Hybrid Plasmonic Bottom Layer to Prevent NFT Recession in TAMR
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of near field transducers (NFTs) in thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) devices is compromised due to the recession of the bottom layer from the air-bearing surface (ABS) during high-temperature recording, leading to reduced efficiency and alignment issues with magnetic grains.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid plasmonic bottom layer (PBL) configuration is introduced, comprising a combination of thermo-mechanically stable materials like rhodium near the ABS and less stable materials like gold in cooler regions, maintaining optical efficiency while enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material plasmonic bottom layer (e.g., gold) is used in TAMR devices, then optical conversion efficiency is maintained, but the layer recedes from the air-bearing surface during high-temperature recording, compromising reliability and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating a hybrid plasmonic bottom layer consisting of two distinct materials: a first material (e.g., rhodium, iridium, or platinum) adjacent to the air-bearing surface and a second material (e.g., gold) in the bulk region. This composite structure combines the thermal stability and recession resistance of the first material with the excellent optical conversion efficiency of the second material, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and composition stability during high-temperature TAMR operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by assigning different materials to different regions of the bottom layer based on their specific functional requirements. The region adjacent to the air-bearing surface uses a thermally stable material to prevent recession and maintain alignment, while the bulk region uses a material optimized for optical conversion. This spatial differentiation of material properties allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other
2Reliability
If thermo-mechanically stable materials are used near the ABS, then reliability improves, but optical conversion efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid plasmonic bottom layer uses a composite material structure where the first material (thermally stable) and second material (optically efficient) work together synergistically. The first material provides the necessary thermal and mechanical stability near the air-bearing surface, while the second material contributes superior optical conversion efficiency in the bulk region, achieving both reliability and energy efficiency simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
By placing the thermally stable material only where it is most needed (adjacent to the air-bearing surface) and using the optically efficient material in the bulk region, the patent optimizes the local properties of each material. This localized assignment ensures that thermal stability is provided where required without sacrificing overall optical conversion efficiency, as the optically efficient material remains in the region where optical field interaction occurs
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
The hybrid PBL structure improves the reliability and maintains optical conversion efficiency by stabilizing the NFT under high-temperature conditions, preventing recession and ensuring effective magnetic field alignment.
Implementation Method 1
In TAMR, optical power from a light source can be converted into localized heating in a recording medium during a write process
Implementation Method 2
A hybrid plasmonic bottom layer (PBL) configuration is introduced, comprising a combination of thermo-mechanically stable materials like rhodium near the ABS and less stable materials like gold in cooler regions
Implementation Method 3
The main pole can be configured to direct a magnetic field toward a magnetic recording medium to interact with the magnetic recording medium
Implementation Method 4
The main pole can include a tip portion disposed adjacent to an air-bearing surface (ABS). The main pole can be configured to direct a magnetic field toward a magnetic recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a near field transducer for thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) with a hybrid plasmonic bottom layer. In a first example embodiment, a thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) write head is provided. The TAMR write head can include a main pole and a near field transducer (NFT). The NFT can include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a first plasmonic material (e.g., rhodium, iridium, platinum). Further, the first layer can be disposed adjacent to the heat sink. The second layer can include a portion of a second plasmonic material (e.g., gold) and a first plasmonic portion (e.g., comprising rhodium). The first plasmonic portion of the second layer can be disposed adjacent to the ABS. The hybrid second layer (e.g., plasmonic bottom layer) can provide an improved NFT reliability during TAMR writing.