Magnetic Recording Head Non-Magnetic Conductive Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) technologies face inefficiencies due to low current transfer from the main pole to the spin torque oscillator (STO), leading to current crowding and hot spots at the media facing surface, which reduces the reliability of data storage devices.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-magnetic conductive structure adjacent to the main pole and in contact with the STO provides additional paths for electrical currents, enhancing current density and uniformity without creating hot spots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher current density is driven to the STO to improve recording quality, then the AC magnetic field strength increases, but hot spots form at the media facing surface reducing device reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current path by introducing a separate non-magnetic conductive structure (such as a conductive layer or conductive bridge) that provides an independent current pathway to the STO. This segmentation allows the current to be delivered through multiple routes: one path through the main pole and another path through the non-magnetic conductive structure, thereby distributing the current load and preventing excessive current density at any single location on the media facing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-magnetic conductive structure acts as an intermediary element between the current source and the STO. It mediates the current delivery by providing a dedicated conductive pathway that is electrically connected to the STO but magnetically isolated from the main pole. This intermediary structure enables efficient current transfer to the STO while preventing direct current crowding through the main pole structure, thus avoiding hot spot formation.
2Power
If current is transferred from the main pole to the STO, then the STO oscillates to provide AC magnetic field, but current efficiency is low due to current crowding
Solution Approach 1:
The current delivery system is segmented into multiple parallel pathways: one through the main pole and another through the non-magnetic conductive structure. This segmentation reduces current crowding by distributing the total current across multiple paths, thereby improving current efficiency and reducing energy loss through resistive heating and other dissipative effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional spatial dimension for current delivery by placing the non-magnetic conductive structure in a different spatial location relative to the main pole. This could be above, below, or adjacent to the main pole structure, creating a three-dimensional current delivery architecture that provides alternative current paths and improves overall current efficiency.
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 achieves maximum current efficiency and uniformity, improving the reliability and performance of data storage devices by ensuring consistent current distribution to the STO.
Implementation Method 1
The STO generates high frequency magnetic fields, or microwaves, as a result of the transfer of spin torque from the SPL through the interlayer to the FGL
Implementation Method 2
The non-magnetic conductive structure provides additional paths for electrical currents to flow to the STO
Implementation Method 3
The AC magnetic field may reduce the coercive force of the recording medium, thus high quality recording by MAMR may be achieved
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to data storage devices, and more specifically, to a magnetic media drive employing a magnetic recording head. The head includes a trailing shield, a main pole, an STO disposed between the trailing shield and the main pole, and a non-magnetic conductive structure (or non-magnetic conductive layers) adjacent to the main pole and in contact with the STO. The non-magnetic conductive structure provides additional paths for electrical currents to flow to the STO. The non-magnetic conductive structure enables higher current density to the STO without creating hot spots at the MFS. Maximum current efficiency and uniformity can be achieved with the non-magnetic conductive structure.