Thermally-Assisted Write Head Plasmon Generator Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermally-assisted magnetic writing faces challenges in achieving high-density magnetic recording due to overheating issues with direct light application and unintended overwriting caused by small heat spots and mismatched magnetic field intensities in existing thermally-assisted magnetic write heads.
Innovation Solution
A thermally-assisted magnetic write head design featuring a waveguide, magnetic pole, and plasmon generator configuration where the magnetic pole has a third surface connecting the first and second surfaces, distributing the recording magnetic field gently along the air bearing surface, reducing unintentional overwriting and enabling accurate high-density recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct light is applied to a plasmon generator to generate near-field light, then heating efficiency is improved, but the plasmon generator overheats and deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the light source function from the plasmon generator function. The light source unit generates light that is guided through a waveguide to the plasmon generator, which then converts it to near-field light. This segmentation prevents direct light application to the plasmon generator, avoiding overheating while maintaining heating efficiency at the magnetic recording medium.
Solution Approach 2:
A waveguide acts as an intermediary component between the light source unit and the plasmon generator. The waveguide transmits light from the light source to the plasmon generator without requiring direct light application to the plasmon generator, thereby preventing overheating while enabling efficient near-field light generation.
2Measurement precision
If heat spot size is reduced to achieve higher recording density, then recording precision is improved, but magnetic field intensity becomes mismatched causing unintended overwriting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates different local conditions for heating and magnetic field application. The heat spot is concentrated at a specific location for precise thermal assistance, while the magnetic pole extends to provide appropriate magnetic field intensity distribution. This local quality differentiation enables both high recording precision and reliable magnetic field matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs asymmetric configuration where the plasmon generator and magnetic pole are positioned at different locations relative to the magnetic recording medium. The plasmon generator creates a focused heat spot for precision, while the magnetic pole provides extended magnetic field coverage for reliability, creating an asymmetric but complementary arrangement.
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 ensures accurate and high-density magnetic recording by maintaining a gentle magnetic field gradient, preventing unintentional overwriting and enhancing recording precision.
Implementation Method 1
near-field light is applied to a magnetic recording medium to lower a coercivity thereof
Implementation Method 2
heat is applied together with the magnetic field to a section of the magnetic recording medium where the information is to be written to increase the temperature and to lower the coercivity
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic pole; and a plasmon generator interposed between the waveguide and the magnetic pole
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally-assisted magnetic write head includes a waveguide, a magnetic pole, and a plasmon generator interposed between the waveguide and the magnetic pole. The magnetic pole includes a first surface exposed on an air bearing surface, a second surface facing the plasmon generator, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface.