MAMR Write Head Thermal Dissipation Conductive Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic recording heads using microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) face issues with Joule heating-induced failures due to inefficient heat dissipation by surrounding materials like aluminum oxide.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermally conductive and electrically insulating/dissipative structure, such as materials like aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, or gallium nitride, between the main pole and the trailing shield to dissipate Joule heating without electrical shunting, thereby reducing heating and break-down induced failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aluminum oxide is used to surround the MAMR stack and main pole, then electrical insulation is provided, but heat dissipation becomes inefficient leading to Joule heating-induced failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the surrounding material from low thermal conductivity (aluminum oxide) to high thermal conductivity (diamond-like carbon with thermal conductivity of at least 50 W/(m*K)). This parameter change enables efficient heat dissipation while maintaining electrical insulation properties, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure where diamond-like carbon is used as the thermal management material surrounding the MAMR stack and main pole. This material combines both thermal conductivity and electrical insulation properties, allowing simultaneous achievement of heat dissipation and electrical insulation functions that were previously conflicting.
2Reliability
If conventional electrically resistive materials are used to surround the MAMR stack, then electrical insulation is achieved, but thermal dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the insulating material from conventional low values (aluminum oxide) to high values (diamond-like carbon with ≥50 W/(m*K)). This enables the material to simultaneously provide electrical insulation and efficient heat dissipation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of diamond-like carbon as a composite material provides dual functionality: electrical insulation (maintaining reliability) and high thermal conductivity (improving heat dissipation efficiency). This composite material approach eliminates the need to choose between electrical insulation and thermal management.
3Power
If bias current is conducted to the MAMR stack to improve write field, then areal density capability is improved, but Joule heating increases causing break-down failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of Joule heating into a manageable issue by surrounding the MAMR stack with high thermal conductivity diamond-like carbon material. This material captures and dissipates the heat generated by the bias current, transforming the harmful thermal effect into a controlled thermal management scenario that allows continuous operation at improved write field strengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The diamond-like carbon thermal management structure acts as an intermediary between the bias current source and the surrounding environment. It provides a thermal conduction pathway that mediates the heat transfer from the MAMR stack, enabling the system to sustain higher bias currents for improved write field without suffering from excessive Joule heating.
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 solution effectively dissipates Joule heating, enhancing the reliability and longevity of magnetic recording heads by preventing electrical shunting and minimizing thermal degradation, thus improving write-ability and reducing failure rates.
Implementation Method 1
Joule heating induced by the bias current from the main pole to the MAMR stack leads to heating or break-down induced failures
Implementation Method 2
The structure is fabricated from a material that is thermally conductive and electrically insulating/dissipative. The material has a thermal conductivity of at least 50 W/(m*K)
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, a MAMR stack disposed between the trailing shield and the main pole, side shields surrounding at least a portion of the main pole, and a structure disposed between the side shields and the main pole at a media facing surface (MFS). The structure is fabricated from a material that is thermally conductive and electrically insulating/dissipative. The material has a thermal conductivity of at least 50 W/(m*K) and an electrical resistivity of at least 105 Ω*m. The structure helps dissipate joule heating generated from either the main pole or the MAMR stack into surrounding area without electrical shunting, leading to reduced heating or break-down induced failures.