HAMR Transducer Protective Pad for Media Contact Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HAMR disk drives face issues with the robustness and reliability of the write pole and near-field transducer due to potential contact with the recording media, leading to damage during operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a HAMR transducer with a protective pad and shield structure, where the pad is designed to have similar etch and lapping characteristics as the write pole, providing protection and improved wear resistance, and the shield is recessed from the air-bearing surface to prevent direct contact with the media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the write pole and near-field transducer are positioned at the air-bearing surface for optimal recording performance, then magnetic recording efficiency is improved, but the risk of contact with media and subsequent damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air-bearing surface is segmented into functional zones: the write pole and near-field transducer are positioned in the recording zone for optimal performance, while a separate protective pad is positioned in the touchdown zone to absorb contact forces, allowing each segment to serve its specific purpose without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
A protective pad made of wear-resistant material is introduced as an intermediary element between the media and the sensitive write pole/NFT structures. This mediator absorbs the harmful contact forces during touchdown events, protecting the critical recording components from damage while allowing the write pole to maintain its optimal position for recording
2Stability of the object's composition
If the write pole and near-field transducer are surrounded by alumina and silica materials for structural support, then mechanical stability is improved, but wear resistance during media contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the transducer assembly are assigned different material properties: the write pole and NFT use materials optimized for magnetic and optical performance, while the protective pad uses materials with superior wear resistance and etch characteristics matching the write pole, creating local optimization for each functional requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pad is constructed from composite or specially selected materials that combine wear resistance with etch characteristics similar to the write pole material, allowing it to withstand media contact while maintaining compatibility with the fabrication process and providing durable protection
3Reliability
If the shield is positioned at the air-bearing surface for maximum protection, then protection against media contact is improved, but direct contact with media may still occur causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective pad is positioned ahead of the write pole in the touchdown zone to preemptively intercept contact forces before they can reach the sensitive NFT and write pole structures, performing the protective function in advance and preventing harmful effects before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The protective pad is designed as a sacrificial element that can withstand wear and contact forces, serving as a replaceable or durable barrier that protects the more valuable and sensitive write pole and NFT components from damage during touchdown events
Data Source
AI summary
A method fabricates a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) transducer having an air-bearing surface (ABS) and that is optically coupled with a laser. The method includes providing a waveguide for directing light from the laser toward the ABS and providing a write pole having a pole tip with an ABS location facing the surface. The pole tip is in a down track direction from the waveguide. The method also includes providing at least one shield including a shield pedestal. The shield pedestal is in the down track direction from the pole tip. At least one protective pad is provided adjacent to the write pole and between the ABS location and the shield pedestal.