Asymmetric Gap Magnetic Transducer for Shingle Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic recording heads face challenges in performing adequately at higher recording densities, particularly in shingle recording schemes, due to limitations in design requirements such as track edge curvature and inadequate performance at higher areal densities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a magnetic recording transducer with an asymmetric gap and asymmetric shields, fabricated using a method that involves forming an intermediate layer with sublayers and an etch stop layer, creating a trench for the main pole, and depositing nonmagnetic gap layers to form an asymmetric gap, allowing for tailored side shield geometry and improved performance in shingle recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the main pole size is increased for shingle recording, then higher areal density is achieved, but track edge curvature issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetric side gap structures where the first side gap has a different width than the second side gap. This asymmetry allows optimization of magnetic field distribution to reduce track edge curvature while maintaining the larger main pole dimensions needed for higher areal density shingle recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different gap widths at different locations (first side gap versus second side gap) to address local magnetic field issues. By making the side gaps non-uniform, the magnetic field distribution is locally optimized to mitigate edge curvature problems in specific regions while maintaining overall high areal density performance.
2Shape
If narrow side gaps are used to mitigate track edge curvature, then track edge quality improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates side gap structures into the intermediate layer before main pole formation. By pre-defining the asymmetric side gap geometry in the intermediate layer, the subsequent main pole fabrication inherits this precise geometry, reducing the need for high-precision operations during later manufacturing steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional symmetric transducer design is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but performance at higher recording densities is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the side gap structure into two distinct segments (first side gap and second side gap) with different widths. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each gap region to achieve high-performance shingle recording while maintaining compatibility with conventional fabrication processes through modular layer construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide a magnetic transducer. An intermediate including multiple sublayers is provided. A trench is formed in the intermediate layer. A main pole having a bottom, a top wider than the bottom, a first side and a second side opposite to the first side is provided in the trench. An asymmetric gap is provided along the first and second sides of the main pole. The asymmetric gap terminates closer to the top of the main pole along the first side than on the second side. The asymmetric gap has a first thickness along the first side and a second thickness different from the first thickness along the second side. An asymmetric shield is provided on the asymmetric gap. The asymmetric shield includes a half side shield having a bottom between the top and the bottom of the main pole and terminating on the asymmetric gap.