Perpendicular Magnetic Write Head with Etching Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of perpendicular magnetic write heads with a shield type configuration faces challenges such as deterioration and instability in writing performance due to dimension and position errors during the formation of auxiliary magnetic pole layers, leading to unintended etching of the main magnetic pole layer and potential pole erasure issues.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is disposed on the trailing side of the main magnetic pole layer, partially overlapping with a gap layer that acts as an etching stopper, and a write shield layer is positioned on the trailing side to absorb external magnetic flux, maintaining the thickness of the main magnetic pole layer and preventing pole erasure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed using etching method, then the writing performance can be improved, but the main magnetic pole layer may be unintentionally subjected to etching due to dimension error and position error
Solution Approach 1:
A gap layer is introduced as an intermediary protective layer between the main magnetic pole layer and the auxiliary magnetic pole layer. This gap layer acts as a physical barrier during the etching process, preventing the etchant from reaching and damaging the main magnetic pole layer while still allowing the auxiliary magnetic pole layer to be properly formed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap layer is formed in advance before the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is created. This preliminary action ensures that the protective barrier is already in place before the etching process begins, preventing any potential damage to the main magnetic pole layer from the outset.
2Force
If the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is positioned adjacent to the main magnetic pole layer to increase perpendicular magnetic field intensity, then the magnetic field strength is improved, but the main magnetic pole layer thickness decreases leading to magnetic flux saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic pole structure is segmented into three distinct components: the main magnetic pole layer, the gap layer, and the auxiliary magnetic pole layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently - the main pole generates the magnetic field, the gap layer provides protection and spacing, and the auxiliary pole enhances the perpendicular field intensity without compromising the main pole's thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap layer serves as an intermediary element that spatially separates the main magnetic pole layer from the auxiliary magnetic pole layer. This separation maintains the thickness of the main magnetic pole layer while still allowing the auxiliary layer to contribute to increasing the perpendicular magnetic field intensity through its positioned proximity.
3Reliability
If the write shield layer is disposed on the trailing side of the main magnetic pole layer to suppress unintentional erase, then the recording stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap layer is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an etching stopper to protect the main magnetic pole layer during manufacturing, provides structural spacing between the main and auxiliary magnetic pole layers, and contributes to the overall magnetic field distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 stability and performance of the writing process by preventing magnetic flux saturation and reducing pole erasure, ensuring high recording density and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a thin film coil generating a magnetic flux for writing
Implementation Method 2
The write shield layer is for absorbing the spread component of the magnetic flux released from the main magnetic pole layer
Implementation Method 3
a main magnetic pole layer leading the magnetic flux generated in the thin film coil to the recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a perpendicular magnetic write head capable of achieving the high performance and stability in the writing performance, and a method of manufacturing the same. On a trailing side of a main magnetic pole layer, disposed are a gap layer extending backward from an air bearing surface and an auxiliary magnetic pole layer extending backward from a position recessed from the air bearing surface. The auxiliary magnetic pole layer is partially overlapped on the gap layer. In case the auxiliary magnetic pole layer is formed using etching method in the process of manufacturing the perpendicular magnetic write head, the gap layer has a function as an etching stopper layer so that the main magnetic pole layer is protected; thereby the already-formed main magnetic pole layer is not subjected to etching.