Magnetic head and magnetic recording device
The magnetic head design with thicker shields and specific materials enhances sensitivity and reduces noise, addressing performance limitations in existing magnetic heads, enabling improved detection and recording density.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KK TOSHIBA
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing magnetic heads used in HDDs face challenges in improving performance, particularly in achieving high sensitivity and suppressing noise.
The magnetic head design includes a configuration with multiple shields and terminals, where the third and fourth shields are thicker to form a thicker current path, reducing electrical resistance and enhancing shielding, while the first magnetic member utilizes materials like CoMnGa and CoMnAl for high anomalous Hall effect, and includes conductive and insulating regions for efficient current flow.
This design enables high-sensitivity detection with reduced noise, allowing for improved magnetic head performance and higher recording density.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device.
Background Art
[0002] Information is recorded on a magnetic recording medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) using a magnetic head including a magnetic sensor. In the magnetic head, improvement in performance 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 head and a magnetic recording device capable of improving performance.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] According to an embodiment, the magnetic head includes a first shield, a second shield, a third shield including a first partial region and a second partial region, a fourth shield including a third partial region and a fourth partial region, 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, and a first magnetic member. In a first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is between the first partial region and the third partial region. The part of the first shield is between the second partial region and the fourth partial region in the second direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic head and magnetic recording device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of a magnetic recording apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic recording device according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] Figures 15(a) and 15(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) Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic head 110 according to this embodiment includes a first shield 41, a second shield 42, a third shield 43, a fourth shield 44, a first terminal 51, a second terminal 52, a third terminal 53, a fourth terminal 54, and a first magnetic member 11. The first shield 41, the second shield 42, the third shield 43, the fourth shield 44, the first terminal 51, the second terminal 52, the third terminal 53, the fourth terminal 54, and the first magnetic member 11 may be included in, for example, a magnetic sensor 70A.
[0009] The third shield 43 includes a first sub-region 43a and a second sub-region 43b. The fourth shield 44 includes a third sub-region 44c and a fourth sub-region 44d. 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.
[0010] The first direction D1 from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42 is defined as the X-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. The directions perpendicular to both the X-axis and Y-axis directions are defined as the Z-axis direction. In the magnetic head 110, the X-axis direction is the down-track direction. The Y-axis direction is the cross-track direction. The Z-axis direction is the height direction.
[0011] In the first direction D1, the first magnetic member 11 is located between a part 41p of the first shield 41 and a part 42p of the second shield 42.
[0012] In the second direction D2, the first magnetic member 11 is located between the first partial region 43a and the third partial region 44c. The second direction D2 intersects the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is, for example, the Y-axis direction.
[0013] A part 41p of the first shield 41 is located between the second partial region 43b and the fourth partial region 44d in the second direction D2.
[0014] In the magnetic head 110, for example, when a current i1 is supplied between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54, the voltage V1 between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52 changes according to the magnetic field to be detected. The magnetic field to be detected is the magnetization of the magnetic recording medium.
[0015] In the embodiment, the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 form part of the current path. As described above, the third shield 43 includes the first partial region 43a and the second partial region 43b. Thereby, the third shield 43 becomes thicker. As described above, the fourth shield 44 includes the third partial region 44c and the fourth partial region 44d. Thereby, the fourth shield 44 becomes thicker. By making the current path thicker, the electrical resistance can be reduced. Detection with high sensitivity becomes possible.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, let the thickness of the third shield 43 along the first direction D1 be the third shield thickness t43. Let the thickness of the fourth shield 44 along the first direction D1 be the fourth shield thickness t44. Let the thickness of the first magnetic member 11 along the first direction D1 be the first magnetic member thickness t11. The third shield thickness t43 is thicker than the first magnetic member thickness t11. The fourth shield thickness t44 is thicker than the first magnetic member thickness t11. Thereby, a high shielding effect can be obtained. For example, noise can be suppressed. ]
[0017] According to the embodiment, for example, high-sensitivity detection is possible. For example, noise can be suppressed. According to the embodiment, a magnetic head capable of improved performance can be provided. A magnetic sensor capable of improved performance can be provided.
[0018] In this embodiment, the third shield thickness t43 and the fourth shield thickness t44 are, for example, 10 nm to 100 nm. The first magnetic member thickness t11 is, for example, 5 nm to 30 nm. The thinness of the first magnetic member thickness t11 allows for, for example, high recording density.
[0019] As described above, the voltage generated changes depending on the magnetic field being detected. This voltage change may be based, for example, on the anomalous Hall effect (AHE). For example, the first magnetic member 11 may have the anomalous Hall effect.
[0020] For example, the first magnetic member 11 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of CoMnGa, CoMnAl, and FePt. In such materials, a large anomalous Hall effect is easily obtained. For example, a large detection output is easily obtained. CoMnGa and CoMnAl are, for example, Heusler alloy materials.
[0021] In this embodiment, the first terminal 51 is electrically connected to the first magnetic member 11 via the first shield 41. The second terminal 52 is electrically connected to the first magnetic member 11 via the second shield 42. The third terminal 53 is electrically connected to the first magnetic member 11 via the third shield 43. The fourth terminal 54 is electrically connected to the first magnetic member 11 via the fourth shield 44.
[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic head 110 (magnetic sensor 70A) may further include a conductive member 61. An electrical connection is made between the first magnetic member 11 and the shield via the conductive member 61.
[0023] For example, the conductive member 61 includes a first conductive region 61a, a second conductive region 61b, a third conductive region 61c, and a fourth conductive region 61d. The first conductive region 61a is provided between at least a portion of the first shield 41 and the first magnetic member 11. The second conductive region 61b is provided between the first magnetic member 11 and at least a portion of the second shield 42. The third conductive region 61c is provided between the first partial region 43a and the first magnetic member 11. The fourth conductive region 61d is provided between the first magnetic member 11 and the third partial region 44c.
[0024] In this example, the first conductive region 61a, the second conductive region 61b, the third conductive region 61c, and the fourth conductive region 61d are continuous with each other. As will be described later, these conductive regions may be separated from each other.
[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic head 110 (magnetic sensor 70B) may further include an insulating member 31. The insulating member 31 includes, for example, a first insulating region 31a, a second insulating region 31b, a third insulating region 31c, and a fourth insulating region 31d. The first insulating region 31a is provided between the first shield 41 and the third shield 43. The second insulating region 31b is provided between the first shield 41 and the fourth shield 44. The third insulating region 31c is provided between the second shield 42 and the third shield 43. The fourth insulating region 31d is provided between the second shield 42 and the fourth shield 44.
[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the third shield 43 is located between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1. The fourth shield 44 is located between the first shield 41 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1.
[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetization 43M of the third shield 43 may be aligned with the magnetization 44M of the fourth shield 44. These magnetizations may be in the same direction. As will be described later, a magnetic layer may be provided to control the magnetization.
[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the first shield 41, including the first shield side 41s, has a first shield side 41s facing the third shield 43 in the second direction D2. The first shield side 41s may be inclined with respect to the first direction D1. Another side 41r of the first shield 41 (the side facing the fourth shield 44) may also be inclined with respect to the first direction D1. In this example, these sides are curved.
[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic head 110 may be included in the magnetic recording device 210. The magnetic recording device 210 includes a first circuit 75a and a second circuit 75b. The first circuit 75a is capable of supplying a current i1 between the third terminal 53 and the fourth terminal 54. The second circuit 75b is capable of detecting a voltage V1 between the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 52.
[0030] As will be described later, the magnetic recording device 210 may further include a magnetic recording medium. The voltage V1 changes according to the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium.
[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, in the magnetic head 111 (magnetic sensor 70B) according to this embodiment, the third shield 43 further includes a fifth partial region 43e, and the fourth shield 44 further includes a sixth partial region 44f. The configuration of the magnetic head 111, excluding these, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110. In Figure 2, terminals are omitted.
[0032] As shown in Figure 2, in the magnetic head 111, in the first direction D1, the first subregion 43a is located between the second subregion 43b and the fifth subregion 43e. In the first direction D1, the third subregion 44c is located between the fourth subregion 44d and the sixth subregion 44f. A portion 42p of the second shield 42 is located between the fifth subregion 43e and the sixth subregion 44f in the second direction D2.
[0033] With this configuration, the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 become even thicker. Lower electrical resistance is obtained. Higher shielding performance is obtained. Higher performance is obtained.
[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, in the magnetic head 112 (magnetic sensor 70C) according to this embodiment, the conductive member 61 is provided in a divided form. The configuration of the magnetic head 112, excluding this, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 111. In Figure 3, the terminals are omitted.
[0035] As shown in Figure 3, a portion of the first insulating region 31a is provided between the first conductive region 61a and the third conductive region 61c. A portion of the second insulating region 31b is provided between the first conductive region 61a and the fourth conductive region 61d. A portion of the third insulating region 31c is provided between the second conductive region 61b and the third conductive region 61c. A portion of the fourth insulating region 31d is provided between the second conductive region 61b and the fourth conductive region 61d.
[0036] For example, the third conductive region 61c is separated from the first conductive region 61a and the second conductive region 61b. The fourth conductive region 61d is separated from the first conductive region 61a and the second conductive region 61b.
[0037] In this configuration, the current i1 flows efficiently through the first magnetic member 11. For example, shunt current is suppressed. For example, higher sensitivity can be obtained.
[0038] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic head 113 (magnetic sensor 70D) according to this embodiment further includes a first magnetic layer 15a. The configuration of the magnetic head 113, excluding this layer, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 4, the terminals are omitted.
[0039] In the magnetic head 113, the first magnetic layer 15a includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn. The first magnetic layer 15a is, for example, an antiferromagnetic layer. The first shield 41 is provided in the first direction D1 between the first magnetic layer 15a and the third shield 43, between the first magnetic layer 15a and the first magnetic member 11, and between the first magnetic layer 15a and the fourth shield 44.
[0040] For example, the first magnetic layer 15a controls the magnetization 43M of the third shield 43 and the magnetization 44M of the fourth shield 44 in the desired direction. The first magnetic layer 15a also controls the magnetization 41M of the first shield 41. The first magnetic layer 15a is provided on the outside of the first shield 41. This allows the thickness of the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 to be maintained at a high level. Low electrical resistance is obtained. High shielding performance is obtained.
[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the magnetic head 114 (magnetic sensor 70E) according to this embodiment further includes a first magnetic layer 15a and a second magnetic layer 15b. The configuration of the magnetic head 114, excluding these, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 5, the terminals are omitted.
[0042] The first magnetic layer 15a and the second magnetic layer 15b each contain at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn. These magnetic layers are, for example, antiferromagnetic layers.
[0043] The first magnetic layer 15a is provided between the third shield 43 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1. The second magnetic layer 15b is provided between the fourth shield 44 and the second shield 42 in the first direction D1. A portion 42p of the second shield 42 is provided between the first magnetic layer 15a and the second magnetic layer 15b in the second direction D2. These magnetic layers allow for appropriate control of the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44.
[0044] In the magnetic head 114, the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44 can be made thicker. Low electrical resistance can be obtained. High shielding performance can be obtained.
[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the magnetic head 115 (magnetic sensor 70F) according to this embodiment further includes a first magnetic part 16. The configuration of the magnetic head 115, excluding this part, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 6, the terminals are omitted.
[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the third direction D3 from the first magnetic member 11 to the first magnetic part 16 intersects the plane containing the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is, for example, the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 6, the magnetic head 115 includes a medium-facing surface 10F. The first magnetic member 11 is provided between the medium-facing surface 10F and the first magnetic part 16.
[0047] The first magnetic layer 16 is, for example, a hard bias layer. The first magnetic layer 16 allows control of the magnetization of other components. Stable characteristics are easily obtained.
[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the magnetic head 116 (magnetic sensor 70G) according to the embodiment also further includes a first magnetic part 16. The configuration of the magnetic head 116, excluding this part, may be the same as, for example, the configuration of the magnetic head 110. In Figure 7, terminals are omitted. For example, the first magnetic part 16 does not have to overlap with the first shield 41 in the third direction D3. The first magnetic part 16 does not have to overlap with the second shield 42 in the third direction D3.
[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in the magnetic head 117 (magnetic sensor 70H) according to this embodiment, the first shield side surfaces 41s and 41r of the first shield 41 are linear (planar). The configuration of the magnetic head 117, aside from this, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 8, the terminals are omitted. In the magnetic head 117 as well, the first shield side surfaces 41s and 41r are inclined with respect to the first direction D1.
[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, in the magnetic head 118 (magnetic sensor 70I) according to this embodiment, the side surface of the first magnetic member 11 is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The configuration of the magnetic head 118, apart from this, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 9, the terminals are omitted.
[0051] As shown in Figure 9, the first magnetic member 11 includes a first magnetic member side surface 11s. The first magnetic member side surface 11s faces the first partial region 43a in the second direction D2. The first magnetic member side surface 11s is inclined with respect to the first direction D1. Another side surface 11r of the first magnetic member 11 (the side surface facing the third partial region 44c) may be inclined with respect to the first direction D1.
[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, in the magnetic head 119 (magnetic sensor 70J) according to this embodiment, the side surface of the first shield 41 and the side surface of the first magnetic member 11 are inclined with respect to the first direction D1. The configuration of the magnetic head 119, apart from this, may be the same as that of the magnetic head 110, for example. In Figure 9, the terminals are omitted.
[0053] (Second Embodiment) Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the magnetic head 120 (magnetic sensor 70R) according to this embodiment includes a first shield 41, a second shield 42, a third shield 43, a fourth shield 44, a first terminal 51, a second terminal 52, a third terminal 53, a first magnetic member 11, a first magnetic layer 15a, and a second magnetic layer 15b.
[0054] 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.
[0055] In the first direction D1 from the first shield 41 to the second shield 42, the first magnetic member 11 is located between a portion 41p of the first shield 41 and a portion 42p of the second shield 42. In the second direction D2, which intersects the first direction D1, the first magnetic member 11 is located between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. In the second direction D2, a portion 41p of the first shield 41 is located between the first magnetic layer 15a and the second magnetic layer 15b. The first magnetic layer 15a and the second magnetic layer 15b each contain at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn.
[0056] In the magnetic head 120, the portion including the third shield 43 and the first magnetic layer 15a forms part of the current path. The portion including the fourth shield 44 and the second magnetic layer 15b also forms part of the current path. These current paths are thick. Low electrical resistance can be obtained. For example, the target magnetic field can be detected with high efficiency. Noise can be suppressed.
[0057] (Third embodiment) Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic head and magnetic recording device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the magnetic head 110 according to this embodiment includes a playback unit 70. The playback unit 70 includes a magnetic sensor (magnetic sensor 70A or magnetic sensor 70B) 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 reproduces the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium 80.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] The first regenerative magnetic shield 72a corresponds to, for example, the first shield 41 (see Figure 1). The second regenerative magnetic shield 72b corresponds to, for example, the second shield 42 (see Figure 1). The magnetic regeneration element 71 includes the first magnetic member 11. In Figure 12, the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44, etc., are omitted.
[0061] As shown in Figure 12, 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.
[0062] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of a magnetic recording apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 13 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a magnetic recording device according to an embodiment. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of a magnetic recording apparatus according to an embodiment. The magnetic recording device may be a magnetic recording and playback device. As shown in Figure 14, 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).
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] Figure 15(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 15(b) is a perspective view illustrating a magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly: HGA) 158, which is part of the head stack assembly 160.
[0070] As shown in Figure 15(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.
[0071] As shown in Figure 15(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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] The embodiment may include the following configuration (e.g., proposed technical details). (Composition 1) The first shield and, The second shield, A third shield including a first subregion and a second subregion, A fourth shield including the third and fourth subregions, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a portion of the first shield and a portion of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the first partial region and the third partial region. The portion of the first shield is a magnetic head located between the second and fourth subregions in the second direction.
[0079] (Configuration 2) The magnetic head according to configuration 1, wherein the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when current is supplied between the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
[0080] (Composition 3) The first terminal is electrically connected to the first magnetic member via the first shield. The second terminal is electrically connected to the first magnetic member via the second shield. The third terminal is electrically connected to the first magnetic member via the third shield. The magnetic head according to configuration 2, wherein the fourth terminal is electrically connected to the first magnetic member via the fourth shield.
[0081] (Composition 4) Further equipped with conductive members, The conductive member includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a fourth conductive region. The first conductive region is provided between at least a portion of the first shield and the first magnetic member. The second conductive region is provided between the first magnetic member and at least a portion of the second shield, The third conductive region is provided between the first partial region and the first magnetic member, The fourth conductive region is provided between the first magnetic member and the third partial region, and the magnetic head is as described in any one of configurations 1 to 3.
[0082] (Composition 5) Further equipped with insulating material, The insulating member includes a first insulating region, a second insulating region, a third insulating region, and a fourth insulating region. The first insulating region is provided between the first shield and the third shield. The second insulating region is provided between the first shield and the fourth shield. The third insulating region is provided between the second shield and the third shield. The fourth insulating region is provided between the second shield and the fourth shield, and is the magnetic head according to configuration 4.
[0083] (Composition 6) A portion of the first insulating region is provided between the first conductive region and the third conductive region. A portion of the second insulating region is provided between the first conductive region and the fourth conductive region. A portion of the third insulating region is provided between the second conductive region and the third conductive region. A portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between the second conductive region and the fourth conductive region, as described in configuration 5, for the magnetic head.
[0084] (Composition 7) The third conductive region is separated from the first conductive region and the second conductive region. The fourth conductive region is the magnetic head according to configuration 6, separated from the first conductive region and the second conductive region.
[0085] (Composition 8) The third shield is located between the first shield and the second shield in the first direction. The fourth shield is a magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, located between the first shield and the second shield in the first direction.
[0086] (Composition 9) The third shield further includes a fifth sub-region, In the first direction, the first subregion is located between the second subregion and the fifth subregion. The fourth shield further includes a sixth sub-region, In the first direction, the third subregion is located between the fourth subregion and the sixth subregion. The portion of the second shield is a magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, located between the fifth and sixth sub-regions in the second direction.
[0087] (Composition 10) Further comprising a first magnetic layer, The first magnetic layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn. The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the first shield is provided in the first direction between the first magnetic layer and the third shield, between the first magnetic layer and the first magnetic member, and between the first magnetic layer and the fourth shield.
[0088] (Composition 11) The system further comprises a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer each include at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn. The first magnetic layer is provided between the third shield and the second shield in the first direction. The second magnetic layer is provided between the fourth shield and the second shield in the first direction. The portion of the second shield is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in the second direction, as described in Configuration 1, for the magnetic head.
[0089] (Composition 12) Further comprising a first magnetic section, The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the third direction from the first magnetic member to the first magnetic part intersects with a plane including the first direction and the second direction.
[0090] (Composition 13) The first shield includes a first shield side facing the third shield in the second direction, The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, wherein the first shield side is inclined with respect to the first direction.
[0091] (Composition 14) The first magnetic member includes a side surface of the first magnetic member facing the first partial region in the second direction, The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the side surface of the first magnetic member is inclined with respect to the first direction.
[0092] (Composition 15) The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the first magnetic member includes at least one selected from the group consisting of CoMnGa, CoMnAl, and FePt.
[0093] (Composition 16) The magnetic head according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the third shield thickness along the first direction of the third shield is greater than the first magnetic member thickness along the first direction of the first magnetic member.
[0094] (Composition 17) The magnetic head according to configuration 16, wherein the third shield thickness is 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less.
[0095] (Composition 18) The first shield and, The second shield, The third shield and, The fourth shield and, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and The first magnetic layer and The second magnetic layer and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a portion of the first shield and a portion of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the third shield and the fourth shield. The portion of the first shield is located between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in the second direction. A magnetic head wherein the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer include at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn.
[0096] (Composition 19) A magnetic head as described in configuration 1 or 18, The first circuit and, The second circuit and Equipped with, The first circuit is capable of supplying current between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, The second circuit is a magnetic recording device capable of detecting the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal.
[0097] (Composition 20) Furthermore, equipped with a magnetic recording medium, The magnetic recording apparatus according to configuration 19, wherein the voltage changes according to the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium.
[0098] According to the embodiment, a magnetic head and a magnetic recording device capable of improving performance can be provided.
[0099] 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.
[0100] The 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 configuration of each element included in the magnetic head and magnetic recording device, such as shields, magnetic members, magnetic layers, conductive members, insulating members, and terminals, is 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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] Furthermore, all 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, insofar as they encompass the gist of the present invention, also fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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]
[0105] 10F: Media-facing surface, 11: First magnetic member, 11r: Side surface, 11s: Side surface of the first magnetic member, 15a, 15b: First and second magnetic layers, 16: First magnetic part, 31: Insulating member, 31a~31d: First to fourth insulating regions, 41~44: First to fourth shields, 41M, 43M, 44M: Magnetization, 41p, 42p: Partial, 41r: Side surface, 41s: Side surface of the first shield, 43a, 43b, 43e: First, second, and fifth partial regions, 44c, 44d, 44f: Third, fourth, and sixth partial regions, 51~54: First to fourth terminals, 61: Conductive member, 61a~61d: First to fourth conductive regions, 70: Regeneration part, 70A~70J, 70R: Magnetic sensor, 71: Magnetic regeneration element, 72a, 72b: First and second regeneration magnetic shields, 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, 110~120: 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, 210: Magnetic recording device, AR: Arrow, D1~D3: 1st~3rd directions, V1: Voltage, i1: Current, t11: Thickness of the first magnetic element, t43: Thickness of the third shield, t44: Thickness of the fourth shield
Claims
1. The first shield and, The second shield and, A third shield including a first subregion and a second subregion, A fourth shield including a third subregion and a fourth subregion, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the first partial region and the third partial region. The portion of the first shield is located between the second and fourth subregions in the second direction. Further equipped with conductive members, The conductive member includes a first conductive region, a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a fourth conductive region. The first conductive region is provided between at least a portion of the first shield and the first magnetic member. The second conductive region is provided between the first magnetic member and at least a portion of the second shield, The third conductive region is provided between the first partial region and the first magnetic member. The fourth conductive region is a magnetic head provided between the first magnetic member and the third partial region.
2. The magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal changes according to the magnetic field to be detected when current is supplied between the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
3. Further equipped with insulating material, The insulating member includes a first insulating region, a second insulating region, a third insulating region, and a fourth insulating region. The first insulating region is provided between the first shield and the third shield. The second insulating region is provided between the first shield and the fourth shield. The third insulating region is provided between the second shield and the third shield. The magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein the fourth insulating region is provided between the second shield and the fourth shield.
4. A portion of the first insulating region is provided between the first conductive region and the third conductive region. A portion of the second insulating region is provided between the first conductive region and the fourth conductive region. A portion of the third insulating region is provided between the second conductive region and the third conductive region. The magnetic head according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the fourth insulating region is provided between the second conductive region and the fourth conductive region.
5. A first shield and The second shield and, A third shield including a first subregion and a second subregion, A fourth shield including a third subregion and a fourth subregion, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the first partial region and the third partial region. The portion of the first shield is located between the second and fourth subregions in the second direction. The third shield further includes a fifth sub-region, In the first direction, the first subregion is located between the second subregion and the fifth subregion. The fourth shield further includes a sixth sub-region, In the first direction, the third subregion is located between the fourth subregion and the sixth subregion. The portion of the second shield is a magnetic head located between the fifth and sixth subregions in the second direction.
6. The first shield and The second shield and, A third shield including a first subregion and a second subregion, A fourth shield including a third subregion and a fourth subregion, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the first partial region and the third partial region. The portion of the first shield is located between the second and fourth subregions in the second direction. Further comprising a first magnetic layer, The first magnetic layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn. The first shield is a magnetic head provided in the first direction between the first magnetic layer and the third shield, between the first magnetic layer and the first magnetic member, and between the first magnetic layer and the fourth shield.
7. A first shield and The second shield and, A third shield including a first subregion and a second subregion, A fourth shield including a third subregion and a fourth subregion, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the first partial region and the third partial region. The portion of the first shield is located between the second and fourth subregions in the second direction. Further comprising a first magnetic section, The third direction from the first magnetic member to the first magnetic part intersects a plane including the first and second directions, which is a magnetic head.
8. The first shield and, The second shield and, The third shield, The fourth shield and, 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, The fourth terminal electrically connected to the fourth shield, First magnetic member and The first magnetic layer and The second magnetic layer and Equipped with, In the first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first magnetic member is located between a part of the first shield and a part of the second shield. In a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first magnetic member is located between the third shield and the fourth shield. The portion of the first shield is located between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in the second direction. A magnetic head wherein the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer include at least one selected from the group consisting of IrMn, PtMn, FeMn, and NiMn.
9. The magnetic head according to claim 1, The first circuit and, The second circuit and Equipped with, The first circuit is capable of supplying current between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, The second circuit is a magnetic recording device capable of detecting the voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal.