Patterned Magnetic Media for High-Density Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
The narrow width of the write pole in data storage devices limits the magnetic field strength in the magnetic recording layer, making it difficult to achieve higher recording densities due to reduced magnetic flux generation.
Innovation Solution
The soft magnetic underlayer is etched to form radially and circumferentially spaced recording bits, enhancing the magnetic field strength by reducing flux leakage and optimizing the etched depth using finite element modeling to balance magnetic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the write pole width is reduced to accommodate higher recording densities, then the recording density increases, but the magnetic field strength in the recording layer decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating patterned regions with different magnetic properties. Specifically, soft magnetic material is selectively deposited only in the recording portions (bits) rather than uniformly across the entire media surface. This localized enhancement concentrates magnetic flux where needed (in the recording bits) while maintaining the narrow write pole width for high density, thus resolving the contradiction between recording density and magnetic field strength.
2Productivity
If the write pole width is reduced to accommodate higher recording densities, then the recording density increases, but the magnetic flux generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces soft magnetic material as an intermediary element between the write pole and the recording layer. This intermediary material serves as a magnetic flux concentrator and guide, enhancing the magnetic flux generation capability without requiring a wider write pole. The soft magnetic material mediates the interaction between the write pole and recording layer, allowing high flux density in a compact geometry.
3Force
If etching is applied to the soft magnetic underlayer to form recording bits, then the magnetic field strength is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing etching on the soft magnetic underlayer before depositing the recording layers. This pre-etching creates the patterned recording bit structures in advance, allowing subsequent layers to be deposited conformally over the patterned surface. This sequencing of operations simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to create the three-dimensional patterned structures after layer deposition.
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 approach increases the magnetic field strength in the recording layer, allowing for higher recording densities without loss of magnetic field in the recording portions, thereby enhancing data storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The soft magnetic underlayer provides a magnetic flux path to enhance the magnetic field in the magnetic recording layer
Implementation Method 2
the soft magnetic layer of the media is etched to form radially and circumferentially spaced recording bits including a soft magnetic segment. In illustrated embodiments, the soft magnetic segment enhances magnetic field strength of the magnetic recording layer
Data Source
AI summary
A patterned magnetic media is disclosed. The patterned media includes etched recording portions including etched portions of a soft magnetic underlayer. In illustrated embodiments, the soft magnetic layer is etched to form recording bits or etched soft magnetic segments to enhance magnetic field strength in the magnetic recording portions. In other embodiments, soft magnetic layers are deposited in etched regions or areas of the media.