The write head of claim 11, wherein the conducting gap is
non-conformal with the main pole.
14. The write head of claim 13, wherein the second end of the
conducting gap has a smaller width than the main pole.
15. The write head of claim 11, wherein the first current blocker
and the second current blocker are comprised of the same
material.
16. The write head of claim 11, wherein the conducting gap is
disposed over the first current blocker.
17. A storage device comprising the write head of claim 11.
18. A storage device, comprising: a write head, wherein the write
head comprises: a main pole; a trailing shield disposed adjacent to
the main pole; a conducting gap disposed between the main pole and
the trailing shield, wherein the conducting gap is conformal with
the main pole, and wherein the conducting gap has a first end
disposed at a media facing surface; and a non-magnetic metal layer
disposed on the main pole, wherein the non-magnetic metal layer is
recessed from the media facing surface, and wherein the
non-magnetic metal layer overlaps with a portion of the conducting
gap.
19. The storage device of claim 18, wherein the write head further
comprises a trailing gap disposed adjacent to the conducting
gap.
20. The storage device of claim 19, wherein the trailing gap and
the conducting gap comprise different materials.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/450,111 filed Jun. 24, 2019, which
application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/771,385, filed Nov. 26, 2018, each of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
data storage devices, and more specifically, to a magnetic media
drive employing a write head.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Over the past few years, various magnetic recording methods
have been studied to improve the areal density of a magnetic media
device, such as a hard disk drive (HDD). Write heads in HDDs can
have a significant effect on the overall performance and
reliability of the recording device. Write heads may be designed to
achieve specific advantages, such as improved performance, but may
consequently have a negative impact on other characteristics, such
as decreased reliability.
[0004] For example, HDD designs where a current applied through the
write head is used to write data to media, higher amounts of
current being applied to the write head cause the temperature of
the write head to increase. Due to the amount of heat being
generated, the current flowing through the write head can cause the
write head to degrade at the media facing surface (MFS). As the
main pole degrades at the MFS, the performance and reliability of
the write head decreases. As the current causes the write head to
increasingly heat up, the write head may eventually deform or break
down, rendering the write head inoperable. Thus, many write heads
are unable to handle larger amounts of current without breaking
down.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved write
head design.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
data storage devices, and more specifically, to storage devices
employing an energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) write head,
which may include a microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR)
write head. The write head may comprise a main pole, a trailing
shield, a conducting gap disposed between the main pole and the
trailing shield, and one or more current blockers. The conducting
gap may be conformal with the main pole. The one or more current
blockers may be configured to direct the current from the main pole
to the trailing shield through the conducting gap. The one or more
current blockers may be further configured to recess the conducting
gap away from the media facing surface. The one or more current
blockers may be configured to direct the current away from a media
facing surface of the write head.
[0007] In one embodiment, a write head comprises a trailing shield,
a main pole disposed adjacent to the trailing shield, and a first
current blocker disposed on the main pole. The first current
blocker is disposed at a media facing surface. A conducting gap is
disposed adjacent to the first current blocker and recessed from
the media facing surface. The conducting gap extends from the main
pole to the trailing shield. The first current blocker is
configured to recess the conducting gap away from the media facing
surface.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a write head comprises a main
pole, a trailing shield disposed adjacent to the main pole, and a
conducting gap disposed between the main pole and the trailing
shield. The conducting gap has a first end disposed at a media
facing surface and a second end opposite the media facing surface.
A first current blocker is disposed on the main pole. The first
current blocker is disposed at the media facing surface, and the
first current blocker is shorter than the conducing trailing gap. A
non-magnetic metal layer is disposed on the main pole. The
non-magnetic metal layer is recessed from the media facing surface,
and the non-magnetic metal layer overlaps with a portion of the
conducting gap. A second current blocker is disposed on the
non-magnetic metal layer. The second current blocker is aligned
with the second end of the conducting gap. A current channel is
defined between the first current blocker and the second current
blocker.
[0009] In one embodiment, a storage device comprises a write head.
The write head comprises a main pole, a trailing shield disposed
adjacent to the main pole, and a conducting gap disposed between
the main pole and the trailing shield. The conducting gap is
conformal with the main pole, and the conducting gap has a first
end disposed at a media facing surface. A non-magnetic metal layer
is disposed on the main pole, wherein the non-magnetic metal layer
is recessed from the media facing surface. The non-magnetic metal
layer overlaps with a portion of the conducting gap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a disk drive embodying this
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a fragmented, cross sectional side view through
the center of a read/write head facing the magnetic media.
[0013] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various views of a write head,
according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various views of a write head,
according to another embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of a write head,
according to yet another embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of a write head,
according to yet another embodiment.
[0017] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals
have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements
that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements
disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other
embodiments without specific recitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the
disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is
not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any
combination of the following features and elements, whether related
to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and
practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the
disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions
and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is
achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure.
Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages
are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or
limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited
in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to "the disclosure" shall not be
construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter
disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or
limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited
in a claim(s).
[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to
data storage devices, and more specifically, to storage devices
employing an energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) write head,
which may include a microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR)
write head. The write head may comprise a main pole, a trailing
shield, a conducting gap disposed between the main pole and the
trailing shield, and one or more current blockers. The conducting
gap may be conformal with the main pole. The one or more current
blockers may be configured to direct the current from the main pole
to the trailing shield through the conducting gap. The one or more
current blockers may be further configured to recess the conducting
gap away from the media facing surface. The one or more current
blockers may be configured to direct the current away from a media
facing surface of the write head.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a disk drive 100 embodying this
disclosure. As shown, at least one rotatable magnetic media 112 is
supported on a spindle 114 and rotated by a disk drive motor 118.
The magnetic recording on each disk is in the form of any suitable
patterns of data tracks, such as annular patterns of concentric
data tracks (not shown) on the magnetic media 112.
[0021] At least one slider 113 is positioned near the magnetic
media 112, each slider 113 supporting one or more magnetic head
assemblies 121. As the magnetic media rotates, the slider 113 moves
radially in and out over the media surface 122 so that the magnetic
head assembly 121 may access different tracks of the magnetic media
112 where desired data are written. Each slider 113 is attached to
an actuator arm 119 by way of a suspension 115. The suspension 115
provides a slight spring force which biases the slider 113 toward
the media surface 122. Each actuator arm 119 is attached to an
actuator means 127. The actuator means 127 as shown in FIG. 1 may
be a voice coil motor (VCM). The VCM includes a coil movable within
a fixed magnetic field, the direction and speed of the coil
movements being controlled by the motor current signals supplied by
control unit 129.
[0022] During operation of the disk drive 100, the rotation of the
magnetic media 112 generates an air bearing between the slider 113
and the media surface 122 which exerts an upward force or lift on
the slider 113. The air bearing thus counter-balances the slight
spring force of suspension 115 and supports slider 113 off and
slightly above the media 112 surface by a small, substantially
constant spacing during normal operation. The AC magnetic field
generated from the magnetic head assembly 121 lowers the coercivity
of the high-coercivity media so that the write elements of the
magnetic head assemblies 121 may correctly magnetize the data bits
in the media 112.
[0023] The various components of the disk drive 100 are controlled
in operation by control signals generated by control unit 129, such
as access control signals and internal clock signals. Typically,
the control unit 129 comprises logic control circuits, storage
means, and a microprocessor. The control unit 129 generates control
signals to control various system operations, such as drive motor
control signals on line 123 and head position and seek control
signals on line 128. The control signals on line 128 provide the
desired current profiles to optimally move and position slider 113
to the desired data track on media 112. Write and read signals are
communicated to and from write and read heads on the assembly 121
by way of recording channel 125.
[0024] The above description of a typical magnetic disk storage
system and the accompanying illustration of FIG. 1 are for
representation purposes only. It should be apparent that disk
storage systems may contain a large number of disks and actuators,
and each actuator may support a number of sliders.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a fragmented, cross sectional side view through
the center of a read/write head 200 facing the magnetic media 112.
The read/write head 200 may correspond to the magnetic head
assembly 121 described in FIG. 1. The read/write head 200 includes
a media facing surface (MFS) 212, such as an air bearing surface
(ABS), a magnetic write head 210, and a magnetic read head 211, and
is mounted such that the MFS 212 is facing the magnetic media 112.
The read/write head 200 may be an energy-assisted magnetic
recording (EAMR) head, such as a microwave-assisted magnetic
recording (MAMR) head. In FIG. 2, the magnetic media 112 moves past
the write head 210 in the direction indicated by the arrow 232 and
the read/write head 200 moves in the direction indicated by the
arrow 234.
[0026] In some embodiments, the magnetic read head 211 is a
magnetoresistive (MR) read head that includes an MR sensing element
204 located between MR shields S1 and S2. In other embodiments, the
magnetic read head 211 is a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) read
head that includes a MTJ sensing element 204 located between MR
shields S1 and S2. The magnetic fields of the adjacent magnetized
regions in the magnetic media 112 are detectable by the MR (or MTJ)
sensing element 204 as the recorded bits.
[0027] The write head 210 includes a return pole 206, a main pole
220, a trailing shield 240, and a coil 218 that excites the main
pole 220. The coil 218 may have a "pancake" structure which winds
around a back-contact between the main pole 220 and the return pole
206, instead of a "helical" structure shown in FIG. 2. A trailing
gap (not shown) and a leading gap (not shown) may be in contact
with the main pole and a leading shield (not shown) may be in
contact with the leading gap. A recording magnetic field is
generated from the main pole 220 and the trailing shield 240 helps
making the magnetic field gradient of the main pole 220 steep. The
main pole 220 may be a magnetic material such as an FeCo alloy. The
main pole 220 may include a trailing surface 222 which may be
parallel to a leading surface 236 of the trailing shield 240. The
main pole 220 may be a tapered write pole (TWP) with a trailing
edge taper (TET) configuration. In one embodiment, the main pole
220 has a saturated magnetization (Ms) of 2.4 T and a thickness of
about 300 nanometers (nm). The trailing shield 240 may be a
magnetic material such as NiFe alloy. In one embodiment, the
trailing shield 240 has an Ms of about 1.2 T.
[0028] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate various views of a write head 300,
according to one embodiment. The write head 300 may be the write
head 210 of FIG. 2. The write head 300 includes a main pole 302 and
a trailing shield 306. The main pole 302 may be the main pole 220
of FIG. 2, and the trailing shield 306 may be the trailing shield
240 of FIG. 2. The MFS 312 may be the MFS 212 of FIG. 2. The write
head 300 may be an EAMR write head such as a MAMR write head.
[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the write head
with the main pole 302 disposed at the MFS 312. The main pole 302
comprises a leading gap 320 disposed adjacent a leading shield 324
and a trailing gap 304 disposed adjacent the trailing shield 306.
The trailing gap 304 is recessed from the MFS. The trailing gap 304
may comprise a dielectric material, such as alumina. A conducting
gap 308 is disposed at the MFS 312 adjacent the trailing gap 304.
The conducting gap 308 and the trailing gap 304 may have the same
width.
[0030] The conducting gap 308 has an electrical stripe height SHe
318e having a first surface disposed at the MFS 312 and a second
surface disposed opposite the first surface. The electrical stripe
height SHe 318e of the conducting gap 308 may have a length between
about 20 nm to 150 nm, such as 100 nm. The length of the conducting
gap 308, or the electrical stripe height SHe 318e, is shorter than
the trailing gap 304. The conducting gap 308 may be comprised of
ruthenium, or any other suitable combination of thin metallic
layers. In one embodiment, the conducting gap 308 may be a spin
torque oscillator comprising one and/or more magnetic layers and
one or more non-magnetic layers, with or without a field generation
layer.
[0031] A non-magnetic metal layer 310 is recessed from the MFS 312
and is disposed between the trailing shield 306 and the trailing
gap 304 of the main pole 302. The non-magnetic metal layer 310
overlaps with a portion of the conducting gap 308. The non-magnetic
metal layer 310 may be comprised of ruthenium or gold. A magnetic
stripe height SHm 318m is defined between the MFS 312 and the
non-magnetic metal layer 310. The electrical stripe height SHe 318e
is longer than the magnetic stripe height SHm 318m.
[0032] When a voltage is applied to the write head 300, a current
is configured to flow from the main pole 302 through the conducting
gap 308 into the trailing shield 306, as shown by arrow 326. A
portion of the current may be directed to flow into the
non-magnetic metal layer 310, such as shown by arrow 328. The
portion of the current directed into the non-magnetic metal layer
310 may disperse from the non-magnetic metal layer 310 into the
trailing shield 306 the further the current flows from the MFS
312.
[0033] FIGS. 3B-3C illustrate top views of the write head 300,
according to various embodiments. In FIG. 3B, the conducting gap
308 is conformal with the main pole 302 such that the conducting
gap 308 and the main pole 302 have substantially the same shape.
The conducting gap 308 may be tapered with the main pole 302. In
FIG. 3C, the conducting gap 308 is non-conformal with the main pole
302. In other words, the conducting gap 308 and the main pole 302
have different shapes, with the conducting gap 308 being smaller in
width or size than the main pole 302. The main pole 302 may be
tapered while the conducting gap 308 may have a rectangular
shape.
[0034] The write head 300 is capable of operating at higher
currents while maintaining a low resistance and a low temperature
rise. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3B with the write head
300 having a conformal conducting gap 308, the write head 300 has a
maximum temperature of less than about 150 degrees Celsius when a
current of 30 amperes is applied.
[0035] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various views of a write head 400,
according to another embodiment. The write head 400 may be the
write head 210 of FIG. 2. The write head 400 includes a main pole
402 and a trailing shield 406. The main pole 402 may be the main
pole 220 of FIG. 2, and the trailing shield 306 may be the trailing
shield 240 of FIG. 2. The MFS 412 may be the MFS 212 of FIG. 2. The
write head 400 may be an EAMR write head such as a MAMR write
head.
[0036] FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the write head
400 with the main pole 402 disposed at the MFS 412. The main pole
402 comprises a leading gap 420 disposed adjacent a leading shield
424 and a trailing gap 404 disposed adjacent the trailing shield
406. The trailing gap 404 is recessed from the MFS 412. The
trailing gap 404 may comprise a dielectric material, such as
alumina.
[0037] A conducting gap 408 is disposed at the MFS 412 adjacent the
trailing gap 404. The conducting gap 408 may have an "L-like shape"
such that a first portion of the conducting gap 408 has the same
width as the trailing gap 404 and a second portion of the
conducting gap has smaller width than the trailing gap 404. The
conducting gap 408 has an electrical stripe height SHe 418e having
a first surface disposed at the MFS 412 and a second surface
disposed opposite the first surface. The electrical stripe height
SHe 418e of the conducting gap 408 may have a length between about
20 nm to 150 nm, such as 100 nm. The length of the conducting gap
408, or the electrical stripe height SHe 418, is shorter than the
trailing gap 404. The conducting gap 408 may be comprised of
ruthenium, or any other suitable combination of thin metallic
layers. In one embodiment, the conducting gap 408 may be a spin
torque oscillator comprising one and/or more magnetic layers and
one or more non-magnetic layers, with or without a field generation
layer.
[0038] A non-magnetic metal layer 410 is recessed from the MFS and
is disposed between the trailing shield 406 and the trailing gap
404 of the main pole 402. The non-magnetic metal layer 410 overlaps
with a portion of the conducting gap 408. The non-magnetic metal
layer 410 may be comprised of ruthenium or gold. A magnetic stripe
height SHm 418m is defined between the MFS 412 and the non-magnetic
metal layer 410. The electrical stripe height SHe 418e is longer
than the magnetic stripe height SHm 418m.
[0039] A first current blocker 414 is disposed at the MFS 412
between the main pole 402 and the conducting gap 408. The first
current blocker 414 has a length shorter than the conducting gap
408. The conducting gap 408 overlaps the first current blocker 414.
A second current blocker 416 is disposed between the non-magnetic
metal layer 410 and the trailing shield 406. The second current
blocker 416 is recessed from the MFS 412, and is recessed further
from the MFS 412 than the non-magnetic metal layer 410 such that
the second current blocker 416 has a length shorter than the
non-magnetic metal layer 410. In one embodiment, the second current
blocker 416 has a width between about 2 nm to 10 nm, such as 5 nm.
The first current blocker 414 and the second current blocker 416
may be comprised of the same material, such as alumina.
[0040] When a voltage is applied to the write head 400, a current
is configured to flow from the main pole 402 into the trailing
shield 406 through a current channel 422. The current channel 422
comprises a portion of the conducting gap 408, and is defined
between the first current blocker 414 and the second current
blocker 416. The current channel 422 further illustrates the flow
of the current. A portion of the current may be directed to flow
into the non-magnetic metal layer 410, as shown by arrow 428. The
second current blocker 416 being disposed on the non-magnetic layer
410 prevents the current from flowing from the non-magnetic layer
410 into the trailing shield 406 as the current is directed to flow
away from the MFS 412. Furthermore, the first current blocker 414
being disposed at the MFS 412 prevents the current from flowing to
or near the MFS 412, which reduces the amount of heat generated at
the MFS 412. Reducing the amount of heat generated at the MFS 412
helps prevent the main pole 402 from degrading at the MFS 412,
prolonging the life of the main pole 402.
[0041] FIGS. 4B-4C illustrate top views of the write head 400,
according to various embodiments. In FIG. 4B, the conducting gap
408 is conformal with the main pole 402 such that the conducting
gap 408 and the main pole 402 have substantially the same shape.
The conducting gap 408 may be tapered with the main pole 402. In
FIG. 4C, the conducting gap 408 is non-conformal with the main pole
402. In other words, the conducting gap 408 and the main pole 402
have different shapes, with the conducting gap 408 being smaller in
width or size than the main pole 402. The main pole 402 may be
tapered while the conducting gap 408 may have a rectangular
shape.
[0042] The write head 400 is capable of operating at higher
currents while maintaining a low resistance and a low temperature
rise. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4B with the write head
400 having a conformal conducting gap 408, the write head 400 has a
maximum temperature of less than approximately 200 degrees Celsius
when a current of 30 amperes is applied.
[0043] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of a write head 500,
according to another embodiment. The write head 500 may be the
write head 210 of FIG. 2. The write head 500 includes a main pole
502 and a trailing shield 506. The main pole 502 may be the main
pole 220 of FIG. 2, and the trailing shield 506 may be the trailing
shield 240 of FIG. 2. The MFS 512 may be the MFS 212 of FIG. 2. The
write head 500 may be an EAMR write head, such as a MAMR write
head.
[0044] FIG. 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the write head
500 with the main pole 502 disposed at the MFS 512. The main pole
502 comprises a leading gap 520 disposed adjacent the leading
shield 524 and a trailing gap 504 disposed adjacent a trailing
shield 506. The trailing gap 504 is recessed from the MFS 512. The
trailing gap 504 may comprise a dielectric material, such as
alumina. A non-magnetic metal layer 510 is recessed from the MFS
512 and is disposed between the trailing shield 506 and the
trailing gap 504 of the main pole 502. The non-magnetic layer 510
overlaps the conducting gap 508 and has a greater length than the
trailing gap 504. The non-magnetic metal layer 510 may be comprised
of ruthenium or gold. A magnetic stripe height SHm 518m is defined
between the MFS 512 and the non-magnetic metal layer 510.
[0045] A first current blocker 514 is disposed at the MFS 512
extending between the main pole 502 and the trailing shield 506.
The first current blocker 514 is adjacent the trailing gap 504. The
first current blocker 514 may be comprised of alumina. A conducting
gap 508 is disposed between the first current blocker 514 and the
trailing gap 504. The conducting gap 508 and the trailing gap 504
may have the same width. The first current blocker 514 is
configured to recess the conducting gap 508 from the MFS 512. The
conducting gap 508 has an electrical stripe height SHe 518e having
a first surface recessed from the MFS 512 and a second surface
disposed opposite the first surface. The electrical stripe height
SHe 518e of the conducting gap 508 may have a length between about
20 nm to 150 nm, such as 100 nm. The length of the conducting gap
508, or the electrical stripe height SHe 518e, is shorter than the
trailing gap 504. The electrical stripe height SHe 518e is longer
than the magnetic stripe height SHm 518m. The conducting gap 508
may be comprised of ruthenium, or any other suitable combination of
thin metallic layers. In one embodiment, the conducting gap 508 may
be a spin torque oscillator comprising one or more magnetic layers
and/or one or more non-magnetic layers, with or without a field
generation layer.
[0046] When a voltage is applied to the write head 500, a current
is configured to flow from the main pole through the conducting gap
508 into the trailing shield 506, as shown by arrow 526. A portion
of the current may be directed to flow into the non-magnetic metal
layer 510, as shown by arrow 528. The portion of the current
directed into the non-magnetic metal layer 510 may disperse from
the non-magnetic metal layer 510 into the trailing shield 506 the
further the current flows from the MFS 512. Furthermore, the first
current blocker 514 being disposed at the MFS 512 prevents the
current from flowing to or near the MFS 512, which reduces the
amount of heat generated at the MFS 512. Reducing the amount of
heat generated at the MFS 512 helps prevent the main pole 502 from
degrading at the MFS 512, prolonging the life of the main pole
502.
[0047] FIGS. 5B-5C illustrate top views of the write head 500,
according to various embodiments. In FIG. 5B, the conducting gap
508 and the first current blocker 514 are conformal with the main
pole 502 such that the conducting gap 508 and the main pole 502
have substantially the same shape. The conducting gap 508 and the
first current blocker 514 may be tapered with the main pole 502. In
FIG. 5C, the conducting gap 508 is non-conformal with the main pole
502. In other words, the conducting gap 508 and the main pole 502
have different shapes, with the conducting gap 508 being smaller in
width or size than the main pole 502. The main pole 502 may be
tapered while the conducting gap 508 may have a rectangular
shape.
[0048] The write head 500 is capable of operating at higher
currents while maintaining a low resistance and a low temperature
rise. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5B with the write head
500 having a conformal conducting gap 508, the write head 500 has a
maximum temperature of less than approximately 100 degrees Celsius
when a current of 30 amperes is applied.
[0049] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate various views of a write head 600,
according to another embodiment. The write head 600 may be the
write head 210 of FIG. 2. The write head 600 includes a main pole
602 and a trailing shield 606. The main pole 602 may be the main
pole 220 of FIG. 2, and the trailing shield 606 may be the trailing
shield 240 of FIG. 2. The MFS 612 may be the MFS 212 of FIG. 2. The
write head 600 may be an EAMR write head such as a MAMR write
head.
[0050] FIG. 6A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the write head
600 with the main pole 602 disposed at the MFS 612. The main pole
602 comprises a leading gap 620 disposed adjacent a leading shield
624 and a trailing gap 604 disposed adjacent the trailing shield
606. The trailing gap 604 is recessed from the MFS 612. The
trailing gap 604 may comprise a dielectric material, such as
alumina.
[0051] A first current blocker 614 is disposed at the MFS 612
extending between the main pole 602 and the trailing shield 606.
The first current blocker 614 is adjacent the trailing gap 604. The
first current blocker 614 may be comprised of alumina. A conducting
gap 608 is disposed between the first current blocker 614 and the
trailing gap 604. The first current blocker 614 is configured to
recess the conducting gap 608 from the MFS 612. The first current
blocker 614 may have an "L-like" shape, where a horizontal first
portion 614a is longer and thinner than a vertical second portion
614b. The second portion 614b of the first current blocker 614 may
be the same height as the conducting gap 608. A magnetic stripe
height SHm 618m is defined between the MFS 412 and the second
portion 614b of the first current blocker 614. The conducting gap
608 has an electrical stripe height SHe 618e having a first surface
recessed from the MFS 612 and a second surface disposed opposite
the first surface. The electrical stripe height SHe 618e of the
conducting gap 608 may have a length between about 20 nm to 150 nm,
such as 100 nm. The length of the conducting gap 608, or the
electrical stripe height SHe 618e, is shorter than the trailing gap
604. The electrical stripe height SHe 618e is longer than the
magnetic stripe height SHm 618m. The conducting gap 608 may be
comprised of ruthenium, or any other suitable combination of thin
metallic layers. In one embodiment, the conducting gap 608 may be a
spin torque oscillator comprising one or more magnetic layers
and/or one or more non-magnetic layers, with or without a field
generation layer.
[0052] When a voltage is applied to the write head 600, a current
is configured to flow from the main pole through the conducting gap
608 into the trailing shield 606, as shown by arrow 626. The first
current blocker 614 blocks the current from flowing to or near the
MFS 612, which reduces the amount of heat generated at the MFS 612.
Reducing the amount of heat generated at the MFS 612 helps prevent
the main pole 602 from degrading at the MFS 612, prolonging the
life of the main pole 602.
[0053] FIGS. 6B-6C illustrate top views of the write head 600,
according to various embodiments. In FIG. 6B, the conducting gap
608 and the first current blocker 614 are conformal with the main
pole 602 such that the conducting gap 608 and the main pole 602
have substantially the same shape. The conducting gap 608 and the
first current blocker 614 may be tapered with the main pole 602. In
FIG. 6C, the conducting gap 608 is non-conformal with the main pole
602. In other words, the conducting gap 608 and the main pole 602
have different shapes, with the conducting gap 608 being smaller in
width or size than the main pole 602. The main pole 602 may be
tapered while the conducting gap 608 may have a rectangular
shape.
[0054] The write head 600 is capable of operating at higher
currents while maintaining a low resistance and a low temperature
rise. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6B with the write head
600 having a conformal conducting gap 608, the write head 600 has a
maximum temperature of less than 200 degrees Celsius when a current
of 30 amperes is applied.
[0055] The performance and reliability of each of the write heads
300, 400, 500, and 600 is increased, as the write heads 300, 400,
500, and 600 are capable of operating with higher currents without
increasing the resistance or temperature, and without the main pole
degrading. Thus, the write heads 300, 400, 500, and 600 may have
lower resistances and lower temperature increases in response to
greater amounts of current being applied. Additionally, the
electrical and magnetic stripe heights of the write heads 300, 400,
500, and 600 are decoupled to enhance current driven effects
without compromising performance. Furthermore, each of the write
heads 300, 400, 500, and 600 results in a higher bits per inch and
areal density capacity being achieved.
[0056] In one embodiment, a write head comprises a trailing shield,
a main pole disposed adjacent to the trailing shield, and a first
current blocker disposed on the main pole. The first current
blocker is disposed at a media facing surface. A conducting gap is
disposed adjacent to the first current blocker and recessed from
the media facing surface. The conducting gap extends from the main
pole to the trailing shield. The first current blocker is
configured to recess the conducting gap away from the media facing
surface.
[0057] The conducting gap may be conformal with the main pole. The
conducting gap may be non-conformal with the main pole. The first
current blocker may comprise a first portion and a second portion,
the first portion extending from the media facing surface to the
second portion, and the second portion having a greater height than
the first portion. The second portion of the first current blocker
may be the same height as the conducting gap. A storage device may
comprise the write head.
[0058] A non-magnetic metal layer may be disposed between the main
pole and the trailing shield. The non-magnetic metal layer may be
recessed from the media facing surface. The non-magnetic metal
layer may overlap with a portion of the first current blocker, and
the non-magnetic metal layer is disposed over the conducting gap.
The conducting gap may be conformal with the main pole. The
conducting gap may be non-conformal with the main pole. A storage
device may comprise the write head.
[0059] In yet another embodiment, a write head comprises a main
pole, a trailing shield disposed adjacent to the main pole, and a
conducting gap disposed between the main pole and the trailing
shield. The conducting gap has a first end disposed at a media
facing surface and a second end opposite the media facing surface.
A first current blocker is disposed on the main pole. The first
current blocker is disposed at the media facing surface, and the
first current blocker is shorter than the conducing gap. A
non-magnetic metal layer is disposed on the main pole. The
non-magnetic metal layer is recessed from the media facing surface,
and the non-magnetic metal layer overlaps with a portion of the
conducting gap. A second current blocker is disposed on the
non-magnetic metal layer. The second current blocker is aligned
with the second end of the conducting gap. A current channel is
defined between the first current blocker and the second current
blocker.
[0060] The conducting gap may be conformal with the main pole. The
conducting gap may be non-conformal with the main pole. The second
end of the conducting gap may have a smaller width than the main
pole. The first current blocker and the second current blocker may
be comprised of the same material. The first current blocker and
the second current blocker may be comprised of alumina. The
conducting gap may be disposed over the first current blocker. A
storage device may comprise the write head.
[0061] In one embodiment, a storage device comprises a write head.
The write head comprises a main pole, a trailing shield disposed
adjacent to the main pole, and a conducting gap disposed between
the main pole and the trailing shield. The conducting gap is
conformal with the main pole, and the conducting gap has a first
end disposed at a media facing surface. A non-magnetic metal layer
is disposed on the main pole, wherein the non-magnetic metal layer
is recessed from the media facing surface. The non-magnetic metal
layer overlaps with a portion of the conducting gap.
[0062] The write head may further comprise a trailing gap disposed
adjacent to the conducting gap. The trailing gap and the conducting
gap may comprise different materials.
[0063] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *