Magnetic Head Write Shield Gap Section Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic heads in perpendicular magnetic recording systems face issues with unwanted erasure and degradation of write characteristics due to magnetic flux leakage, particularly when using wrap-around shields and gap sections, which affect recording density and bit error rates.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method for a magnetic head that includes a write shield formed of a magnetic material and a gap section formed of a nonmagnetic material, with specific gap layers and shield configurations to reduce magnetic flux leakage and maintain desired distances between the main pole and shields, preventing unwanted erasure and enhancing write characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a wrap-around shield is provided to prevent unwanted erasure, then recording density is improved, but magnetic flux leakage increases causing degradation of write characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
A gap section formed of nonmagnetic material is introduced as an intermediary between the main pole and the wrap-around shield. This gap section includes a leading gap section and side gap sections that physically separate the magnetic components, preventing direct magnetic flux leakage from the main pole to the shield while maintaining the shield's function of preventing unwanted erasure on adjacent tracks.
2Reliability
If the gap section is made smaller to maintain distance between main pole and shield, then write characteristics are improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gap section is segmented into multiple distinct regions: a leading gap section extending in the track length direction and side gap sections extending in the track width direction. This segmentation allows each gap region to be independently optimized for its specific function while collectively maintaining the necessary separation between magnetic components, thereby preserving write characteristics without compromising manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the main pole volume is reduced to improve recording density, then recording density is improved, but write magnetic field strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap section acts as a magnetic flux barrier that prevents flux leakage to the wrap-around shield. This allows the main pole to be optimized for high write magnetic field strength without the detrimental effect of flux short-circuiting to the shield, thereby maintaining strong write capability while achieving high recording density through proper spatial arrangement.
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 method effectively reduces magnetic flux leakage, maintains high write magnetic field strength and gradient, and prevents volume reduction of the main pole, thereby enhancing recording density and reducing bit error rates while preventing unwanted erasure.
Implementation Method 1
The wrap-around shield has the function of capturing a magnetic flux that is produced from the end face of the main pole and spreads in directions other than the direction perpendicular to the plane of the recording medium
Implementation Method 2
a gap section separating the wrap-around shield from the main pole... formed of a nonmagnetic material and separating the write shield from the main pole
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing method for a magnetic head forms a leading shield having a top surface. The top surface of the leading shield includes first and second portions. The second portion is located farther from a medium facing surface than is the first portion, and recessed from the first portion. A first gap layer is then formed on the first portion. Then, a magnetic layer including an initial first side shield, an initial second side shield and a coupling section connecting them is formed using a mold. The mold is then removed. The coupling section is then removed by etching the magnetic layer. A second gap layer and a main pole are then formed in this order.