Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a magnetic recording device comprising a magnetic recording head having a first current flow in a cross-track direction through a trailing shield. In one or more embodiments, a second current flows in a cross-track direction around the main pole. The magnetic recording device comprises a main pole disposed between a trailing shield, a leading shield, and side shields. A trailing gap is disposed between the side shields and the trailing shield. A high moment seed layer is disposed between the main pole and the trailing shield. A first insulation layer is disposed within the trailing shield and directs the first current through the trailing shield, guided to the proximity of the main pole. A second insulation layer, disposed below the trailing shield, directs the second current through the trailing shield, or alternatively through the side shields and around the main pole.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to a magnetic media drive employing a magnetic recording head. The magnetic recording head comprises a main pole extending to a media facing surface (MFS). The main pole has a gradually increasing cross-section area with a low aspect ratio from the MFS to a surface recessed from and parallel to the MFS. The main pole comprises a first leading edge taper angle (LETA), a second LETA less than the first LETA, a first trailing edge taper angle (TETA), and a second TETA less than the first TETA. The main pole further comprises a first flare recessed a first distance from the MFS, the first flare having a first angle, and a second flare recessed a second distance from the MFS greater than the first distance, the second flare having a second angle greater than the first angle.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording writer is disclosed with a leading shield (LS) having an upper layer that extends from an air bearing surface (ABS) to a backside at a first height (a). A LS lower layer has an upper surface that contacts the LS upper layer, a front side at the ABS, and a backside at a second height (b) where b>a. LS lower layer has a notch in the upper surface that is recessed from the ABS and has a first side aligned parallel to the ABS. The notch is aligned below the main pole and has a cross-track width that is from 1× to 11× the track width, and two sidewalls formed equidistant from a center plane wherein each sidewall intersects the first side at a 90 to 170 degree angle. Accordingly, overwrite, bit error rate (BER), and tracks per square inch capability are improved.

Abstract: A write head comprising a main pole having a pole tip proximate an air bearing surface (ABS), a leading side and a trailing side, with a leading yoke on the leading side of the main pole and a trailing yoke on the leading side of the main pole. The leading yoke has a greater thickness than the trailing yoke, with a ratio of the thickness of the leading yoke to the trailing yoke of at least 1.5:1.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a coil, a main pole, a trailing shield, a gap section, a return path section, and a coil underlayer. The main pole has a top surface including a first inclined portion and a flat portion. The coil includes a specific coil element. The specific coil element has a bottom surface facing toward the top surface of the main pole, and a front end face inclined with respect to a medium facing surface. The coil underlayer lies under the specific coil element, and has a front end face. The trailing shield includes a portion interposed between the front end face of the coil underlayer and the medium facing surface. The bottom surface of the specific coil element includes a second inclined portion.

Abstract: A write head having reduced dimensions. In one implementation, the write head has a main pole having a leading side and a trailing side, a leading yoke on the leading side of the main pole, and a coil wrapped around the main pole and the leading yoke. The coil on the leading side and the leading yoke having a distance of no greater than 300 nm therebetween, and the coil on the trailing side and the main pole having a distance of no greater than 350 nm therebetween. In an alternate implementation, the write head has a trailing yoke, with the coil on the trailing side and the trailing yoke having a distance of no greater than 350 nm therebetween.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spin torque oscillator (STO) includes a reference layer having a magnetization that is capable of free in-plane rotation, a field generation layer (FGL) including at least one magnetic film having an easy magnetization plane effectively in a film plane, wherein a magnetization of the FGL is capable of in-plane rotation, and a stabilizing layer (STL) positioned on a side of the FGL opposite the reference layer, the STL including a magnetic film having an easy magnetization plane effectively in a film plane, wherein a magnetization of the STL is capable of in-plane rotation, wherein a product of a saturation magnetization of the STL multiplied by a thickness of the STL is less than half a product of a magnetization of the FGL multiplied by a thickness of the FGL.

Abstract: A magnetic transducer has an ABS, a pole, coil(s) and a trailing shield. The pole includes a trailing surface having first and second portions. The first portion adjoins the ABS and is oriented at a first bevel angle from perpendicular to the ABS. The first bevel angle is nonzero and acute. The second portion adjoins the first portion, is recessed from the ABS and oriented at a second bevel angle from perpendicular to the ABS. The second bevel angle is less than the first bevel angle and nonzero. The trailing shield has a pole-facing surface part of which adjoins the ABS and is oriented at the first bevel angle. A write gap is between the trailing shield and the pole. The write gap has a constant thickness for the first portion of the trailing surface and a thickness that increases with increasing distance from the ABS for the second portion.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a multi-level tapered write pole. The write pole comprises a main pole with a tapered tip on a leading edge or a trailing edge, on which is formed at least one yoke that has a tapered edge. The edge of the yoke is recessed from the ABS of the main pole, giving the head a stepped profile. The yoke can be a single yoke formed on one side of the main pole or it can be two yokes formed on both the leading and trailing sides of the main pole. The write pole structure creates an efficient channeling of magnetic flux to the ABS surface of the pole tip which produces magnetic recording field at high area densities.

Abstract: Data storage systems having barriers that may reduce erasure flux and increase write-ability are provided. Data storage systems include a writing element. The writing element has a write pole with a flare region. A magnetic flux barrier is located along the write pole flare region. The magnetic flux barrier is illustratively made from an in-plane magnetically anisotropic material that has an easy plane of magnetization. In another embodiment, a data storage system includes a writing element having an air bearing surface and a shield at the air bearing surface. The shield has a magnetic permeability of approximately zero. The shield illustratively includes alternating layers of positive and negative permeabilities. The shield optionally includes a plurality of shields that may include top, bottom, and side shields.

Abstract: A structure and a process for a perpendicular write pole that provides increased magnetic flux at the ABS is disclosed. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of write flux that originates above the write gap, without changing the pole taper at the ABS. Three embodiment of the invention are discussed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a main pole, at least one side shield positioned on sides of the main pole, and a trailing shield having a multi-bump structure positioned near a trailing side of the main pole, wherein the multi-bump structure has six junctures along the trailing shield facing the main pole, a first juncture positioned at a media-facing surface, a sixth juncture positioned away from the media-facing surface, and second, third, fourth, and fifth junctures positioned along the side of the trailing shield facing the main pole between the first and sixth juncture, wherein an element height of a first face of the trailing shield positioned between the fourth and fifth juncture is less than an element height of a second face of the trailing shield positioned at an end of the trailing shield positioned opposite the media-facing surface of the trailing shield.

Abstract: A magnetic write head for magnetic data recording that has a magnetic write pole and a magnetic side shield structure, wherein the flare angle and bevel angle of the write pole are different from the flare angle and bevel angle of the magnetic side shield structure. The magnetic side shield has a flare angle that is greater than that of the write pole, and has a bevel angle that is smaller than that of the write pole. This advantageously provides a strong write field, while also preventing adjacent track and far track interference. The write head can include a bi-layer non-magnetic side gap structure, wherein one layer of the bi-layer side gap structure has a uniform thickness and the other layer has a non-uniform thickness.

Abstract: A write pole can have a magnetically conductive pole tip has at least one corner. The at least one corner may be chamfered to limit magnetic saturation of the conductive pole tip. The conductive pole tip can have one or more beveled surface that has a chamfered corner which extends a predetermined distance along an edge of the write pole.

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 recording transducer for use in a data storage device includes a writer pole with a ABS surface, trailing edge bevel and a trailing shield. The effective throat height of the writer main pole is reduced by the use two gap layers between the writer main pole and the trailing shield. A first gap layer is on and in contact with the writer pole trailing surface, and a second gap layer is on a section of the first gap layer on the writer pole trailing edge bevel, from a point removed from the ABS surface and absent from a part on a section of the first gap layer on the writer pole trailing edge bevel nearest the ABS. A method of fabricating the transducer is also provided.

Abstract: A method provides a PMR transducer. In one aspect, the method includes forming a trench in an intermediate layer using reactive ion etch(es). The trench top is wider than its bottom. In this aspect, the method also includes providing a seed layer using atomic layer deposition and providing a PMR pole on the seed layer. Portion(s) of the seed layer and PMR pole reside in the trench. In another aspect, the method includes providing a mask including a trench having a top wider than its bottom. In this aspect, the method includes providing mask material in the trench, providing an intermediate layer on the mask material and removing the mask material to provide another trench in the intermediate layer. In this aspect, the method also includes providing a PMR pole in the additional trench.

Abstract: A method of depositing material onto a base portion of a wafer is disclosed. The method includes forming a bevel into a portion of a surface of the base portion of the wafer and depositing a first layer of conductive material onto the beveled portion of the base portion so that part of the first layer includes a wedge shape above the surface of the base portion. A second layer of conductive material is deposited onto the base portion including the portion of the base portion onto which the first layer of material is deposited.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording writer for use in a data storage device, the recording transducer has a magnetic writer pole, a pole tip facing an air bearing surface (ABS). The pole tip has a pole face, leading side wall, a trailing side wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. A trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer on the trailing side wall, a first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the first side wall, and a second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer deposited on the second side wall. A high magnetic moment seed layer is deposited on the trailing side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, the first side wall nonmagnetic gap layer, and the second side wall nonmagnetic gap layer. In other aspects of the invention shields are provided that have magnetic moments less than the magnetic moment of the seed layers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic head includes the step of forming an accommodation part and the step of forming a return path section. The return path section lies between a main pole and a top surface of a substrate, and connects a shield and part of the main pole away from a medium facing surface to each other so that a space through which part of a coil passes is defined. The accommodation part accommodates at least part of the return path section. The step of forming the return path section forms first to third portions simultaneously. The first portion is located closer to the top surface of the substrate than is the space. The second portion is located closer to the medium facing surface than is the space. The third portion is located farther from the medium facing surface than is the space.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a main pole of a recording head includes a first magnetic pole layer and a second magnetic pole layer laminated on the trailing side of the first magnetic pole layer. The first magnetic pole layer includes a tapered portion and a first tip portion. The second magnetic pole layer includes a tapered portion and a second tip portion. A width in a track direction of the second tip portion is smaller than that of the first tip portion. The high-frequency oscillator is between the second tip portion and the trailing shield and includes a width in the track direction substantially equal to the width in the track direction of the second tip portion, and a height of the first tip portion is taller than that of the second tip portion.

Abstract: A first trench sidewall has a continuous first taper angle that terminates at a first plane. At least one layer may be deposited that forms a second trench sidewall with a continuous second taper angle that extends a predetermined depth past the first plane and is less than the first taper angle. A write pole may then be formed on the second trench sidewall with the write pole being closer to the first trench sidewall at the predetermined depth than at the first plane.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a pole layer accommodated in a groove. The pole layer has a track width defining portion and a wide portion. The pole layer includes a plurality of magnetic films stacked. At least one of the plurality of magnetic films includes a first portion included in the track width defining portion, a second portion included in the wide portion, and a third portion coupling the first and second portions to each other. In a cross section passing through the center of the pole layer taken in the track width direction, the second portion is smaller than the first portion in thickness and the top surface of the third portion is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a medium facing surface.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a multi-level tapered write pole. The write pole comprises a main pole with a tapered tip on a leading edge or a trailing edge, on which is formed at least one yoke that has a tapered edge. The edge of the yoke is recessed from the ABS of the main pole, giving the head a stepped profile. The yoke can be a single yoke formed on one side of the main pole or it can be two yokes formed on both the leading and trailing sides of the main pole. The write pole structure creates an efficient channeling of magnetic flux to the ABS surface of the pole tip which produces magnetic recording field at high area densities.

Abstract: A structure and a process for a perpendicular write pole that provides increased magnetic flux at the ABS is disclosed. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of write flux that originates above the write gap, without changing the pole taper at the ABS. Three embodiment of the invention are discussed.

Abstract: A main pole layer having at least a leading taper and trimmed pole tip portion is described. The leading taper increases head field up to ?15000 Oe even for narrow track widths approaching 50 nm. For MAMR applications, a STO and trailing shield are sequentially formed on a trailing pole tip side. Furthermore, full side shields may be added to reduce fringing field. A preferred embodiment includes both of a leading taper and trailing taper at the pole tip where leading taper angle is between 20° and 60° and trailing taper angle is from 10° to 45°. A method is provided for forming various embodiments of the present invention. A key feature is that milling depth at an effective neck height distance is greater than or equal to the pole tip thickness. A self aligned STO may be formed by the same ion milling step that defines track width.

Abstract: A transducing head writer comprising a write pole having write pole tip, a yoke disposed on the write pole at a location that is recessed from the write pole tip, and a bridge feature disposed on the write pole between the yoke and the write pole tip, where the bridge feature has a geometry that is larger at a recessed end adjacent to the yoke compared to a proximate end adjacent to the write pole tip.

Abstract: A magnetic shield is adjacent a write pole. The write pole has a body portion with a body thickness and an extension portion with parallel first and second sides that each tilt towards the magnetic shield at a predetermined angle proximal to an air bearing surface (ABS). The extension portion may be capable of enhancing a write field gradient of the magnetic shield by reducing magnetic saturation.

Abstract: A magnetic write head having a tapered trailing edge and having a magnetic layer formed over a trailing edge of the write pole at a location recessed from the ABS, the magnetic layer being separated from the trailing edge of the write pole by a thin non-magnetic layer. The thin non-magnetic layer is preferably sufficiently thin that the magnetic layer can function as a portion of the write pole in a region removed from the ABS. A trailing magnetic shield is formed over the write pole and is separated from the write pole by a non-magnetic trailing gap layer. A non-magnetic spacer layer can be formed over the magnetic layer to provide additional separation between the magnetic layer and the trailing magnetic shield.

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: According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for perpendicular recording includes a main pole, a first soft magnetic film disposed on a trailing side of the main pole, and a first nonmagnetic film interposed between the main pole and the first soft magnetic film. A thickness of the main pole is increased in a depth direction from an air bearing surface using an inclination, and a thickness of the first nonmagnetic film increases in the depth direction from the air bearing surface. In another embodiment, an angle from a horizontal plane of an upper surface of the first nonmagnetic film is greater than an angle from a horizontal plane of a lower surface of the first nonmagnetic film in contact with the main pole. Other heads, methods, and systems are described according to more embodiments.

Abstract: Methods for fabrication of tapered magnetic poles with a non-magnetic front bump layer. A magnetic pole may have a plurality of tapered surfaces at or near an air bearing surface (ABS), wherein a thickness of the write pole increases in a direction away from the ABS. A non-magnetic front bump layer may be formed on one or more of the tapered surfaces of the magnetic pole at a distance from the ABS. The front bump layer may increase the separation distance between a shield layer and the magnetic pole near the tapered surface, thereby improving the performance of the write head.

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 main pole layer having at least a leading taper and trimmed pole tip portion is described. The leading taper increases head field up to ?15000 Oe even for narrow track widths approaching 50 nm. For MAMR applications, a STO and trailing shield are sequentially formed on a trailing pole tip side. Furthermore, full side shields may be added to reduce fringing field. Another embodiment involves including both of a leading taper and trailing taper at the pole tip where leading taper angle is between 20° and 60° and trailing taper angle is from 10° to 45°. A method is provided for forming various embodiments of the present invention. A key feature is that milling depth at an effective neck height distance is greater than or equal to the pole tip thickness. A self aligned STO may be formed by the same ion milling step that defines track width.

Abstract: A bottom end of a main pole includes first, second, and third portions that are contiguously arranged in order of increasing distance from the medium facing surface. A top surface of the main pole includes fourth, fifth, and sixth portions that are contiguously arranged in order of increasing distance from the medium facing surface. A distance from the top surface of the substrate to any given point on each of the first and second portions decreases with increasing distance from the given point to the medium facing surface. The second portion has an angle of inclination greater than that of the first portion with respect to a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface. A distance from the top surface of the substrate to any given point on each of the fourth and fifth portions increases with increasing distance from the given point to the medium facing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic head, a manufacturing method therefor, a head assembly, and a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus. According to the present invention, it includes a magnetic pole layer, a non-magnetic layer, a trailing gap layer, and a trailing shield layer. The magnetic pole layer has a pole tip exposed on a magnetic medium-facing surface. The non-magnetic layer is laid on the magnetic pole layer. The trailing shield layer is exposed on the magnetic medium-facing surface and laid over the magnetic pole layer and the non-magnetic layer with the trailing gap layer between. The magnetic pole layer and the non-magnetic layer have a continuous tapered face opposed to a lower side of the trailing shield layer. Moreover, the tapered face extends from a trailing edge of the pole tip at a constant inclination angle.

Abstract: Methods for fabrication of tapered magnetic poles with a non-magnetic front bump layer. A magnetic pole may have a tapered surface at or near an air bearing surface (ABS), wherein a thickness of the write pole increases in a direction away from the ABS. A non-magnetic front bump layer may be formed on the tapered surface of the magnetic pole and away from the ABS. The front bump layer may increase the separation distance between a shield layer and the magnetic pole near the tapered surface, thereby improving the performance of the write head.

Abstract: A magnetic head with a main pole is provided. The main pole has a bottom end including an inclined portion. A write shield has a first inclined surface opposed to the inclined portion and a second inclined surface that is located farther from a medium facing surface than is the first inclined surface. The first inclined surface has a first end located in the medium facing surface and a second end opposite thereto. The second inclined surface has a third end connected to the second end and a fourth end opposite thereto. The second inclined surface forms a greater angle than does the first inclined surface relative to a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface. The distance between the main pole and an arbitrary point on the second inclined surface increases with decreasing distance between the arbitrary point and the fourth end.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head comprises a write pole including a throat region with a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, and first and second side edges opposite one another. The magnetic recording head further comprises a first side wall gap layer disposed alongside the first side edge of the throat region, and a second side wall gap layer disposed alongside the second side edge of the throat region. Each of the first and second side wall gap layers has a first width at the leading edge of the throat region smaller than a second width at the trailing edge of the throat region.

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 PMR writer with a tapered main pole layer and tapered non-magnetic top-shaping layer is disclosed that minimizes trailing shield saturation. A second non-magnetic top shaping layer may be employed to reduce the effective TH size while the bulk of the trailing shield is thicker to allow a larger process window for back end processing. A sloped surface with one end at the ABS and a second end 0.05 to 0.3 microns from the ABS is formed at a 10 to 80 degree angle to the ABS and includes a sloped surface on the upper portion of the main pole layer and on the non-magnetic top shaping layer. An end is formed on the second non-magnetic top shaping layer at the second end of the sloped surface followed by forming a conformal write gap layer and then depositing the trailing shield on the write gap layer and along the ABS.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording head according to one embodiment includes a main pole; first magnetic films arranged on both sides of the main pole in a track width direction via nonmagnetic films; and a second magnetic film arranged on a trailing side of the main pole via a nonmagnetic film; wherein the depths of the first magnetic films from an air bearing surface are smaller than the depth of the second magnetic film from the air bearing surface at least at a periphery of the main pole.

Abstract: A main pole has a top surface and a bottom end that each include first, second, and third portions arranged contiguously in this order of increasing distance from a medium facing surface. A first virtual plane and a second virtual plane are assumed. The first virtual plane passes through an end of an end face of the main pole located forward in the direction of travel of a recording medium and is perpendicular to the medium facing surface and to the direction of travel of the recording medium. The second virtual plane passes through an end of the end face of the main pole located backward in the direction of travel of the recording medium and is perpendicular to the medium facing surface and to the direction of travel of the recording medium. The first and third portions are inclined relative to the first and second virtual planes and the medium facing surface. The second portion is parallel to the first and second virtual planes.

Abstract: A non-conformal integrated side shield structure is disclosed for a PMR write head wherein the sidewalls of the side shield are not parallel to the pole tip sidewalls. Thus, the side gap distance between the leading pole tip edge and side shield is different than the side gap distance between the trailing pole tip edge and side shield. As a result, there is a reduced side fringing field and improved overwrite performance. The side gap distance is constant with increasing distance from the ABS along the main pole layer. A fabrication method is provided where the trailing shield and side shield are formed in the same step to afford a self-aligned shield structure. Adjacent track erasure induced by flux choking at the side shield and trailing shield interface can be eliminated by this design. The invention encompasses a tapered main pole layer in a narrow pole tip section.

Abstract: A main pole has a top surface including a first portion and a second portion. The main pole has a bottom end including a third portion and a fourth portion. Each of the first and third portions has a first end located in a medium facing surface. The first portion is inclined relative to the medium facing surface and a first virtual plane that passes through the first end and is perpendicular to the medium facing surface and to the direction of travel of a recording medium. The third portion is inclined relative to the medium facing surface and a second virtual plane that passes through the first end and is perpendicular to the medium facing surface and to the direction of travel of the recording medium. The first portion is smaller than the third portion in length in a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface.

Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) head is fabricated with a multi-level tapered write pole for efficient channeling of magnetic flux. The write pole comprises a main pole with a tapered tip on which is formed at least one yoke that has a tapered edge. The edge of the yoke is recessed from the ABS of the tapered tip, giving the write pole a stepped profile. The tapered tip can be two sloped surfaces that are symmetric about a mid-plane of the main pole or a single sloped edge on the leading side or the trailing side of the pole. The yoke structure can consist of a single yoke formed on one side of the main pole or it can consist of two yokes formed symmetrically on both the leading and trailing sides of the main pole.

Abstract: A magnetic recording head includes a write pole comprising a throat region. The throat region includes a lower portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, and an upper portion having a substantially rectangular cross-section. In a beveled region of the write pole, the substantially rectangular cross-section of the upper portion decreases in height towards an air bearing surface of the magnetic recording head.

Abstract: Methods for fabrication of tapered magnetic poles with a non-magnetic front bump layer. A magnetic pole may have a tapered surface at or near an air bearing surface (ABS), wherein a thickness of the write pole increases in a direction away from the ABS. A non-magnetic front bump layer may be formed on the tapered surface of the magnetic pole and away from the ABS. The front bump layer may increase the separation distance between a shield layer and the magnetic pole near the tapered surface, thereby improving the performance of the write head.

Abstract: A stepped main pole for a perpendicular write head and methods of making the stepped main pole. The stepped main pole has a main pole tip and a base portion. The main pole tip has a surface that forms part of the ABS and a first thickness. The base portion extends from the main pole tip and has a thickness that varies from the first thickness to a second thickness to form a slanted surface with an apex angle adjacent the main pole tip. By placing the base portion away from the ABS and providing a thickness that increases in a direction away from the ABS, the stepped pole can provide the necessary magnetic flux for writing, while avoiding undesired leakage and fringing. To form embodiments of the stepped main pole of the invention, a fluorine-based reactive ion etch (RIE) may be used. By using an RIE to define the stepped main pole, the apex angle can be better controlled and tight edge control can be achieved.

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.