Abstract: An optically shielded (thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head comprises a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head and a near-field transducer (NFT) having an emerging peg at the air-bearing surface (ABS). Self-aligned optical side shields (SA-OSS) are formed using a self-aligning process that positions the shields symmetrically relative to the emergent peg of the NFT. As a result of the symmetric positioning the down-track and cross-track near-field and near-field gradients are significantly sharpened.

Abstract: A method of forming a TAMR (thermally assisted magnetic recording) write head that uses weakly plasmonic materials that are mechanically strong and thermally stable to create plasmon near field energy. The replacement of highly plasmonic materials like Au with a weakly plasmonic material like Rh avoids the thermal deformations of softer metals like Au. To maintain the performance of the head, it includes pre-focusing structures that concentrate plasmon energy as it moves towards the air bearing surface (ABS). A waveguide blocker at the distal end of the waveguide enhances the plasmons at the interface between the blocker and the dielectric material at the distal end of the waveguide. A pair of symmetrically disposed optical side shields (OSS) are formed to either side of the pole tip and a weakly plasmonic optical field enhancer of sharply defined line-width further strengthens the optical field at its point of application.

Abstract: The perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a magnetic pole including a first region and a second region, the first region having a first specific resistance and an end surface exposed on an air bearing surface, the second region having a second specific resistance higher than the first specific resistance and being located at a position recessed from the air bearing surface.

Abstract: The perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a magnetic pole including a first region and a second region, the first region having a first specific resistance and an end surface exposed on an air bearing surface, the second region having a second specific resistance higher than the first specific resistance and being located at a position recessed from the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A thin film magnetic head has a main magnetic pole layer; a first trailing shield that is positioned at the trailing side of the main magnetic pole layer, and that is close to the main magnetic pole layer; and a second trailing shield that is positioned at the trailing side of the first trailing shield, and that continues to the first trailing shield. An end surface of the second trailing shield positioned at the back side in the height direction has a first end side positioned at a medium opposing surface side, and a second end side positioned at the further back side in the height direction than the first end side, and at the trailing side closer than the first end side. An angle formed by a plane including the first end side and the second end side and a plane parallel to both the height direction and the track width direction is 30 degrees to 60 degrees.