Magnetic sensor, magnetic head, and magnetic recording device
The magnetic sensor and head design uses specific materials and configurations to enhance detection sensitivity and accuracy, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KK TOSHIBA
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing magnetic sensors and heads lack improvements in detection characteristics, particularly in signal generation and sensitivity.
A magnetic sensor design incorporating specific conductive and magnetic materials, including β-Ta, β-Mo, β-W, and Bi, arranged in a layered configuration with intersecting shield orientations, enhances signal generation and detection sensitivity.
The design achieves high sensitivity and accuracy in magnetic field detection by leveraging large spin Hall angles and coordinated signal generation, resulting in improved magnetic sensor and head performance.
Smart Images

Figure 2026070825000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic sensor, a magnetic head, and a magnetic recording device.
Background Art
[0002] Information recorded on a magnetic recording medium is reproduced using a magnetic head including a magnetic sensor including a magnetic layer. In the magnetic sensor, improvement in characteristics is desired.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic sensor, a magnetic head, and a magnetic recording device capable of improving characteristics.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] According to the embodiment, the magnetic sensor includes a detection unit. The detection unit includes a first shield, a second shield, a third shield, a fourth shield, a first magnetic member, a first conductive member, a second conductive member, a third conductive member, and a fourth conductive member. The second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects the first direction from the first shield to the second shield. The first magnetic member is provided between the first shield and the second shield, and between the third shield and the fourth shield. The first conductive member is provided between the first shield and the first magnetic member and is non-magnetic. The second conductive member is provided between the second shield and the first magnetic member and is non-magnetic. The third conductive member is provided between the third shield and the first magnetic member and is non-magnetic. The fourth conductive member is provided between the fourth shield and the first magnetic member and is non-magnetic. At least one of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of β-Ta, β-Mo, and β-W. The second material comprises Bi. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic head and magnetic recording device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of the magnetic recording apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of a magnetic recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0007] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationships between the thickness and width of each part, as well as the ratios of the sizes of different parts, are not necessarily identical to those of reality. Even when representing the same part, the dimensions and ratios may be depicted differently in different drawings. In this specification and in each figure, elements similar to those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals with respect to previously shown figures, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.
[0008] (First Embodiment) Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1(a), the magnetic sensor 70A according to this embodiment includes a detection unit 70x. The detection unit 70x includes a first shield 41, a second shield 42, a third shield 43, a fourth shield 44, a first magnetic member 11, a first conductive member 21, a second conductive member 22, a third conductive member 23, and a fourth conductive member 24. Figure 1(b) corresponds to a cross-sectional view in a plan including the first shield 41, the first magnetic member 11, and the second shield 42.
[0009] The second direction D2 from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44 intersects with the first direction D1 from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42.
[0010] The X-axis is defined as one direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. The Y-axis is defined as a direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis and X-axis. In the examples in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the first direction D1 can be the X-axis. The second direction D2 can be the Y-axis.
[0011] The first magnetic member 11 is provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42, and between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44.
[0012] The first conductive member 21 is provided between the first shield 41 and the first magnetic member 11 and is non-magnetic. The second conductive member 22 is provided between the second shield 42 and the first magnetic member 11 and is non-magnetic. The third conductive member 23 is provided between the third shield 43 and the first magnetic member 11 and is non-magnetic. The fourth conductive member 24 is provided between the fourth shield 44 and the first magnetic member 11 and is non-magnetic.
[0013] At least one of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of β-Ta, β-Mo, and β-W. The second material includes Bi.
[0014] In the detection unit 70x described above, for example, a first current i1 flows through the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 to the first magnetic member 11. In this state, when a target magnetic field is applied to the detection unit 70x, the signal (voltage Vx) generated in the laminated structure of the third shield 43, the first magnetic member 11, and the fourth shield 44 changes according to the target magnetic field. By detecting the signal (voltage Vx), the target magnetic field can be detected. As will be described later, a first current i1 may flow through the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 to the first magnetic member 11, and the signal (voltage Vx) generated in the laminated structure of the first shield 41, the first magnetic member 11, and the second shield 42 may be detected.
[0015] As described above, in the embodiment, at least one of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of β-Ta, β-Mo, and β-W. The second material includes Bi. In such materials, it has been found that a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained. By applying such materials, the magnetic field to be detected can be detected with high sensitivity. The magnetic field to be detected can be detected with high accuracy. A magnetic sensor capable of improving characteristics can be provided.
[0016] For example, in the above first material, a large spin Hall angle can be obtained. It is considered that a large signal (voltage Vx) is obtained by the action of the spins accumulated in the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 and the magnetization of the first magnetic member 11 due to the large spin Hall angle.
[0017] In the first material and the second material, for example, the spin Hall angle is negative. By using a negative spin Hall angle, the sign of the generated signal becomes the same as the sign of the signal generated by the anomalous Hall effect in the first magnetic member 11. Therefore, the signals are coordinated. By selecting and applying either the first material or the second material, a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained.
[0018] The second material may further include Sb in addition to Bi. For example, the second material may include a compound containing Bi and Sb. A large spin Hall angle can be obtained.
[0019] In the first configuration according to the embodiment, one of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 includes at least one of the first material and the second material. At this time, the other three of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 may include the third material. The third material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr. In such a third material, the spin Hall angle is small. Even when such a third material is combined with at least one of the first material and the second material, an increase in the absolute value of the spin Hall angle is suppressed. An overall large absolute value of the spin Hall angle is maintained.
[0020] In the second configuration, the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22 include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the third conductive member 23 and the fourth conductive member 24 include the third material. Alternatively, in the second configuration, the third conductive member 23 and the fourth conductive member 24 include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the first conductive member 21 and the second conductive member 22 include the third material. As described above for the arm, the third material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
[0021] In the third configuration, three of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the other one of the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 includes the third material. Also in this case, the third material includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
[0022] In the fourth configuration, the first conductive member 21, the second conductive member 22, the third conductive member 23, and the fourth conductive member 24 include at least one of the first material and the second material.
[0023] In the first to fourth configurations as described above, a large signal (voltage Vx) is obtained. In the fourth configuration, a larger signal (voltage Vx) is obtained than in the first configuration.
[0024] In this embodiment, the first magnetic member 11 may exhibit an anomalous Hall effect, making it easier to obtain a large signal (voltage Vx).
[0025] In embodiments, the first magnetic member 11 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Co2MnGa, Co2MnAl, FePt, MnGa, Mn3Sn, Mn3Ge, Mn3Ga, RuO2, MnTe, CrSb, and Mn5Si3. These materials can effectively provide, for example, an anomalous Hall effect.
[0026] In the embodiment, the first magnetic member 11 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni. Even when these materials are applied, a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained by applying at least one of the first material and the second material to the conductive member. In this case, the first magnetic member 11 may further include B. For example, the first magnetic member 11 may include at least one of Fe and Co, and B. For example, the first magnetic member 11 may include FeCoB.
[0027] In the example shown in Figure 1(a), the third shield 43 is provided between a part of the first shield 41 and a part of the second shield 42 in the first direction D1. The fourth shield 44 is provided between another part of the first shield 41 and another part of the second shield 42 in the first direction D1.
[0028] As shown in Figure 1(a), in this example, the first shield magnetization 41M of the first shield 41 has an orientation from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44. The second shield magnetization 42M of the second shield 42 has an orientation from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44. The third shield magnetization 43M of the third shield 43 has an orientation from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44. The fourth shield magnetization 44M of the fourth shield 44 has an orientation from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44. The first magnetic member magnetization 11M of the first magnetic member 11 has an orientation from the third shield 43 to the fourth shield 44.
[0029] The detection unit 70x may further include an insulating member 31. For example, the insulating member 31 may include a first insulating part 31a, a second insulating part 31b, a third insulating part 31c, and a fourth insulating part 31d. The first insulating part 31a is provided between a part of the first shield 41 and the third shield 43. The second insulating part 31b is provided between another part of the first shield 41 and the fourth shield 44. The third insulating part 31c is provided between a part of the second shield 42 and the third shield 43. The fourth insulating part 31d is provided between another part of the second shield 42 and the fourth shield 44.
[0030] As shown in Figure 1(a), a portion of the insulating member 31 may be provided between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42.
[0031] As shown in Figure 1(b), the first shield 41 includes a first end face 41F. The direction from the first magnetic member 11 to the fifth conductive member 25 is along a third direction D3. The third direction D3 intersects a plane containing the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is, for example, the Z-axis direction. When the magnetic sensor 70A is applied to a magnetic head, the first end face 41F may correspond to the media-facing surface.
[0032] As shown in Figure 1(b), the detection unit 70x may further include a non-magnetic fifth conductive member 25. The position of at least a portion of the first magnetic member 11 in the third direction D3 (first position) lies between the position of the first end face 41F in the third direction D3 (first end face position) and the position of the fifth conductive member 25 in the third direction D3 (fifth conductive member position).
[0033] For example, the fifth conductive member 25 may contain at least one of the first material and the second material. A portion of the current passing through the first magnetic member 11 may flow through the fifth conductive member 25. By including the above material in the fifth conductive member 25, the spin Hall angle is more easily maintained. A large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained.
[0034] As shown in Figure 1(a), the detection unit 70x may include 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.
[0035] For example, a voltage detection circuit 75v may be connected between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52. A current supply circuit 75i may be connected between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. The current supply circuit 75i is configured to supply a first current i1 through the current path including the third shield 43, the first magnetic member 11, and the fourth shield 44 via the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. The voltage detection circuit 75v is configured to detect an electrical signal (voltage Vx) generated between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52.
[0036] Thus, the detection unit 70x may be configured such that the voltage Vx between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52 changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when a first current i1 flows between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54.
[0037] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2(a), in the magnetic sensor 70B according to this embodiment, a voltage detection circuit 75v is connected between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54, and a current supply circuit 75i is connected between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 70B, apart from these, may be the same as that of the magnetic sensor 70A.
[0038] In the magnetic sensor 70B, a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained by applying at least one of the first and second materials described above. The first to fourth configurations may also be applied to the magnetic sensor 70B.
[0039] In the magnetic sensor 70B, the detection unit 70x may be configured such that the voltage Vx between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54 changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when a first current i1 flows between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52.
[0040] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3(a), in the embodiment of the magnetic sensor 70C, the configuration of the multiple shields is different from that of the magnetic sensor 70A. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 70B, excluding these shields, may be the same as that of the magnetic sensor 70A.
[0041] In the magnetic sensor 70C, the first shield 41 is provided between a part of the third shield 43 and a part of the fourth shield 44 in the first direction D1. The second shield 42 is provided between another part of the third shield 43 and another part of the fourth shield 44 in the first direction D1.
[0042] In this example, the first direction D1 may be along the Y-axis. The second direction D2 may be along the X-axis.
[0043] In the magnetic sensor 70C, a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained by applying at least one of the first and second materials described above. The first to fourth configurations may also be applied to the magnetic sensor 70C.
[0044] In the magnetic sensor 70C, a voltage detection circuit 75V is connected between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52, and a current supply circuit 75i is connected between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54.
[0045] As shown in Figure 3(a), in the magnetic sensor 70C, the insulating member 31 may include a first insulating portion 31a, a second insulating portion 31b, a third insulating portion 31c, and a fourth insulating portion 31d. The first insulating portion 31a is provided between the third shield 43 and a part of the first shield 41. The second insulating portion 31b is provided between another part of the third shield 43 and the second shield 42. The third insulating portion 31c is provided between a part of the fourth shield 44 and the first shield 41. The fourth insulating portion 31d is provided between another part of the fourth shield 44 and the second shield 42.
[0046] The insulating member 31 may include a fifth insulating portion 31e, a sixth insulating portion 31f, a seventh insulating portion 31g, and an eighth insulating portion 31h. The fifth insulating portion 31e is provided between a part of the first shield 41 and the first magnetic member 11. The sixth insulating portion 31f is provided between another part of the first shield 41 and the first magnetic member 11. The seventh insulating portion 31g is provided between a part of the second shield 42 and the first magnetic member 11. The eighth insulating portion 31h is provided between another part of the second shield 42 and the first magnetic member 11.
[0047] The first conductive member 21 may be provided between the fifth insulating portion 31e and the sixth insulating portion 31f. The second conductive member 22 may be provided between the seventh insulating portion 31g and the eighth insulating portion 31h.
[0048] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(a), in the magnetic sensor 70D according to this embodiment, a voltage detection circuit 75v is connected between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54, and a current supply circuit 75i is connected between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52. The configuration of the magnetic sensor 70D, aside from these, may be the same as that of the magnetic sensor 70C.
[0049] In the magnetic sensor 70D, a large signal (voltage Vx) can be obtained by applying at least one of the first and second materials described above. The first to fourth configurations may also be applied to the magnetic sensor 70D.
[0050] In the magnetic sensor 70D, the detection unit 70x may be configured such that the voltage Vx between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54 changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when a first current i1 flows between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52.
[0051] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic head and magnetic recording device according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the magnetic head 110 according to this embodiment includes a playback unit 70. The playback unit 70 includes a magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor 70A, magnetic sensor 70B, magnetic sensor 70C, or magnetic sensor 70D) according to the first embodiment. 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 playback unit 70 plays back the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium 80.
[0052] The magnetic recording medium 80 includes, for example, a media substrate 82 and a magnetic recording layer 81 provided on the media substrate 82. The magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 is controlled by the 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 also include a recording unit element 93. The recording unit element 93 may include a magnetic field control element or a high-frequency oscillation element, etc. The recording unit element 93 may be omitted.
[0053] The regeneration unit 70 includes, for example, a first regeneration magnetic shield 72a, a second regeneration magnetic shield 72b, and a magnetic regeneration element 71. The magnetic regeneration element 71 is provided between the first regeneration magnetic shield 72a and the second regeneration magnetic shield 72b. The magnetic regeneration element 71 is capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81.
[0054] In the magnetic head 110, if a magnetic sensor 70A or magnetic sensor 70B is applied, the first regenerative magnetic shield 72a corresponds to, for example, one of the first shield 41 and the second shield 42, and the second regenerative magnetic shield 72b corresponds to, for example, the other of the first shield 41 and the second shield 42.
[0055] In the magnetic head 110, if a magnetic sensor 70C or magnetic sensor 70D is applied, the first regenerative magnetic shield 72a corresponds to, for example, one of the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44, and the second regenerative magnetic shield 72b corresponds to, for example, the other of the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. The magnetic regeneration element 71 includes the first magnetic member 11.
[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the magnetic recording medium 80 moves relative to the magnetic head 110 in the direction of the medium movement direction 85. The magnetic head 110 controls the information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at any position. The magnetic head 110 reproduces the information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at any position. The magnetic field to be detected described in relation to the first embodiment is based on the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording medium 80.
[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of the magnetic recording apparatus according to the embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates a head slider. The magnetic head 110 is mounted on a head slider 159. The head slider 159 includes, for example, Al2O3 / TiC. The head slider 159 moves relative to the magnetic recording medium, either floating above or in contact with it.
[0058] The head slider 159 has, for example, an air inlet side 159A and an air outlet side 159B. The magnetic head 110 is positioned on the side of the air outlet side 159B of the head slider 159. As a result, the magnetic head 110 moves relative to the magnetic recording medium while floating above or in contact with it.
[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic recording device according to an embodiment. The magnetic recording device may be a magnetic recording and playback device. As shown in Figure 7, a rotary actuator is used in the magnetic recording device 150 according to this embodiment. The recording medium disk 180 is mounted on a spindle motor 180M. The recording medium disk 180 rotates in the direction of arrow AR by the spindle motor 180M. The spindle motor 180M responds to a control signal from the drive unit control. The magnetic recording device 150 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of recording medium disks 180. The magnetic recording device 150 may also 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 flash memory is used for the recording medium 181. For example, the magnetic recording device 150 may also be a hybrid HDD (Hard Disk Drive).
[0060] The head slider 159 records and plays back information to be recorded on the recording medium disk 180. The head slider 159 is located at the tip of a thin-film suspension 154. A magnetic head according to this embodiment is located near the tip of the head slider 159.
[0061] As the recording medium disk 180 rotates, the pressing pressure from the suspension 154 and the pressure generated on the media-facing surface (ABS) of the head slider 159 are balanced. The distance between the media-facing surface of the head slider 159 and the surface of the recording medium disk 180 becomes a predetermined amount of levitation. In this embodiment, the head slider 159 may be in contact with the recording medium disk 180. For example, a contact-running type may be applied.
[0062] The suspension 154 is connected to one end of an arm 155 (for example, an actuator arm). The arm 155 has, for example, a bobbin section. The bobbin section 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 section 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. A magnetic head is provided at one end of the suspension 154. The arm 155 is connected to the other end of the suspension 154.
[0063] The arm 155 is held by ball bearings. Ball bearings are provided at two locations, above and below the bearing portion 157. The arm 155 can rotate and slide by a voice coil motor 156. The magnetic head can move to any position on the recording medium disk 180.
[0064] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of a magnetic recording apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 8(a) illustrates a part of the configuration of a magnetic recording device and is an enlarged perspective view of the head stack assembly 160. Figure 8(b) is a perspective view illustrating a magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly: HGA) 158, which is part of the head stack assembly 160.
[0065] As shown in Figure 8(a), the head stack assembly 160 includes a bearing section 157, a head gimbal assembly 158, and a support frame 161. The head gimbal assembly 158 extends from the bearing section 157. The support frame 161 extends from the bearing section 157. The direction in which the support frame 161 extends is opposite to the direction in which the head gimbal assembly 158 extends. The support frame 161 supports the coil 162 of the voice coil motor 156.
[0066] As shown in Figure 8(b), the head gimbal assembly 158 includes an arm 155 extending from a bearing portion 157 and a suspension 154 extending from the arm 155.
[0067] A head slider 159 is provided at the tip of the suspension 154. A magnetic head according to the embodiment is provided on the head slider 159.
[0068] The magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly 158) according to the embodiment includes a magnetic head according to the embodiment, a head slider 159 on which the magnetic head is provided, 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.
[0069] The suspension 154 may have, for example, lead wires (not shown) for recording and reproducing signals. The suspension 154 may also have, for example, lead wires (not shown) for heaters for adjusting the amount of levitation. The suspension 154 may also have, for example, lead wires (not shown) for an oscillator or the like. These lead wires are electrically connected to a plurality of electrodes provided on the magnetic head.
[0070] In the magnetic recording device 150, a signal processing unit 190 is provided. The signal processing unit 190 records and reproduces signals on a magnetic recording medium using a magnetic head. The input and output lines of the signal processing unit 190 are connected, for example, to the electrode pads of the head gimbal assembly 158 and are electrically connected to the magnetic head.
[0071] The magnetic recording apparatus 150 according to the embodiment includes a magnetic recording medium, a magnetic head according to the embodiment, a movable part, a position control unit, and a signal processing unit. The movable part allows the magnetic recording medium and the magnetic head to move relative to each other while separated or in contact. The position control unit aligns the magnetic head to 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.
[0072] For example, a recording medium disk 180 is used as the magnetic recording medium. The movable part includes, for example, a head slider 159. The position control unit includes, for example, a head gimbal assembly 158.
[0073] The embodiments may include the following technical proposals. (Technical proposal 1) The first shield and, The second shield, The third shield and, The fourth shield is such that the second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects with the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, and the fourth shield is... A first magnetic member provided between the first shield and the second shield, and between the third shield and the fourth shield, A non-magnetic first conductive member is provided between the first shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic second conductive member is provided between the second shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic third conductive member is provided between the third shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic fourth conductive member is provided between the fourth shield and the first magnetic member, It includes a detection unit, At least one of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of β-Ta, β-Mo, and β-W. The second material is a magnetic sensor containing Bi.
[0074] (Technical proposal 2) One of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The other three members of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member and the fourth conductive member include the third material, The magnetic sensor according to Technical Proposal 1, wherein the third material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
[0075] (Technical proposal 3) The first conductive member and the second conductive member include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the third conductive member and the fourth conductive member include the third material. or The third conductive member and the fourth conductive member include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the first conductive member and the second conductive member include the third material. The magnetic sensor according to Technical Proposal 1, wherein the third material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
[0076] (Technical proposal 4) Three of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member include at least one of the first material and the second material. The other of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member includes a third material. The magnetic head according to Technical Proposal 1, wherein the third material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
[0077] (Technical proposal 5) The magnetic head according to Technical Proposal 1, wherein the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member each include at least one of the first material and the second material.
[0078] (Technical proposal 6) The magnetic sensor according to any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 5, wherein the second material further comprises Sb.
[0079] (Technical proposal 7) The second material is a magnetic sensor according to any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 5, comprising a compound containing Bi and Sb.
[0080] (Technical proposal 8) The third shield is provided between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield in the first direction. The magnetic sensor according to any one of Technical Examples 1 to 7, wherein the fourth shield is provided between another part of the first shield and another part of the second shield in the first direction.
[0081] (Technical proposal 9) The first shield is provided between a part of the third shield and a part of the fourth shield in the first direction. The magnetic sensor according to any one of Technical Examples 1 to 7, wherein the second shield is provided between another part of the third shield and another part of the fourth shield in the first direction.
[0082] (Technical proposal 10) The magnetic sensor according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 9, wherein the first magnetic member includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Co2MnGa, Co2MnAl, FePt, MnGa, Mn3Sn, Mn3Ge, Mn3Ga, RuO2, MnTe, CrSb, and Mn5Si3.
[0083] (Technical proposal 11) The first magnetic member is a magnetic sensor according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 9, having an anomalous Hall effect.
[0084] (Technical proposal 12) The magnetic sensor according to any one of the technical proposals 1 to 9, wherein the first magnetic member includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni.
[0085] (Technical proposal 13) The magnetic sensor according to technical proposal 12, wherein the first magnetic member further comprises B.
[0086] (Technical proposal 14) The first shield and the first terminal electrically connected, The second terminal is electrically connected to the second shield, The third terminal is electrically connected to the third shield, The fourth terminal is electrically connected to the fourth shield, A magnetic sensor described in any one of Technical Proposals 1 to 13, further equipped with the above.
[0087] (Technical proposal 15) The magnetic sensor according to Technical Proposal 14, wherein the detection unit is configured such that the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when a first current flows between the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
[0088] (Technical proposal 16) The detection unit is configured such that the voltage between the third terminal and the fourth terminal changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when a first current flows between the first terminal and the second terminal, as described in Technical Proposal 14.
[0089] (Technical proposal 17) The detection unit further includes a non-magnetic fifth conductive member, The first shield includes a first end face, The direction from the first magnetic member to the fifth conductive member is along a third direction that intersects a plane including the first and second directions. The magnetic sensor according to proposal 15 or 16, wherein the first position in the third direction of at least a portion of the first magnetic member is located between the first end face position in the third direction of the first end face and the fifth conductive member position in the third direction of the fifth conductive member.
[0090] (Technical proposal 18) The magnetic sensor according to Technical Proposal 17, wherein the fifth conductive member comprises at least one of the first material and the second material.
[0091] (Technical proposal 19) Equipped with a magnetic sensor described in any one of Technical Proposals 15-18, The magnetic field to be detected is a magnetic head based on the magnetization of the magnetic recording medium.
[0092] (Technical proposal 20) The magnetic head described in Technical Proposal 19, The magnetic recording medium and, A magnetic recording device equipped with a magnetic recording device.
[0093] According to the embodiment, a magnetic sensor, a magnetic head, and a magnetic recording device capable of improving characteristics can be provided.
[0094] In this specification, "perpendicular" and "parallel" do not mean strictly perpendicular and strictly parallel, but also include variations in the manufacturing process, for example, and it is sufficient if they are substantially perpendicular and substantially parallel.
[0095] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of elements such as shields, magnetic members, conductive members, and terminals included in magnetic sensors, magnetic heads, and magnetic recording devices are included within the scope of the present invention as long as the present invention can be implemented in the same manner and similar effects can be obtained by appropriately selecting from the range known to those skilled in the art.
[0096] Combinations of two or more elements from any of the specific examples, to the extent technically feasible, are also included within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the invention.
[0097] Furthermore, all magnetic sensors, magnetic heads, and magnetic recording devices that a person skilled in the art can design and implement based on the above-described embodiments of the present invention are also within the scope of the present invention, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention.
[0098] Furthermore, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art could conceive of various modifications and alterations, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0099] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0100] 11: First magnetic member, 11M: Magnetization of the first magnetic member, 21~25: First to fifth conductive members, 31: Insulating member, 31a~31h: First to eighth insulating parts, 41~44: First to fourth shields, 41F: First end face, 41M~44M: First to fourth shield magnetization, 51~54: First to fourth terminals, 70: Regeneration section, 70A~70D: Magnetic sensor, 70x: Detection section, 71: Magnetic regeneration element, 72a, 72b: First and second regeneration magnetic shields, 75i: Current supply circuit, 75v: Voltage detection circuit, 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 element, 110: Magnetic head, 150: Magnetic recording device, 154: Suspension, 155: Arm, 156: Voice coil motor, 157: Bearing section, 158: Head gimbal assembly, 159: Head slider, 159A: Air inlet side, 159B: Air outlet side, 160: Head stack assembly, 161: Support frame, 162: Coil, 180: Recording medium disk, 180M: Spindle motor, 181: Recording medium, 190: Signal processing unit, AR: Arrow, D1~D3: 1st~3rd direction, Vx: Voltage, i1: 1st current
Claims
1. The first shield and, The second shield and, The third shield and, A fourth shield, wherein the second direction from the third shield to the fourth shield intersects with the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, and the fourth shield A first magnetic member provided between the first shield and the second shield, and between the third shield and the fourth shield, A non-magnetic first conductive member is provided between the first shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic second conductive member is provided between the second shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic third conductive member is provided between the third shield and the first magnetic member, A non-magnetic fourth conductive member is provided between the fourth shield and the first magnetic member, It includes a detection unit, At least one of the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member includes at least one of the first material and the second material. The first material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of β-Ta, β-Mo, and β-W. The second material is a magnetic sensor containing Bi.
2. The first conductive member and the second conductive member include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the third conductive member and the fourth conductive member include the third material. or The third conductive member and the fourth conductive member include at least one of the first material and the second material, and the first conductive member and the second conductive member include the third material. The magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein the third material comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu, Al, Tb, and Cr.
3. The magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive member, the second conductive member, the third conductive member, and the fourth conductive member each include at least one of the first material and the second material.
4. The magnetic sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second material further comprises Sb.
5. The first magnetic member is Co 2 MnGa, Co 2 MnAl, FePt, MnGa, Mn 3 Sn, Mn 3 Ge, Mn 3 Ga, RuO 2 , MnTe, CrSb, and Mn 5 Si 3 The magnetic sensor according to claim 1, comprising at least one selected from the group.
6. The first terminal is electrically connected to the first shield, The second terminal is electrically connected to the second shield, The third shield and the third terminal electrically connected, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, A magnetic sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the above.
7. The magnetic sensor according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit is configured such that the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal changes in accordance with the magnetic field to be detected when a first current flows between the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
8. The detection unit further includes a non-magnetic fifth conductive member. The first shield includes a first end face, The direction from the first magnetic member to the fifth conductive member is along a third direction that intersects a plane including the first and second directions. The magnetic sensor according to claim 7, wherein the first position in the third direction of at least a portion of the first magnetic member is located between the first end face position in the third direction of the first end face and the fifth conductive member position in the third direction of the fifth conductive member.
9. The magnetic sensor described in claim 7 is provided, The magnetic field to be detected is a magnetic head based on the magnetization of the magnetic recording medium.
10. The magnetic head according to claim 9, The magnetic recording medium and, A magnetic recording device equipped with a magnetic recording device.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Magnetic field read sensor based on the extraordinary hall effect
US7576948B2