Abstract: A microfabrication process includes: (1) etching a shield pattern into a substrate; (2) forming a set of shielding layers on the substrate and in the shield pattern, wherein the shielding layers include n+1 magnetic layers and n spacing layers, n is 0 or an integer that is 1 or greater than 1, and each spacing layer is disposed between a pair of magnetic layers; and (3) planarizing the substrate to expose edges of the shielding layers.

Abstract: A magnetic head of an embodiment includes a stack, side shields, and a first and a second magnetic shield. The stack includes a pin layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a first free layer having a magnetization direction to change in accordance with an external magnetic field, a second free layer antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled with the first free layer and having a magnetization direction to change in accordance with the field, and an antiferromagnetic layer exchange-coupled with the second free layer. A magnetic field is applied from the side shields to the first and second free layers, and a direction of the magnetic field is substantially parallel to the magnetization direction of one of the first and second free layers and substantially antiparallel to the magnetization direction of the other, and a magnetic volume of the one is larger than a magnetic volume of the other.

Abstract: A data reader may have a magnetoresistive stack positioned on an air bearing surface and consisting of at least a magnetically free structure that continuously extends from the air bearing surface with a first stripe height. A side shield can be separated from the magnetoresistive stack on the ABS and configured with a first magnetic layer having the first stripe height and a second magnetic layer having a third stripe height from the air bearing surface with the third stripe height being greater than the first stripe height. The side shield can be anti-ferromagnetically biased by a synthetic antiferromagnetic top shield structure that contacts the side shield through a transition metal material layer. The first stripe height can be configured to match a magnetically free layer of the magnetoresistive stack and the second stripe height can be configured to match a magnetically fixed layer of the magnetoresistive stack.

Abstract: A method for evaluating bit error rate for a magnetic head by using a quasi-static test system, includes step (a), measuring a noise characteristic curve for a magnetic head, and the noise characteristic comprising noise amplitude and maximum noise amplitude; step (b), constructing a noise waveform by appropriately scaling a signal noise ratio of the magnetic head based on the noise characteristic curve measured in step (a); and step (c), injecting the noise waveform constructed in step (b) into a model comprising a transmitter module and a receiver module to evaluate a bit error rate. The method saves testing time, reduces manpower, and obtains accuracy testing result.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head is constructed such that a main magnetic pole layer having a magnetic pole end face on a side of a medium-opposing surface opposing a recording medium, a write shield layer opposing the main magnetic pole layer on the medium-opposing surface side, a gap layer formed between the main magnetic pole layer and write shield layer, and a thin-film coil wound about the write shield layer or main magnetic pole layer are laminated on a substrate. This thin-film coil has a plurality of turn parts arranged at respective positions having different distances from the medium-opposing surface, while a non-expandable part made of an insulating material having a coefficient of thermal expansion smaller than that of a photosensitive resin is formed between the turn parts.

Abstract: A write pole structure disclosed herein includes a write pole, a trailing shield, and a high magnetic moment (HMM) material layer on a surface of the trailing shield facing the write pole.

Abstract: A data reader generally capable of sensing data bits may be configured at least with a magnetic stack that has free and fixed magnetization structures atop a magnetic seed layer. A bottom shield may be positioned contactingly adjacent the magnetic stack opposite a top shield with the bottom shield having a fixed pinning magnetization set to a predetermined magnetic orientation.

Abstract: A read/write head is disclosed wherein a non-magnetic layer made of a metal is inserted in the read head on a side opposite to the S1 shield with respect to the sensor. The non-magnetic layer is preferably Cu and is recessed from the ABS to prevent corrosion. A preferred design has a 1 to 5 micron thick non-magnetic insertion layer that extends a distance of 3 to 100 microns along a plane that is perpendicular to the ABS. RG efficiency is enhanced significantly and RG gamma ratio is improved to 1.0 so that a smaller difference in RG, WG, and min-fly point can be achieved at touchdown detection and in normal read/write operations. These results lead to an optimal dynamic performance for a given spacing target and enhanced read gap protrusion at a given heater power. S1/S2A thickness can be independently optimized for magnetic performance consideration only.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for manufacturing a full wraparound shield damascene write head through the implementation of a three layered (tri-layered) hard mask. According to an embodiment of the invention, the various layers of hard mask are used for different purposes during the formation of a write head. The wraparound shield head of the present invention exhibits improved physical characteristics that further result in improved performance characteristics. Use of the hard mask layers according to the present invention allows for use of manufacturing processes that can be more closely controlled than those processes used in other processes. For example, smaller dimension lithographic techniques can be used. Also, reliance on certain CMP processes is not necessary where the use of CMP processes is not as well-controlled as deposition or lithographic techniques as is possible using the present invention.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a coil, a main pole, a write shield, and a return path section. The return path section includes a yoke layer located on the front side in the direction of travel of a recording medium relative to the main pole, and a coupling part coupling the main pole and the yoke layer to each other. The coupling part includes a plurality of magnetic path portions that separate a magnetic flux into a plurality of fluxes and allow the fluxes to pass therethrough in parallel. The coil includes a plurality of winding portions disposed around the plurality of magnetic path portions, respectively.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a nonmagnetic gap layer in a trench; a pole seed layer above the nonmagnetic gap layer; and a pole layer of a magnetic material above the pole seed layer, wherein at least one of the nonmagnetic gap layer, the pole seed layer and the pole layer has nitrogen therein. A magnetic head according to another embodiment includes a nonmagnetic gap layer in a trench; a pole seed layer above the nonmagnetic gap layer, the pole seed layer being comprised primarily of a material selected from a group consisting of NiCr, Ta/Ru, Ta/Rh, NiCr/Ru, NiCr/Rh, NiCr, CoOx, Ru, Rh, Cu, Au/MgO, Ta/Cu; and a pole layer comprised primarily of CoFe above the pole seed layer, wherein at least one of the nonmagnetic gap layer, the pole seed layer and the pole layer has nitrogen therein.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a top shield, bottom shield, polarizer, nonmagnetic conductor layer, and a sensor stack having a first sensor layer. The sensor stack is positioned at a distance recessed from a first plane. The nonmagnetic conductor layer is positioned between the polarizer and the first sensor layer. A magnetization of the first sensor layer is arranged and configured to move in the same direction as a magnetization of the polarizer.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes first and second coils, a main pole, a write shield, a return path section, and a core part. The return path section includes a yoke part magnetically connected to the write shield, and a coupling part located away from a medium facing surface and magnetically coupling the yoke part and the main pole to each other. The first coil is located on the front side in the direction of travel of a recording medium relative to the main pole and wound around the coupling part. The core part is located farther from the medium facing surface than is the coupling part, and is magnetically connected to the main pole. The second coil is located on the front side in the direction of travel of the recording medium relative to the main pole and wound around the core part.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a magnetic structure incorporating a write shield. The magnetic structure is formed to include a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer stacked on the first magnetic layer, and a seed layer. The first magnetic layer has a front end face located in the medium facing surface and a top surface. The second magnetic layer has a front end face located in the medium facing surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the first magnetic layer includes a first region including an end located in the medium facing surface and a second region farther from the medium facing surface than the first region. The seed layer is not present on the first region of the top surface of the first magnetic layer but is present on the second region.

Abstract: A magnetic head comprises a pole layer, a first coil, a second coil, and a shield. The shield incorporates: a first portion located backward of the pole layer along the direction of travel of a recording medium; a second portion located forward of the pole layer along the direction of travel of the recording medium; and two coupling portions. The first portion has an end face located in a medium facing surface. The two coupling portions couple the first and second portions to each other without touching the pole layer. Part of the first coil passes through a space surrounded by the pole layer and the first portion. Part of the second coil passes through a space surrounded by the pole layer and the second portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for perpendicular recording includes a first magnetic core includes a main pole configured to produce a recording magnetic field, and a return pole configured to reflux magnetic flux from the main pole to form a magnetic circuit in conjunction with the main pole, a first coil configured to excite magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit, side shields arranged individually on opposite sides of the main pole transversely relative to a track so as to be magnetically separated from the main pole and formed integrally with the return pole, a second magnetic core configured to form a physically closed magnetic path, a part of which comprises the return pole, and a second coil wound around the second magnetic core and configured to excite magnetic flux in the closed magnetic path.

Abstract: A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes at least two write transducers for writing to a magnetic medium; and a shield structure having at least two magnetically connected shields which at least partially cover two opposite sides of the writer. A magnetic head according to another embodiment includes at least two write transducers for writing to a magnetic medium, the at least two write transducers being positioned adjacent each other and aligned along a line; and a shield structure having shields adjacent at least three sides of each of the at least two write transducers, the shields being formed of a magnetically permeable material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also presented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a writer for shingled recording which includes a write pole having a trailing edge and first and second side edges extending from the trailing edge. The writer further includes a shield extending along and about parallel to at least an entire length of the trailing edge, the shield also extending along at least a portion of the first side edge. Other systems are also presented which include advanced shingled writing head designs.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head includes a magnetic recording write element including a main pole having a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge and a first side surface and a second side surface separating the leading edge from the trailing edge. A first side shield gap separates a first side shield from the first side of the main pole and a second side shield gap separates the second side shield from the second side of the main pole. A front magnetic shield is separated from the main pole trailing edge by a front shield gap. A recess extends into the front shield adjacent to the trailing edge, and parallel to the trailing edge. The recess extends laterally away from the main pole and into the front shield a distance greater than the first side shield gap or second side shield gap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention reduce generation of a magnetic field with a polarity reverse to that of the recording magnetic field, without deteriorating a gradient in the magnetic field. An embodiment of a magnetic disk device according to the present invention suppresses deviation and erase of already recorded data. In an embodiment, the perpendicular magnetic recording head includes the main magnetic pole, an auxiliary magnetic pole, a trailing shield disposed on the trailing side of the main magnetic pole with a non-magnetic film placed in-between, and side shields disposed on both the sides of the main magnetic pole in the direction of the track width with a non-magnetic film placed in-between. The trailing shield has on the trailing side a portion where film thickness is thinner on the trailing side than the thickness of its element in the height direction in its position facing the main magnetic pole.

Abstract: A PMR writer is disclosed that includes at least one of a recessed center section in the write pole trailing edge and a center recessed trailing shield to improve the field gradient at track edge. In all embodiments, there is a non-uniform write gap between the trailing edge and the trailing shield. The recessed portion of the write pole trailing edge and/or center recess of the trailing shield has a thickness from 10 to 40 nm in a down-track direction and a width in a cross-track direction of 20 to 200 nm. The distance between the center recess and a corner of the trailing edge is from 20 to 80 nm. A sequence of steps is provided to fabricate the two embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a coil, a main pole, a write shield, and first and second yoke layers. The first and second yoke layers are magnetically connected to the write shield and aligned along the direction of travel of a recording medium such that the main pole is interposed therebetween. The coil includes a winding portion of planar spiral shape that is formed in one or more layers. The magnetic head further includes: a first coupling part located away from the medium facing surface and magnetically coupling the main pole and the second yoke layer to each other; and a second coupling part located away from the medium facing surface and magnetically coupling the first yoke layer and the second yoke layer to each other without touching the main pole. The winding portion is wound around the first coupling part, and a part of the winding portion passes between the first and second coupling parts.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a main pole, a write shield, a return path section, a heater that generates heat for making part of a medium facing surface protrude, and a sensor that detects contact of the part of the medium facing surface with a recording medium. The return path section includes: a yoke layer located backward of the main pole along the direction of travel of the recording medium; a first coupling part coupling the yoke layer and the write shield to each other; and a second coupling part located away from the medium facing surface and coupling the yoke layer and the main pole to each other. The first coupling part has an end face facing toward the yoke layer. This end face includes a middle portion spaced from the yoke layer and facing the yoke layer, and two side portions located on opposite sides of the middle portion in a track width direction and in contact with the yoke layer. The sensor is located between the middle portion and the yoke layer.

Abstract: A magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording includes a read head unit, a write head unit disposed forward of the read head unit along the direction of travel of a recording medium, a heater that generates heat for causing the medium facing surface to protrude in part, an expansion layer that makes part of the medium facing surface protrude, and a sensor that detects contact of the part of the medium facing surface with the recording medium. The write head unit includes a main pole, a write shield, and a return path section. The return path section includes a yoke layer located backward of the main pole along the direction of travel of the recording medium, a first coupling part that couples the yoke layer and the write shield to each other, and a second coupling part that is located away from the medium facing surface and couples the yoke layer and the main pole to each other.

Abstract: A magnetic shield in which all domain patterns and orientations are stable and which are consistently repeated each time the shield is exposed to an initialization field, is disclosed. This is achieved by giving it a suitable shape which ensures that all closure domains can align themselves at a reduced angle relative to the initialization direction while still being roughly antiparallel to each other. Most, though not all, of these shapes are variations on trapezoids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic head and particularly to improvement of its recording element. The recording element includes a first magnetic film, a second magnetic film, a coil film, and an insulating film. The first magnetic film has a first pole portion. The second magnetic film has a second pole portion opposed to the first pole portion with a magnetic gap film therebetween and is joined to the first magnetic film at a back gap portion that is located in a rearward position with respect to a medium facing surface. The coil film extends around the back gap portion, and the insulating film encloses the coil film. Moreover, the second magnetic film entirely covers the insulating film.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes: a main pole; a coil; a first shield with an end face located in a medium facing surface at a position forward of an end face of the main pole along a direction of travel of a recording medium; a gap part including a portion located between the main pole and the first shield; and a first return path section disposed forward of the main pole along the direction of travel of the recording medium. The first return path section connects the first shield and the main pole to each other so that a first space is defined by the main pole, the gap part, the first shield, and the first return path section. The coil includes a plurality of first coil elements extending to pass through the first space and aligned in a row in the direction of travel of the recording medium.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head is constructed such that a main magnetic pole layer, a write shield layer, a gap layer, and a thin-film coil are laminated on a substrate. The thin-film coil has a coil-layer. The coil-layer has a turn part arranged closer to an ABS than is a rear end part of the main magnetic pole layer farthest from the ABS. Regarding a substrate side coil-layer, arranged between the main magnetic pole layer and the substrate, of the coil-layer, a thickness of a non-corresponding magnetic pole part other than a magnetic pole corresponding part corresponding to an arrangement space of the main magnetic pole layer is larger than a thickness of the magnetic pole corresponding part.

Abstract: A process (and the structure resulting therefrom) is described for manufacturing a magnetic write head in which there is no physical interface between the first and second trailing shields. This is achieved by laying down a sacrificial layer which is patterned to extend inwards towards the top yoke whereby the dimensions and shapes of the shields are defined.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main pole having a leading side and a trailing side relative to a downtrack direction, a side gap layer positioned adjacent to the main pole in a crosstrack direction, and a side shield layer positioned adjacent the side gap layer in a crosstrack direction. The downtrack direction is in a direction of medium travel relative to the main pole, the crosstrack direction is perpendicular to the downtrack direction, the side gap layer is characterized by having a groove therein in the downtrack direction having the main pole positioned therein, the side shield is characterized by having a groove formed therein in the downtrack direction having the side gap layer positioned therein, the side gap is non-conformal in shape, and a position of the side shield relative to a position of the main pole is characterized as being self-aligned.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a that has a write pole with a tapered trailing edge in a pole tip region, and a trailing shield that has a leading edge that tapers away from the write pole at an angle that is greater than that taper angle of the trailing edge of the write pole. The magnetic head has a step feature with a front edge that is recessed from the ABS. In one embodiment a magnetic wedge is formed over the tapered surface of the write pole. In another embodiment, a non-magnetic bump is formed over a first tapered portion of the write pole adjacent to the front edge of the step feature, and a non-magnetic wedge is formed over a second tapered portion of the write pole and extends from the non-magnetic bump to the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a shield, and first and second return path sections. The shield has an end face that is located in a medium facing surface to wrap around an end face of a main pole. The shield includes a bottom shield, two side shields, and a top shield. The first return path section includes a yoke layer, and first and second coupling layers that magnetically couple the bottom shield and the yoke layer to each other. The first coupling layer is magnetically connected to the bottom shield. The second coupling layer magnetically couples the first coupling layer to the yoke layer. No end faces of the second coupling layer are exposed in the medium facing surface. The second return path section magnetically couples the top shield and the main pole to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole, a trailing shield, and a multilayered side/leading shield disposed on a leading side of the main magnetic pole in a down-track direction and on either side of the main magnetic pole in a cross-track direction. The side/leading shield includes an inner layer nearer to the main magnetic pole which surrounds the main magnetic pole on three sides and an outer layer farther from the main magnetic pole than the inner layer which surrounds the main magnetic pole and inner layer on three sides. The inner layer has a saturation magnetization (Ms) that is greater than a Ms of the outer layer, and the trailing shield has a relative permeability of greater than about 50. Other magnetic heads and methods of producing magnetic heads are also presented according to various embodiments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a main pole configured to apply a recording magnetic field, a return pole opposed to a trailing side of the main pole across a write gap and configured to return magnetic flux from the main pole, a coil configured to excite magnetic flux in the main pole, a spin-torque oscillator located between respective facing surfaces of the return pole and an end portion of the main pole on the recording-medium side and configured to produce a high-frequency magnetic field, a current source configured to apply current to the spin-torque oscillator through the return and main poles, and a nonmagnetic layer provided in at least one of the poles and extending from a facing surface of the at least one of the poles, which faces the spin-torque oscillator, in a direction across the facing surface.

Abstract: A shield design for a magnetic write head is described that eliminates the far-field WATE problem while still maintaining side shielding ability. This is achieved by moving all but the central sections of the three shields (LS, SS, and WS) and, optionally, the top yoke a short distance further away from the recording medium than the ABS.

Abstract: Methods for fabrication of leading edge shields and tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge are provided. The leading edge shield may be formed by utilizing a CMP stop layer. The CMP stop layer may aid in preventing over polishing of the magnetic material. For the tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge, a magnetic material is deposited on a planarized surface, a patterned resist material is formed, and exposed magnetic material is etched to form at least one tapered surface of the magnetic material.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a coil, a pole layer, and a coil adjacent layer. The coil includes a winding portion having two side surfaces. The coil adjacent layer is adjacent to at least part of the whole of the two side surfaces of the winding portion. The coil adjacent layer is formed of a nonmagnetic material having a linear thermal expansion coefficient of 5×10?6/° C. or smaller at a temperature of 25° C. to 100° C. and having a thermal conductivity of 40 W/m·K or higher at a temperature of 25° C.

Abstract: A write element for magnetic recording includes a main pole and a shield. The main pole has first and second sides with respect to a down-track direction. The shield at least partially surrounds the main pole with a continuously concave inner sidewall. The angle between the inner sidewall of the shield and the direction of motion of the write element is greater than the angle between the sides of the main pole and the direction of motion.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a tapered main pole having a variable thickness. The tapered portion of the pole is at the ABS tip and it can be formed by bevels at the leading or trailing edges or both. The taper terminates to form a region with a maximum thickness, t1, which extends for a certain distance proximally. Beyond this region of maximum thickness t1, the pole is then reduced to a constant minimum thickness t2. A yoke is attached to this region of constant minimum thickness. This pole design requires less flux because of the thinner region of the pole where it attaches to the yoke, but the thicker region just before the tapered ABS provides additional flux to drive the pole just before the ABS, so that high definition and field gain is achieved, yet fringing is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The magnetic write head includes a write pole having a pole tip region and a flared region. The write pole also has a trailing, wrap-around magnetic shield that is separated from the sides of the write pole by a non-magnetic side gap layer. The write head is formed such that the side gap spacing is larger in the flared region than in the pole tip region. This varying gap spacing can be formed by depositing a non-magnetic material using a collimated sputter deposition aligned substantially perpendicular to the air bearing surface. This collimated sputtering deposits the non-magnetic material more readily on the sides of the write pole in the flared region than in the pole tip region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head having a tapered write pole as well as a leading edge taper, and independent trailing and side magnetic shields. The method allows the write pole to be constructed by a dry process wherein the write pole material is either deposited by a process such as sputter deposition or electrically plated and the write pole shape is defined by masking and ion milling. The write pole has a stepped feature that can either be used to provide increased magnetic spacing between the trailing shield and the write pole at a location slightly recessed from the ABS or can be magnetic material that increases the effective thickness of the write pole at a location slightly recessed from the ABS. A bump structure can be further built over that stepped feature to enhance field gradient as well as reduce trailing shield saturation. Because the trailing and side shields are formed independently, they can be made of different materials and with different throat heights.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a configuration of leading edge shields and trailing edge shields that reduce the leakage of flux between the main pole and the shields. The reduction of leakage is achieved by eliminating the sharp 90° corner between the backside surfaces of the shields and the surfaces adjacent to the main pole. In one embodiment the corner is replaced by two successive acute angles, in another embodiment it is replaced by a rounded surface. In a final embodiment, leakage between the pole and trailing edge shield is achieved by shortening the length of the write gap by forming the shield with a double taper.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic write head having improved Bit Error Rate (BER), Adjacent Track Interference (ATI) and Far Track Interference (FTI). The write head includes a write pole and a trailing wrap-around magnetic shield. A permanent magnetic is located at either outer side of the shield. These magnets are magnetized to have magnetizations that are oriented in the same direction, in a direction that is perpendicular to the track direction and parallel with the air bearing surface.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic write head includes: a magnetic pole; a pair of nonmagnetic side gap layers provided on both sides in a track-width direction of the magnetic pole; a nonmagnetic trailing gap layer provided on a trailing side of the magnetic pole; a magnetic shield layer so provided as to surround the magnetic pole with both of the nonmagnetic side gap layer and the nonmagnetic trailing gap layer in between; and a magnetic seed layer formed between the nonmagnetic trailing gap layer and the magnetic shield layer, and having a saturation magnetic flux density higher than that of the magnetic shield layer. The magnetic seed layer is not formed between the nonmagnetic side gap layer and the magnetic shield layer.

Abstract: A main magnetic-pole layer is provided with, at the tip end portion thereof, a trailing shied on the trailing side via a non-magnetic gap layer, and the non-magnetic gap layer includes therein one or more magnetic layers. This magnetic layer appropriately controls the amount of magnetic fluxes coming from the tip end portion of the main magnetic-pole layer for capturing into the trailing shield because the magnetic fluxes coming from the tip end portion of the main magnetic-pole layer go through the magnetic layer before being captured into the trailing shield.

Abstract: Disclosed is a read head for reading data from a magnetic media. The read head includes a bottom magnetic shield layer, a top magnetic shield layer, and a read sensor disposed between the bottom and top magnetic shield layers. The read sensor is configured for sensing changes in a magnetic field of the magnetic media positioned under the read sensor. The read sensor has a front end adjacent to an air bearing surface (ABS) and a back end opposite the front end. The read head also includes a back magnetic shield layer positioned between the bottom and top magnetic shield layers and behind the back end of the read sensor distal to the ABS.

Abstract: In a magnetic head to be used for a shingled recording method, degradation of a signal resolution and a decrease in a signal-to-noise ratio which are caused by an asymmetrical inter-bit transition curvature are prevented, and a low bit error rate is realized. A magnetic head includes a recording head and a reproducing head. The reproducing head includes a pair of magnetic shields and a sensor sandwiched between the pair of magnetic shields. The gap between the magnetic shields is formed so that the longitudinal direction thereof gets inclined by a certain angle with respect to a cross-track direction in line with the shape of a curvature of an inter-bit transition on an effective record track in a record pattern recorded on a recording medium.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a pole tip shielded laterally by a pair of symmetrically separated side shields that extend from an edge of a trailing edge shield to form a shield with the shape of a ?. The easy axis direction of the side shields is in the in-track direction. As a result, the side shields effectively shield the fringing fields of the magnetic pole tip from causing adjacent track erasures, while not adding their own fringing fields that could cause erasures even beyond adjacent tracks.

Abstract: The reduction in a recording magnetic field due to the narrowing of recording track width along with the improved surface recording density is prevented and the increasing of accuracy in the track width is achieved, enabling an improvement in recording performance. In a perpendicular magnetic recording head, a main pole 13 includes a first main pole portion 131 having an inverse trapezoidal shape with a bevel angle and a second main pole portion 132 laminated on the first main pole portion. The second main pole portion 132 has no bevel angle, is generally rectangular and defines track width. The second main pole portion has a tapered shape extending from the predetermined position of a flare portion toward an air bearing surface.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic write head is provided with a magnetic pole and a pair of side shields disposed on both sides of the magnetic pole in a cross track direction with side gaps in between. Each of the pair of side shields is configured in such a manner that a saturation magnetic flux density thereof increases as a distance from the magnetic pole in the cross track direction increases. Such a configuration allows unwanted divergence component of magnetic flux in a recording magnetic field to be captured while avoiding any excessive capturing of the recording magnetic field, and while preventing any intensity reduction of the recording magnetic field in its entirety. As a result, the recording magnetic field is maintained to have an adequate intensity and spreading of the recording magnetic field is suppressed, so that the recording capabilities are improved.