Magnetic head and magnetic recording device

Abstract

To provide a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device capable of improving characteristics.SOLUTION: A magnetic head 110 includes a reproducing unit 70. The reproducing unit 70 includes a first shield 41, a second shield 42, a third shield 43, a fourth shield 44, a first magnetic layer 11, a first intermediate layer 61, and a second intermediate layer 62. A second direction D2 from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44 intersects with a first direction D1 from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42. The first magnetic layer 11 is provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 and between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. The first intermediate layer 61 is provided between the first shield 41 and the first magnetic layer 11 and is non-magnetic. The second intermediate layer 62 is provided between the first magnetic layer 11 and the second shield 42 and is non-magnetic. A second intermediate layer length L62 along the second direction D2 of the second intermediate layer 62 is shorter than a first intermediate layer length L61 along the second direction of the first intermediate layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] By using a magnetic head including a magnetic sensor using a magnetic layer, information is recorded on a magnetic recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. It is desirable to improve the characteristics of the magnetic head. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,576,948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device capable of improving characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the magnetic head includes a reproducing section. The reproducing section includes a first shield, a second shield, a third shield, a fourth shield, a first magnetic layer, a first intermediate layer, and a second intermediate layer. A second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects with a first direction from the first shield to the second shield. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first shield and the second shield and between the third shield and the fourth shield. The first intermediate layer is provided between the first shield and the first magnetic layer and is nonmagnetic. The second intermediate layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second shield and is nonmagnetic. A second intermediate layer length of the second intermediate layer along the second direction is shorter than a first intermediate layer length of the first intermediate layer along the second direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic head and the magnetic recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios of each part may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous drawings are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 1, the magnetic head 110 according to the embodiment includes a reproducing section 70. The reproducing section 70 includes a first shield 41, a second shield 42, a third shield 43, a fourth shield 44, a first magnetic layer 11, a first intermediate layer 61, and a second intermediate layer 62.

[0009] A second direction D2 from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44 intersects with a first direction D1 from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42.

[0010] In this example, the first direction D1 is the X-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is the Z-axis direction. The second direction D2 is, for example, the Y-axis direction.

[0011] The first magnetic layer 11 is provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 and between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. The first intermediate layer 61 is provided between the first shield 41 and the first magnetic layer 11. The first intermediate layer 61 is nonmagnetic. The second intermediate layer 62 is provided between the first magnetic layer 11 and the second shield 42. The second intermediate layer 62 is nonmagnetic.

[0012] The length of the second intermediate layer 62 along the second direction D2 is defined as a second intermediate layer length L62. The length of the first intermediate layer 61 along the second direction D2 is defined as a first intermediate layer length L61. The second intermediate layer length L62 is shorter than the first intermediate layer length L61.

[0013] 1, in one example, the playback unit 70 includes a first terminal 51, a second terminal 52, a third terminal 53, and a fourth terminal 54. The first terminal 51 is electrically connected to the first shield 41. The second terminal 52 is electrically connected to the second shield 42. The third terminal 53 is electrically connected to the third shield 43. The fourth terminal 54 is electrically connected to the fourth shield 44.

[0014] For example, a first circuit 75a and a second circuit 75b may be provided. The first circuit 75a is electrically connected to the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52. The second circuit 75b is electrically connected to the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. In one example, the second circuit 75b supplies a current between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. The current passes through the third shield 43, the first magnetic layer 11, and the fourth shield 44. At this time, for example, the voltage between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52 changes according to the magnetic field Hx to be detected. The change in voltage is considered to be caused by, for example, the anomalous Hall effect.

[0015] The change in voltage is detected by the first circuit 75a. This allows the detection of the magnetic field Hx to be detected. In this manner, the voltage between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52 when a current flows between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54 can change according to the magnetic field Hx to be detected. The magnetic field Hx to be detected is based on, for example, information recorded on a magnetic recording medium.

[0016] In the embodiment, the first circuit 75a and the second circuit 75b may be considered to be included in the magnetic head 110 for convenience. The first circuit 75a and the second circuit 75b may be provided separately from the magnetic head 110. These circuits may be included in the magnetic recording device. The first circuit 75a includes, for example, a voltmeter. The second circuit 75b includes, for example, a current source.

[0017] In the embodiment, the first intermediate layer 61 and the second intermediate layer 62 as described above are provided. There is a possibility that a current passes through these intermediate layers, not only through the first magnetic layer 11. The current passing through these intermediate layers (leakage current or sneak current) does not contribute to a change in voltage. The current passing through these intermediate layers reduces the detection sensitivity. By shortening the length of these intermediate layers, the influence of the leakage current flowing through the intermediate layers can be reduced. On the other hand, by providing these intermediate layers, a good low electrical resistance can be obtained when detecting the voltage, and for example, the influence of noise can be reduced.

[0018] In the embodiment, the second intermediate layer length L62 of the second intermediate layer 62 is shorter than the first intermediate layer length L61 of the first intermediate layer 61. This suppresses leakage current. The increase in electrical resistance is suppressed. According to the embodiment, high detection sensitivity is obtained. High accuracy detection is obtained. According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a magnetic head with improved characteristics.

[0019] In this manner, in the embodiment, an asymmetric configuration is applied to the first intermediate layer 61 and the second intermediate layer 62. The asymmetric configuration is easy to manufacture, and a practical magnetic head 110 can be provided.

[0020] 1, the length of the first magnetic layer 11 along the second direction D2 is defined as the first magnetic layer length L11. The first magnetic layer length L11 is preferably between the first intermediate layer length L61 and the second intermediate layer length L62. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress leakage current.

[0021] As described above, the first magnetic layer 11 has, for example, the anomalous Hall effect. For example, the first magnetic layer 11 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Co2MnGa, CoMnAl, and FePt. These materials can effectively obtain the anomalous Hall effect.

[0022] In one example, at least one of the first intermediate layer 61 and the second intermediate layer 62 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Au, Ag, Pt, Al, Pd, Ta, Ru, Hf, W, Mo, Ir, Cr, Tb, and Rh. These materials can, for example, suppress the influence of spin between the shield and the first magnetic layer 11. High sensitivity is easily obtained.

[0023] 1, the reproducing section 70 may further include a third intermediate layer 63 and a fourth intermediate layer 64. The third intermediate layer 63 is provided between the third shield 43 and the first magnetic layer 11 and is nonmagnetic. The fourth intermediate layer 64 is provided between the first magnetic layer 11 and the fourth shield 44 and is nonmagnetic.

[0024] The length of the third intermediate layer 63 along the first direction D1 is the third intermediate layer length L63. The length of the first magnetic layer 11 along the first direction D1 is the first magnetic layer thickness T11. For example, the third intermediate layer length L63 is shorter than the first magnetic layer thickness T11. The length of the fourth intermediate layer 64 along the first direction D1 is the fourth intermediate layer length L64. For example, the fourth intermediate layer length L64 is shorter than the first magnetic layer thickness T11. With this configuration, the influence of these intermediate layers on voltage detection is suppressed. Higher sensitivity is easily obtained.

[0025] 1, the reproducing section 70 may further include a first insulating member 31. The first insulating member 31 includes a first insulating region 31a and a second insulating region 31b. A portion of the first insulating region 31a is provided between a portion of the third shield 43 and a portion of the first magnetic layer 11. A portion of the second insulating region 31b is provided between a portion of the first magnetic layer 11 and a portion of the fourth shield 44.

[0026] 1, another portion of the first insulating region 31a is provided between the first shield 41 and the third shield 43. Another portion of the second insulating region 31b is provided between the first shield 41 and the fourth shield 44.

[0027] 1, the first insulating member 31 may further include a third insulating region 31c and a fourth insulating region 31d. A part of the third insulating region 31c is provided between a part of the first magnetic layer 11 and the second shield 42. A part of the fourth insulating region 31d is provided between another part of the first magnetic layer 11 and the second shield 42.

[0028] 1, another portion of the third insulating region 31c is provided between the third shield 43 and the second shield 42. Another portion of the fourth insulating region 31d is provided between the fourth shield 44 and the second shield 42.

[0029] In this example, the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 are provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42. The third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 overlap with the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1. The third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 do not have to overlap with the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 2, in the magnetic head 111 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the intermediate layer is different from the configuration of the intermediate layer in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 111 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

[0031] In the magnetic head 111, at least a portion of the first intermediate layer 61 is provided in the second direction D2 between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. In this magnetic head 111 as well, leakage current can be suppressed.

[0032] In the magnetic head 111, a portion of the third intermediate layer 63 extends between the first shield 41 and the third shield 43. A portion of the fourth intermediate layer 64 extends between the first shield 41 and the fourth shield .

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 3, in a magnetic head 112 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the intermediate layer is different from the configuration of the intermediate layer in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 112 may be similar to the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

[0034] In the magnetic head 112, a portion of the third insulating region 31c is provided in the second direction D2 between the third shield 43 and the first magnetic layer 11. A portion of the fourth insulating region 31d is provided in the second direction D2 between the first magnetic layer 11 and the fourth shield 44. In such a magnetic head 112, the leakage current can also be suppressed.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 4, in a magnetic head 113 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the first magnetic layer 11 differs from the configuration of the first magnetic layer 11 in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 113 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

[0036] In the magnetic head 113, the first magnetic layer 11 includes a first side surface 11a facing the third intermediate layer 63. The first side surface 11a is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The first magnetic layer 11 includes a second side surface 11b facing the fourth intermediate layer 64. The second side surface 11b is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The length of the first magnetic layer 11 along the second direction D2 decreases in the direction from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42. In such a magnetic head 113, leakage current can be further suppressed.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 5, in the magnetic head 114 according to the embodiment, the first intermediate layer 61 and the second intermediate layer 62 have different lengths in the Z-axis direction. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 114 may be similar to that of the magnetic head 110, etc.

[0038] In the magnetic head 114, the length 62h of the second intermediate layer 62 along the third direction D3 is shorter than the length 61h of the first intermediate layer 61 along the third direction D3. The third direction D3 intersects with a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 may be, for example, the Z-axis direction. In such a magnetic head 114, leakage current can also be suppressed.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5, the length 11h of the first magnetic layer 11 along the third direction D3 may be between the length 62h of the second intermediate layer 62 along the third direction D3 and the length 61h of the first intermediate layer 61 along the third direction D3.

[0040] 5, the reproducing section 70 may further include a second insulating member 32. The second insulating member 32 is provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42. The direction from the first intermediate layer 61 to the second insulating member 32 is along the third direction D3. The direction from the first magnetic layer 11 to the second insulating member 32 is along the third direction D3. The direction from the second intermediate layer 62 to the second insulating member 32 is along the third direction D3.

[0041] 5, for example, the first shield 41 includes a medium facing surface 70f. The second insulating member 32 is separated from the medium facing surface 70f in the third direction D3.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 6, in the magnetic head 114a according to the embodiment, the configuration of the first magnetic layer 11 is different from that in the magnetic head 114. The remaining configuration of the magnetic head 114a may be the same as that of the magnetic head 114. In the magnetic head 114a, the first magnetic layer 11 protrudes based on the side surface of the first intermediate layer 61 and the side surface of the second intermediate layer 62. In the magnetic head 114a, leakage current can also be suppressed.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 7, in the magnetic head 114b according to the embodiment, the configuration of the first magnetic layer 11 is different from that in the magnetic head 114. The remaining configuration of the magnetic head 114b may be the same as that of the magnetic head 114. In the magnetic head 114b, the first magnetic layer 11 protrudes based on the side surface of the first intermediate layer 61 and the side surface of the second intermediate layer 62. In the magnetic head 114b, the length of the first magnetic layer 11 along the third direction D3 is substantially constant. In such a magnetic head 114b, the leakage current can also be suppressed.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 8, in a magnetic head 115 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the intermediate layer is different from that of the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 115 may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, in the magnetic head 115, the first intermediate layer 61 includes a first metal layer 61m and a first compound layer 61c. The first compound layer 61c is provided between the first metal layer 61m and the first magnetic layer 11. The first compound layer 61c includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN, for example. The first metal layer 61m includes a metal. In such a first intermediate layer 61, a current path with appropriate electrical resistance is easily obtained. For example, leakage current can be more effectively suppressed.

[0046] The second intermediate layer 62 includes a second metal layer 62m and a second compound layer 62c. The second compound layer 62c is provided between the first magnetic layer 11 and the second metal layer 62m. The second compound layer 62c includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN, for example. The second metal layer 62m includes a metal. In such a second intermediate layer 62, a current path with appropriate electrical resistance is easily obtained. For example, leakage current can be more effectively suppressed.

[0047] The third intermediate layer 63 may include a third metal layer 63m and a third compound layer 63c. The third compound layer 63c is provided between the third metal layer 63m and the first magnetic layer 11. The third compound layer 63c includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN, for example. The third metal layer 63m includes a metal. In such a third intermediate layer 63, a current path with appropriate electrical resistance is easily obtained. For example, leakage current can be more effectively suppressed.

[0048] The fourth intermediate layer 64 includes a fourth metal layer 64m and a fourth compound layer 64c. The fourth compound layer 64c is provided between the first magnetic layer 11 and the fourth metal layer 64m. The fourth compound layer 64c includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN, for example. The fourth metal layer 64m includes a metal. In such a third intermediate layer 63, a current path with appropriate electrical resistance is easily obtained. For example, leakage current can be more effectively suppressed.

[0049] At least one of the first metal layer 61m, the second metal layer 62m, the third metal layer 63m, and the fourth metal layer 64m includes at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, Cu, Au, Ag, Pt, Al, Pd, Ta, Ru, Hf, W, Mo, Ir, Cr, Tb, and Rh. For example, the effect of spin can be suppressed.

[0050] The electrical resistivity of the first compound layer 61c is preferably more than 1 time and not more than 5 times the electrical resistivity of the first magnetic layer 11. A high shunt suppression effect can be obtained by making the electrical resistivity of the first compound layer 61c more than 1 time the electrical resistivity of the first magnetic layer 11. When the electrical resistivity of the first compound layer 61c is 5 times or more the electrical resistivity of the first magnetic layer 11, for example, noise increases and the signal-to-noise ratio is likely to decrease.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the magnetic head according to the first embodiment. 9, in a magnetic head 116 according to the embodiment, the circuit connections are different from the configuration in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 116 may be similar to the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

[0052] In the magnetic head 116, the first circuit 75a is electrically connected to the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. The second circuit 75b is electrically connected to the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52. In the magnetic head 116, the voltage between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54 when a current flows between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52 can change according to the magnetic field Hx to be detected. The leakage current can also be suppressed in the magnetic head 116. A magnetic head with improved characteristics can be provided.

[0053] Second embodiment FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic head and the magnetic recording device according to the second embodiment. 10, a magnetic head 110 according to the embodiment includes a reproducing unit 70. The magnetic head 110 is used together with a magnetic recording medium 80. In this example, the magnetic head 110 includes a recording unit 90. The recording unit 90 of the magnetic head 110 records information on the magnetic recording medium 80. The reproducing unit 70 reproduces the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium 80.

[0054] The magnetic recording medium 80 includes, for example, a medium substrate 82 and a magnetic recording layer 81 provided on the medium substrate 82. The magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 is controlled by a recording unit 90. The recording unit 90 includes, for example, a first magnetic pole 91 and a second magnetic pole 92. The first magnetic pole 91 is, for example, a main magnetic pole. The second magnetic pole 92 is, for example, a trailing shield. The recording unit 90 may include a recording element 93. The recording element 93 may include a magnetic field control element, a high-frequency oscillation element, or the like. The recording element 93 may be omitted.

[0055] The reproducing unit 70 includes, for example, a first shield 41, a second shield 42, and a first magnetic layer 11. The third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 are omitted in Fig. 10. The reproducing unit 70 can output a signal according to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81.

[0056] 10, the magnetic recording medium 80 moves relative to the magnetic head 110 in a medium movement direction 85. The magnetic head 110 controls information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at an arbitrary position. The magnetic head 110 reproduces information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at an arbitrary position.

[0057] The X-axis direction corresponds to, for example, the down-track direction, the Y-axis direction corresponds to, for example, the cross-track direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to, for example, the high-track direction.

[0058] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a head slider. The magnetic head 110 is provided on a head slider 159. The head slider 159 includes, for example, Al2O3 / TiC, etc. The head slider 159 moves relative to the magnetic recording medium while floating above or in contact with the magnetic recording medium.

[0059] The head slider 159 has, for example, an air inflow side 159A and an air outflow side 159B. The magnetic head 110 is disposed on a side surface of the air outflow side 159B of the head slider 159. This allows the magnetic head 110 to move relative to the magnetic recording medium while floating above or in contact with the magnetic recording medium.

[0060] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. 13A and 13B are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment. The magnetic recording device may be a magnetic recording and reproducing device. As shown in FIG. 12, a rotary actuator is used in the magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment. The recording medium disk 180 is mounted on a spindle motor 180M. The recording medium disk 180 is rotated in the direction of the arrow AR by the spindle motor 180M. The spindle motor 180M responds to a control signal from a drive control unit. The magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment may include a plurality of recording medium disks 180. The magnetic recording device 150 may include a recording medium 181. The recording medium 181 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive). For example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory is used for the recording medium 181. For example, the magnetic recording device 150 may be a hybrid HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0061] The head slider 159 records and reproduces information to be recorded on the recording medium disk 180. The head slider 159 is provided at the tip of the thin-film suspension 154. Near the tip of the head slider 159, a magnetic head according to the embodiment is provided.

[0062] When the recording medium disk 180 rotates, the pressing pressure by the suspension 154 and the pressure generated at the medium facing surface (ABS) of the head slider 159 are balanced. The distance between the medium facing surface of the head slider 159 and the surface of the recording medium disk 180 is a predetermined flying height. In an embodiment, the head slider 159 may be in contact with the recording medium disk 180. For example, a contact running type may be applied.

[0063] The suspension 154 is connected to one end of an arm 155 (e.g., an actuator arm). The arm 155 has, for example, a bobbin portion. The bobbin portion holds a drive coil. A voice coil motor 156 is provided at the other end of the arm 155. The voice coil motor 156 is a type of linear motor. The voice coil motor 156 includes, for example, a drive coil and a magnetic circuit. The drive coil is wound around the bobbin portion of the arm 155. The magnetic circuit includes a permanent magnet and an opposing yoke. The drive coil is provided between the permanent magnet and the opposing yoke. The suspension 154 has one end and the other end. The magnetic head is provided at one end of the suspension 154. The arm 155 is connected to the other end of the suspension 154.

[0064] Arm 155 is held by a ball bearing. The ball bearings are provided at two locations, above and below bearing portion 157. Arm 155 can rotate and slide by voice coil motor 156. The magnetic head can be moved to any position on recording medium disk 180.

[0065] FIG. 13A illustrates a partial configuration of the magnetic recording device, and is an enlarged perspective view of a head stack assembly 160. FIG. FIG. 13B is a perspective view illustrating a magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly: HGA) 158 which is a part of the head stack assembly 160.

[0066] 13(a), the head stack assembly 160 includes a bearing portion 157, a head gimbal assembly 158, and a support frame 161. The head gimbal assembly 158 extends from the bearing portion 157. The support frame 161 extends from the bearing portion 157. The extension direction of the support frame 161 is opposite to the extension direction of the head gimbal assembly 158. The support frame 161 supports a coil 162 of the voice coil motor 156.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 13( b ), the head gimbal assembly 158 has an arm 155 extending from a bearing portion 157 , and a suspension 154 extending from the arm 155 .

[0068] A head slider 159 is provided at the tip of the suspension 154. The head slider 159 is provided with a magnetic head according to the embodiment.

[0069] A magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly) 158 according to the embodiment includes a magnetic head according to the embodiment, a head slider 159 provided with the magnetic head, a suspension 154, and an arm 155. The head slider 159 is provided at one end of the suspension 154. The arm 155 is connected to the other end of the suspension 154.

[0070] The suspension 154 has, for example, lead wires (not shown) for recording and reproducing signals. The suspension 154 may have, for example, lead wires (not shown) for a heater for adjusting the flying height. The suspension 154 may have, for example, lead wires (not shown) for an oscillation element or the like. These lead wires are electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes provided on the magnetic head.

[0071] A signal processing unit 190 is provided in the magnetic recording device 150. The signal processing unit 190 uses a magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on a magnetic recording medium. The input / output lines of the signal processing unit 190 are connected to, for example, electrode pads of the head gimbal assembly 158, and are electrically connected to the magnetic head.

[0072] The magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment includes a magnetic recording medium, a magnetic head according to the embodiment, a movable unit, a position control unit, and a signal processing unit. The movable unit allows the magnetic recording medium and the magnetic head to be relatively moved while being separated from each other or in contact with each other. The position control unit aligns the magnetic head with a predetermined recording position on the magnetic recording medium. The signal processing unit records and reproduces signals on the magnetic recording medium using the magnetic head.

[0073] For example, the magnetic recording medium is a recording medium disk 180. The movable portion includes, for example, a head slider 159. The position control portion includes, for example, a head gimbal assembly 158.

[0074] The embodiments may include the following technical solutions. (Technical proposal 1) The reproducing unit includes: A first shield; A second shield; A third shield; a fourth shield, wherein a second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects with a first direction from the first shield to the second shield; and a first magnetic layer provided between the first shield and the second shield and between the third shield and the fourth shield; a first nonmagnetic intermediate layer provided between the first shield and the first magnetic layer; a non-magnetic second intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second shield; Including, a second intermediate layer length of the second intermediate layer along the second direction is shorter than a first intermediate layer length of the first intermediate layer along the second direction.

[0075] (Technical proposal 2) A magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 1, wherein a first magnetic layer length along the second direction of the first magnetic layer is between the first intermediate layer length and the second intermediate layer length.

[0076] (Technical proposal 3) The reproducing unit includes: a non-magnetic third intermediate layer provided between the third shield and the first magnetic layer; a non-magnetic fourth intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the fourth shield; Further including, a third intermediate layer length along the first direction of the third intermediate layer is shorter than a first magnetic layer thickness along the first direction of the first magnetic layer; A magnetic head described in Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein a fourth intermediate layer length along the first direction of the fourth intermediate layer is shorter than a thickness of the first magnetic layer.

[0077] (Technical proposal 4) The regenerator further includes a first insulating member, The first insulating member includes a first insulating region and a second insulating region, a portion of the first insulating region is provided between a portion of the third shield and a portion of the first magnetic layer, A magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 3, wherein a portion of the second insulating region is provided between the portion of the first magnetic layer and a portion of the fourth shield.

[0078] (Technical proposal 5) Another portion of the first insulating region is provided between the first shield and the third shield, A magnetic head as described in Technical Proposal 4, wherein another portion of the second insulating region is provided between the first shield and the fourth shield.

[0079] (Technical proposal 6) The first insulating member further includes a third insulating region and a fourth insulating region, a portion of the third insulating region is provided between a portion of the first magnetic layer and the second shield; A magnetic head described in Technical Solution 4 or 5, wherein a portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between another portion of the first magnetic layer and the second shield.

[0080] (Technical proposal 7) Another portion of the third insulating region is provided between the third shield and the second shield, A magnetic head as described in Technical Proposal 6, wherein another portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between the fourth shield and the second shield.

[0081] (Technical proposal 8) the portion of the third insulating region is provided between the third shield and the first magnetic layer in the second direction, A magnetic head described in Technical Solution 6 or 7, wherein the portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between the first magnetic layer and the fourth shield in the second direction.

[0082] (Technical proposal 9) the first magnetic layer includes a first side surface facing the third intermediate layer; The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 3 to 8, wherein the first side surface is inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0083] (Technical proposal 10) The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the first intermediate layer is provided between the third shield and the fourth shield in the second direction.

[0084] (Technical proposal 11) a length of the second intermediate layer along a third direction is shorter than a length of the first intermediate layer along the third direction; The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 10, wherein the third direction intersects with a plane including the first direction and the second direction.

[0085] (Technical proposal 12) A magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 11, wherein the length of the first magnetic layer along the third direction is between the length of the second intermediate layer along the third direction and the length of the first intermediate layer along the third direction.

[0086] (Technical proposal 13) the first intermediate layer includes a first metal layer and a first compound layer, the first compound layer is provided between the first metal layer and the first magnetic layer, The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 12, wherein the first compound layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN.

[0087] (Technical proposal 14) the second intermediate layer includes a second metal layer and a second compound layer, the second compound layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second metal layer, The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 13, wherein the second compound layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN.

[0088] (Technical proposal 15) the third intermediate layer includes a third metal layer and a third compound layer, the third compound layer is provided between the third metal layer and the first magnetic layer, the third compound layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN; the fourth intermediate layer includes a fourth metal layer and a fourth compound layer, the fourth compound layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the fourth metal layer, The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 3 to 9, wherein the fourth compound layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of MgO, MgAlO, SiO2, Al2O3, AlN, Mg3N2, HfO, and HfN.

[0089] (Technical proposal 16) The reproducing unit includes: a first terminal electrically connected to the first shield; a second terminal electrically connected to the second shield; a third terminal electrically connected to the third shield; a fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield; The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 15, further comprising:

[0090] (Technical proposal 17) A magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 16, wherein the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal when a current flows between the third terminal and the fourth terminal can change depending on the magnetic field to be detected.

[0091] (Technical proposal 18) A magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 16, wherein the voltage between the third terminal and the fourth terminal when a current flows between the first terminal and the second terminal can change depending on the magnetic field to be detected.

[0092] (Technical proposal 19) The magnetic head according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 18, wherein the first magnetic layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Co2MnGa, CoMnAl, and FePt.

[0093] (Technical proposal 20) A magnetic head according to any one of technical proposals 1 to 19; A magnetic recording medium; Equipped with The magnetic recording device, wherein the reproducing section is capable of reproducing information recorded on the magnetic recording medium.

[0094] According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device capable of improving characteristics.

[0095] In this specification, "vertical" and "parallel" do not only mean strictly vertical and strictly parallel, but also include, for example, variations in the manufacturing process, and may mean substantially vertical and substantially parallel.

[0096] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of each element included in the magnetic head and the magnetic recording device, such as the shield, magnetic layer, intermediate layer, and terminal, are included in the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a similar manner and obtain the same effects by appropriately selecting them from the known range.

[0097] Any combination of two or more elements of each embodiment, within the scope of technical feasibility, is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0098] In addition, all magnetic heads and magnetic recording devices that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by making appropriate design modifications based on the magnetic heads and magnetic recording devices described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0099] In addition, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may think of various modifications and alterations, and it will be understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 11: first magnetic layer; 11a, 11b: first, second side surface; 31, 32: first, second insulating member; 31a-31d: first to fourth insulating regions; 41-44: first to fourth shields; 51-54: first to fourth terminals; 61-64: first to fourth intermediate layers; 61c-64c: first to fourth compound layers; 61m-64m: first to fourth metal layers; 70: reproducing section; 70f: medium facing surface; 75a, 75b: first and second circuits; 80: magnetic recording medium; 81: magnetic recording layer; 82: medium substrate; 83: magnetization; 85: medium movement direction; 90: recording section; 91, 92: first and second magnetic poles; 93: recording section element; 110-116, 114a, 114b: magnetic head, 150: magnetic recording device, 154: suspension, 155: arm, 156: voice coil motor, 157: bearing portion, 158: head gimbal assembly, 159: head slider, 159A: air inflow side, 159B: air outflow side, 160: head stack assembly, 161: support frame, 162: coil, 180: recording medium disk, 180M: spindle motor, 181: recording medium, 190: signal processing portion, AR: arrow, D1-D3: first-third directions, Hx: magnetic field to be detected, L11: first magnetic layer length, L61-L64: first-fourth intermediate layer lengths, T11: first magnetic layer thickness

Claims

1. The reproducing unit includes: A first shield; A second shield; and A third shield; and a fourth shield, wherein a second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects a first direction from the first shield to the second shield; and a first magnetic layer provided between the first shield and the second shield and between the third shield and the fourth shield; a first nonmagnetic intermediate layer provided between the first shield and the first magnetic layer; a non-magnetic second intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the second shield; Including, A magnetic head, wherein a second intermediate layer length of the second intermediate layer along the second direction is shorter than a first intermediate layer length of the first intermediate layer along the second direction.

2. 2. The magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein a first magnetic layer length along the second direction of the first magnetic layer is between the first intermediate layer length and the second intermediate layer length.

3. The reproducing unit is a non-magnetic third intermediate layer provided between the third shield and the first magnetic layer; a non-magnetic fourth intermediate layer provided between the first magnetic layer and the fourth shield; Further including, a third intermediate layer length along the first direction of the third intermediate layer is shorter than a first magnetic layer thickness along the first direction of the first magnetic layer; The magnetic head according to claim 1 , wherein a fourth intermediate layer length along the first direction of the fourth intermediate layer is shorter than a thickness of the first magnetic layer.

4. The regenerator further includes a first insulating member, The first insulating member includes a first insulating region and a second insulating region, a portion of the first insulating region is provided between a portion of the third shield and a portion of the first magnetic layer, The magnetic head according to claim 3 , wherein a portion of the second insulating region is provided between the portion of the first magnetic layer and a portion of the fourth shield.

5. The first insulating member further includes a third insulating region and a fourth insulating region, a portion of the third insulating region is provided between a portion of the first magnetic layer and the second shield, The magnetic head according to claim 4 , wherein a portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between another portion of the first magnetic layer and the second shield.

6. a length of the second intermediate layer along a third direction is shorter than a length of the first intermediate layer along the third direction; The magnetic head according to claim 1 , wherein the third direction intersects a plane including the first direction and the second direction.

7. the first intermediate layer includes a first metal layer and a first compound layer, the first compound layer is provided between the first metal layer and the first magnetic layer, The first compound layer is made of MgO, MgAlO, SiO ２ , Al ２ O ３ , AlN, Mg ３ N ２ 2. The magnetic head of claim 1, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of HfO and HfN.

8. The reproducing unit is a first terminal electrically connected to the first shield; a second terminal electrically connected to the second shield; a third terminal electrically connected to the third shield; a fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield; The magnetic head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

9. 9. The magnetic head according to claim 8, wherein a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal when a current flows between the third terminal and the fourth terminal is variable according to a magnetic field to be detected.

10. A magnetic head according to claim 1; A magnetic recording medium; Equipped with The magnetic recording device, wherein the reproducing section is capable of reproducing information recorded on the magnetic recording medium.

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