Spin Torque Oscillator Cooling Layer for High-Intensity Magnetic Field

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic recording heads with spin torque oscillators face challenges in generating high-frequency magnetic fields with sufficient intensity while controlling heat generation, as excessive drive currents can shorten the oscillator's lifetime and potentially break it.

Innovation Solution

The magnetic head incorporates a Heusler structure cooling layer and a silver-based cooling layer, utilizing the Peltier effect to maintain the spin torque oscillator at a lower temperature, allowing for increased drive currents without overheating, thereby enhancing the intensity of the high-frequency magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a large drive current is passed through the spin torque oscillator to increase the intensity of the high frequency magnetic field, then the intensity of the high frequency magnetic field is improved, but the spin torque oscillator heats up due to Joule heat and its lifetime is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintensity of high frequency magnetic fieldVSAvoidlifetime of spin torque oscillator

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A cooling layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the spin torque oscillator and the substrate. This cooling layer mediates the thermal management by actively removing Joule heat generated during operation, enabling the oscillator to withstand larger drive currents without overheating, thus resolving the contradiction between power output and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameter of the spin torque oscillator system by introducing a cooling layer with specific thermal properties. This parameter change allows the oscillator to operate at higher currents by maintaining its temperature within safe limits, thereby increasing magnetic field intensity without compromising lifetime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If an excessively large drive current is passed through the spin torque oscillator to increase the high frequency magnetic field intensity, then the intensity is improved, but the spin torque oscillator may be instantly broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintensity of high frequency magnetic fieldVSAvoidstructural integrity of spin torque oscillator

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling layer serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and dissipates excessive heat before it can damage the spin torque oscillator structure. This thermal management mechanism enables the system to handle higher drive currents that would otherwise cause instantaneous failure, thus improving power output while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the drive current is controlled at or below a certain level to prevent breaking the spin torque oscillator, then the reliability is improved, but the intensity of the high frequency magnetic field is not sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safety of spin torque oscillatorVSAvoidintensity of high frequency magnetic field

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling layer acts as a thermal intermediary that removes Joule heat in real-time, allowing the spin torque oscillator to operate at higher drive currents without exceeding safe temperature limits. This resolves the contradiction by enabling higher power output while maintaining operational safety through active thermal management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for a higher intensity high-frequency magnetic field generation while preventing overheating, thus extending the spin torque oscillator's lifespan and improving recording performance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the Peltier effect to maintain the spin torque oscillator at a lower temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

A high frequency magnetic field assisted magnetic recording head including a spin torque oscillator can generate a high frequency magnetic field by passing a drive current through the spin torque oscillator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin torque:

Implementation Method 3

the spin torque oscillator heats up due to the current flow (i.e., Joule heat)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8970986B2Magnetic head and magnetic head assembly having a spin torque oscillator

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

A magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole, a trailing shield that forms a magnetic circuit with the main magnetic pole, a spin torque oscillator that is provided between the main magnetic pole and the trailing shield, a first cooling layer that partially has a Heusler structure, and a second cooling layer that is provided on the first cooling layer and mainly comprised of silver. The first cooling layer and the second cooling layer are provided either between the main magnetic pole and spin torque oscillator or between the trailing shield and the spin torque oscillator, with either of the two cooling layers being disposed closer to the spin torque oscillator. A third cooling layer may be formed to be in contact with the first cooling layer.