Heat Sink Layer for HAMR Slider Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heat management in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) sliders is challenging due to heat generated by writer coils and other components, which complicates precise control of slider protrusion and affects data recording density, as existing technologies struggle to efficiently dissipate heat while maintaining precise thermal control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heat sink layer thermally coupled to the substrate and using thermal vias to conduct heat away from the write coil and other heat-generating components, with a heat channel that can be embedded or surface-mounted to enhance thermal conductivity and dissipate heat effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat-generating components (write coil, near-field transducer) are integrated into the slider for HAMR operation, then data recording density is improved, but heat management becomes difficult and slider protrusion control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A heat sink layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat-generating components (write coil, near-field transducer) and the slider substrate. This heat sink layer acts as a thermal mediator that captures and dissipates heat away from the critical recording components, enabling high-density HAMR operation while maintaining thermal stability and precise slider protrusion control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If heat-generating components are integrated into the slider, then HAMR functionality is achieved, but precise control of slider protrusion is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink layer serves as a thermal intermediary that isolates the heat-generating components from the slider substrate, preventing thermal interference with the precision mechanisms controlling slider protrusion. This allows HAMR functionality to be integrated while maintaining manufacturing precision and operational control.
3Device complexity
If existing heat dissipation technologies are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat dissipation efficiency is insufficient for HAMR
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink layer is a relatively simple intermediary structure that can be integrated into the existing slider architecture. While it adds a layer to the device, the overall complexity increase is minimal compared to the significant improvement in heat dissipation efficiency it provides for HAMR operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively manages heat generated by slider components, maintaining precise control over slider protrusion and improving data recording density by ensuring efficient heat dissipation, thereby enhancing the performance of HAMR devices.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is conducted away from the at least one component by a heat sink layer and conducted to a substrate of the slider
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an apparatus comprising a slider. The slider comprises a substrate comprising a media-facing surface, a first side surface perpendicular to the media-facing surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface. A heat sink layer is formed proximate to and thermally coupled to the first side surface of the substrate. A write transducer comprises a waveguide core that at least partially extends from the top surface to the media-facing surface. The waveguide core is formed proximate to and thermally coupled to the heat sink layer. A read transducer is formed proximate to the write transducer such that the read transducer is closer to a trailing edge of the slider than the write transducer.