Magnetic Recording Head SOT Device Side Shield Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic recording heads using microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) suffer from significant current shunting, which degrades the performance of the write head by diverting current away from the intended path, reducing the effectiveness of the spintronic device.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic recording head is designed with the side shielding electrically coupled to the spin Hall layer of the spintronic device, and an antiferromagnetic insulator is used as a spacer between the spin Hall and magnetic spin torque layers to minimize electrical shunting, optimizing the current path and maximizing spin torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spintronic device is used to produce AC field for MAMR, then recording density is improved, but current shunting occurs which degrades write head performance
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the spin Hall layer and the magnetic spin torque layer to block electrical shunting while allowing spin torque transmission. This mediator prevents direct electrical contact that causes current leakage, thereby maintaining write head performance while enabling MAMR functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistance parameter is modified by introducing the insulating layer with high resistivity between conductive layers. This parameter change blocks the unwanted current shunting path while preserving the spin torque effect, resolving the contradiction between recording density improvement and write head performance maintenance.
2Power
If current is run through the spintronic device, then spin torque is generated, but current leaks through the device rather than flowing in the intended direction
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a mediator that allows spin torque generation while blocking electrical current leakage. It transmits the spin torque effect from the spin Hall layer to the magnetic spin torque layer while preventing direct electrical contact that would cause energy loss through shunting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical current flow through the magnetic layer with a spin torque mechanism. Instead of running current directly through the magnetic spin torque layer (which would cause shunting), the system uses spin Hall effect to generate spin torque that acts on the magnetic layer, substituting electrical conduction with a spin-based mechanical effect.
3Productivity
If side shielding is electrically coupled to the spin Hall layer, then current path is optimized, but space constraints of the head must be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
The current path is routed through the vertical stacking of layers rather than extending laterally. By coupling the side shielding to the spin Hall layer in the vertical dimension and using the insulating layer's thickness to define the current path length, the design optimizes current efficiency without increasing the lateral footprint of the write head.
Solution Approach 2:
The spintronic device structure is nested with multiple functional layers (spin Hall layer, insulating layer, magnetic spin torque layer) stacked vertically. The side shielding is integrated with this nested structure, allowing current to flow through the stacked layers within the compact head volume, satisfying both current path optimization and space constraints.
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 enhances the energy assistance from the spintronic device without compromising the quality and reliability of the write head, reducing losses due to shunting and improving recording density.
Implementation Method 1
a spintronic device, such as a magnetic media drive... a spin Hall layer (SHL)... by using an antiferromagnetic insulator as a spacer between the spin Hall layer and the magnetic spin torque layer
Implementation Method 2
by using an antiferromagnetic insulator as a spacer between the spin Hall layer and the magnetic spin torque layer... electrically shunting into the magnetic spin torque layer is reduced
Implementation Method 3
Microwave-assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) is a type of energy-assisted recording technology... a spintronic device is located near the write element to produce a high-frequency AC field. The AC field reduces an effective coercivity of a magnetic recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a magnetic recording head comprising a spintronic device. By electrically coupling the side shielding of the head (acting as current leads) to the spin Hall layer of the spintronic device, the current path length is optimally provided across the spin Hall layer as well as fitting within the space constraints of the overall head. In addition, by using an antiferromagnetic insulator as a spacer between the spin Hall layer and the magnetic spin torque layer of the spintronic device, electrically shunting into the magnetic spin torque layer is reduced, maximizing the spin torque and reducing loss of efficiency due to shunting. Thus, the magnetic recording head may utilize the energy assistance from the spintronic device without reducing the quality and reliability of the write head by running an undesirable current through critical components of the write head.