Integrated Side Shield Stabilizes MR Element Magnetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing magneto-resistive effect elements (MR elements) face challenges in stabilizing the magnetization of the side shield, which affects the recording density and signal characteristics in magnetic recording media.
Innovation Solution
The MR element design includes a pair of side shields positioned on both sides of the free layer and insulating layer in the cross track direction, which are magnetically coupled with the upper shield magnetized in the cross track direction, stabilizing the magnetization and enhancing the recording density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the side shield is formed separately from the upper shield, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the magnetization stability of the side shield deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield and upper shield are integrated into a single continuous magnetic shield structure. The side shield is formed as an extension of the upper shield, creating a unified magnetic shielding system that stabilizes magnetization while simplifying manufacturing through reduced assembly steps and improved structural coherence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side shield does not contact the upper shield, then the structural design is more flexible, but the magnetic field blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield is directly connected to the upper shield to form a continuous magnetic shield. This integration ensures magnetic field blocking capability by eliminating gaps that would allow magnetic flux leakage, while the unified structure maintains design flexibility through monolithic construction.
3Device complexity
If the side shield is magnetically decoupled from the upper shield, then the device complexity is reduced, but the recording density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield and upper shield are merged into a single magnetic structure that provides unified magnetic shielding. This integration enhances recording density by improving magnetic field control and signal integrity, while the straightforward monolithic design avoids adding complex magnetic coupling mechanisms.
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 configuration improves the linearity of the readout signal, tolerability to magnetization reversal, and external magnetic fields, allowing for higher density recording in both down track and cross track directions.
Implementation Method 1
The side shields contact the upper shield on the sides of the free layer and the insulating layer in the cross track direction. The side shields contact not only the side of the free layer in the cross track direction, but also the side of the insulating layer in the cross track direction. Consequently, the side shields are magnetically well coupled with the upper shield magnetized in the cross track direction, stabilizing the magnetization in the cross track direction.
Implementation Method 2
The bias magnetic field application layer formed with a soft magnetic layer functions as a shield in the cross track direction, and blocks magnetic fields that are emitted from a bit which is adjacent to a bit subject to reading in a recording medium in the cross track direction.
Implementation Method 3
A magneto-resistive effect element (MR element) has a multilayer film indicating a magneto-resistive effect. The nonmagnetic spacer layer that is positioned between the free layer and the pinned layer and that generates a magneto-resistive effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A magneto-resistive effect element (MR element) has an upper shield that is magnetized in a cross track direction, a lower shield that is positioned at an interval relative to the upper shield in a down track direction, and a multilayer film that is positioned between the upper shield and the lower shield and that faces an air bearing surface (ABS). The multilayer film has a free layer where its magnetization direction fluctuates relative to an external magnetic field, a pinned layer where its magnetization direction is pinned against the external magnetic field, a nonmagnetic spacer layer that is positioned between the free layer and the pinned layer, and an insulating layer that is positioned at a back side of the free layer viewed from the ABS. The MR element further has a pair of side shields that are positioned at both sides of the free layer and the insulating layer in a cross track direction. The side shields contact the upper shield on the sides of the free layer and the insulating layer in the cross track direction.