Magnetic Head Buffer Layer Design for Spin Torus Oscillator Contact Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic heads with spin torque oscillators face a challenge in maintaining a sufficient contact area between the spin torque oscillator and the trailing shield, leading to heat generation and reduced lifetime when high voltages are applied, especially when the contact area is small due to reduced track widths.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic head design that includes a buffer layer of nonmagnetic conductive material between the main pole and the spin torque oscillator, with the spin torque oscillator's side surfaces forming specific angles with respect to the substrate, and a manufacturing method that forms the spin torque oscillator and buffer layer to prevent a small contact area, using a protective layer and etching techniques to maintain the desired dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the track width is reduced to increase recording density, then the recording density is improved, but the contact area between the spin torque oscillator and the trailing shield becomes small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the buffer layer between the main pole and spin torque oscillator before forming the trailing shield. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the trailing shield is formed subsequently, it makes contact with sufficient area on the spin torque oscillator, preventing the contact area from becoming small even when track width is reduced for higher recording density.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer layer acts as an intermediary element that facilitates proper contact between the main pole and the spin torque oscillator. By introducing this intermediate layer with specific material properties, the patent ensures adequate contact area is maintained while allowing the track width to be reduced for increased recording density.
2Power
If high voltage is applied to the spin torque oscillator to improve writing capability, then the writing capability is improved, but heat generation increases and lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer serves as a thermal intermediary between the spin torque oscillator and the main pole. When high voltage is applied to improve writing capability, the buffer layer helps dissipate the generated heat, reducing the temperature rise and preventing excessive heat accumulation that would otherwise reduce the magnetic head's lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the buffer layer to optimize thermal conductivity and electrical properties. By selecting materials with appropriate parameters, the system can operate at high voltages for improved writing capability while the buffer layer's thermal properties prevent excessive heat generation and maintain component lifetime.
3Device complexity
If the contact area between spin torque oscillator and trailing shield is small, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is reduced due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer acts as a simple intermediary structure that significantly improves reliability by managing heat dissipation. This addition does not substantially increase device complexity while ensuring adequate contact area and thermal management, thereby preventing the reliability issues that would arise from small contact areas under high voltage 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 design prevents the contact area between the spin torque oscillator and the trailing shield from becoming small, reducing heat generation and extending the magnetic head's lifetime by maintaining the spin torque oscillator's dimensions and preventing taper-etching during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a spin torque oscillator that generates a microwave magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The spin torque oscillator blocks magnetic flux leaking from the main pole to the trailing shield
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic head includes a main pole, a trailing shield, a spin torque oscillator, and a buffer layer. The buffer layer is interposed between the main pole and the spin torque oscillator. The spin torque oscillator has first and second side surfaces. The first and second side surfaces respectively form first and second angles with respect to a direction perpendicular to a top surface of a substrate. The first and second angles each fall within a range of 0° to 10°. The buffer layer has third and fourth side surfaces. The third side surface includes a first inclined portion forming a third angle greater than the first angle. The fourth side surface includes a second inclined portion forming a fourth angle greater than the second angle.