(111) Oriented Plasmon Generator for TAMR Head Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal assisted magnetic recording heads experience deterioration in recording properties due to agglomeration of the plasmon generator's front end surface, leading to reduced thermal reliability and increased distance from the magnetic recording medium, which affects the S/N ratio.
Innovation Solution
A plasmon generator with a (111) orientation tilt on its first surface relative to the down track direction, parallel to the cross track direction, is deposited, enhancing its crystal structure rigidity and preventing deformation orthogonal to the air bearing surface, thus minimizing agglomeration and recess without the need for additional elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional elements (Co and Fe) are added to suppress agglomeration, then reliability is improved, but propagation efficiency of surface plasmon deteriorates and heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the crystallographic orientation parameter of the plasmon generator from conventional orientations to (111) orientation. This parameter change fundamentally alters the material's physical properties, providing both agglomeration suppression and reduced propagation loss without requiring additional alloying elements, thereby avoiding the heat generation problem associated with Co and Fe additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replicates the beneficial effect of alloying elements (agglomeration suppression) through a different mechanism - crystal orientation control rather than compositional modification. By copying the functional outcome through a different physical pathway, the invention achieves reliability improvement without the harmful side effect of increased propagation loss and heat generation.
2Reliability
If the plasmon generator front end surface contacts the magnetic recording medium, then recording properties deteriorate due to agglomeration, but maintaining distance is difficult under operational stress and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the plasmon generator with (111) orientation before operation. This preliminary structural configuration creates resistance against the harmful effects of temperature increase and stress increase that occur during operation, preventing agglomeration and recess before they can deteriorate recording properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the unique properties of crystalline materials with specific orientation. The (111) oriented crystal structure acts as a composite-like structure with enhanced resistance to thermal and mechanical stress, providing inherent protection against agglomeration without requiring additional protective layers or materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional plasmon generator configuration is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but agglomeration occurs causing recess and increased distance from magnetic recording medium
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the deposition parameter - specifically the crystal orientation - to (111) during the manufacturing process. This parameter change is integrated into the existing deposition工艺流程, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior surface stability and preventing agglomeration-induced recess that would compromise manufacturing precision.
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 improves thermal reliability by suppressing agglomeration and recess, maintaining the plasmon generator's effectiveness and preserving the S/N ratio by maintaining the distance between the plasmon generator and the magnetic recording medium.
Implementation Method 1
The plasmon generator is coupled with a portion of propagation light that propagates in the core in a surface plasmon mode and generates a surface plasmon
Implementation Method 2
A film is deposited in the portion between the first surface and the second surface of the plasmon generator with a (111) orientation from the first surface toward the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A plasmon generator generates a surface plasmon, and generates a near-field light from the surface plasmon on a front end surface positioned on an air bearing surface opposing to a magnetic recording medium. The plasmon generator has a first surface that is adjacent to the front end surface and that faces a lower layer where the plasmon generator is deposited, and a second surface at the back side of the first surface relative to a down track direction. The first surface tilts toward a surface that is orthogonal to the down track direction, and, is parallel to across track direction, and the plasmon generator is deposited with a (111) orientation from the first surface toward the second surface.