| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080198496 | Near-field light generator plate, thermally assisted magnetic head, head gimbal assembly, and hard disk drive - A near-field light generator plate | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080205202 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK DRIVE - A thermally assisted magnetic head has a medium-facing surface facing a magnetic recording medium; a near-field light generator disposed on a light exit face in the medium-facing surface; a magnetic recording element located adjacent to the near-field light generator; and a light emitting element disposed so that emitted light thereof reaches the near-field light generator; the near-field light generator is comprised of a cusp portion and a base portion; when λin represents a wavelength of the emitted light from the light emitting element immediately before the emitted light reaches the near-field light generator, an intensity of near-field light generated when the material forming the cusp portion is irradiated with the light of the wavelength λin is stronger than an intensity of near-field light generated when the material forming the base portion is irradiated with the light of the wavelength λin. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080218907 | MAGNETO-RESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT AND THIN-FILM MAGNETIC HEAD - A magneto-resistance effect element (MR element) used for a thin film magnetic head is configured by a buffer layer, an anti-ferromagnetic layer, a pinned layer, a spacer layer, a free layer, and a cap layer, which are laminated in this order, and a sense current flows through the element in a direction orthogonal to the layer surface, via a lower shield layer and a upper shield layer. The pinned layer comprises an outer layer in which a magnetization direction is fixed, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and an inner layer which is a ferromagnetic layer. The spacer layer comprises a first non-magnetic metal layer, a semiconductor layer, and a second non-magnetic metal layer. The first non-magnetic metal layer and the second non-magnetic metal layer comprise CuPt films having a thickness ranging from a minimum of 0.2 nm to a maximum of 2.0 nm, and the Pt content ranges from a minimum of 5 at % to a maximum of 25 at %. The semiconductor layer comprises a ZnO film, ZnS film, or GaN film having a thickness ranging from a minimum of 1.0 nm to a maximum of 2.5 nm. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080239541 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK DRIVE - The thermally assisted magnetic head comprises a medium-opposing surface; a magnetic recording device whose distance from a main magnetic pole to a medium is set longer than a distance from the medium-opposing surface to the medium; a first core for receiving light; and a second core positioned between a first light exit surface of the first core and the medium-opposing surface, having a second light exit surface on the medium side; while a distance between positions where an optical intensity distribution center within the first light exit surface and a center of the main magnetic pole are orthographically projected onto a reference plane including the second light exit surface is greater than a distance between an optical intensity distribution center within the second light exit surface and the position where the center of the leading end of the main magnetic pole is orthographically projected onto the reference plane. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20090040645 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK DRIVE - A thermally assisted magnetic head comprises a slider having a medium-opposing surface and a light source unit secured to a surface of the slider on the side of the slider opposite from the medium-opposing surface. The slider has a slider substrate and a magnetic head part provided on a side face of the medium-opposing surface in the slider substrate. The magnetic head part includes a magnetic recording device for generating a magnetic field and a waveguide for receiving light from an end face opposite from the medium-opposing surface and guiding the light to the medium-opposing surface side. The light source unit has a light source supporting substrate, a light source secured to the light source supporting substrate and adapted to supply light to the end face of the waveguide, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the light source. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090045820 | TACTILE SENSOR UTILIZING MICROCOILS WITH SPIRAL SHAPE - Provided is a material for tactile sensor, which is easy to be formed, and in which the shape, size and orientation of coils dispersed in the medium are sufficiently controlled. The tactile-sensitive material comprises a medium and a plurality of micro coils dispersed in the medium and constituting a LCR resonance circuit, and wherein each of the plurality of micro coils comprises at least one spiral coil portion, and coil axes of the plurality of micro coils are aligned along at least one direction and/or directed in at least one plane. When a tactile stress is applied to the tactile-sensitive material, the C component is varied significantly, which contributes to the improvement in sensitivity of the tactile sensor. Further, by providing a core at the coil center, the sensitivity is more improved. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090052076 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD WITH OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE - While an emitting position of light from an optical waveguide and a magnetic pole end part are made closer to each other, high-density writing onto a magnetic recording medium is realized. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052077 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD WITH OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE AND LIGHT SHIELD - A thermally assisted magnetic head which can realize high-density writing onto magnetic recording media is provided. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090052078 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK DRIVE - A slider has a slider substrate, an electromagnetic transducer, a waveguide for receiving light from a surface on the side opposite from a medium-opposing surface and guiding the light to the medium-opposing surface side, and a device electrode electrically connected to the electromagnetic transducer. A light source unit includes a light source supporting substrate, a light source, and a lead extending from the slider side to the side opposite from the slider and having both end parts exposed at a surface of the light source unit. The device electrode of the slider is exposed at the surface of the slider on the side opposite from the medium-opposing surface without being covered with the light source unit. An end part on the slider side of the lead of the light source unit is soldered to the device electrode of the slider. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090059442 | CPP-TYPE MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT HAVING CHARACTERISTIC FREE LAYERS - A magnetic field detecting element comprises: a stack which includes first, second and third magnetic layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field, the second magnetic layer being positioned between the first magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, a first non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, the first non-magnetic intermediate layer producing a magnetoresistance effect between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and a second non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, the second non-magnetic intermediate layer allowing the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer to be exchange-coupled such that magnetization directions thereof are anti-parallel to each other under no magnetic field, the stack being adapted such that sense current flows in a direction that is perpendicular to a film surface thereof; and a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a side of the stack, the side being opposite to an air bearing surface of the stack, the bias magnetic layer applying a bias magnetic field to the stack in a direction that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090061258 | CPP-TYPE MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT HAVING CHARACTERISTIC FREE LAYERS - A magnetic field detecting element comprises: a stack which includes first, second and third magnetic layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field, a first non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, the first non-magnetic intermediate layer producing a magnetoresistance effect between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and a second non-magnetic intermediate layer which is sandwiched between the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer, the second non-magnetic intermediate layer allowing the second magnetic layer and the third magnetic layer to be exchange-coupled such that magnetization directions thereof are anti-parallel to each other under no magnetic field, the stack being adapted such that sense current flows in a direction that is perpendicular to a film surface thereof; and a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a side of the stack, the side being opposite to an air bearing surface of the stack, the bias magnetic layer applying a bias magnetic field to the stack in a direction that is perpendicular to the air bearing surface. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090067099 | Magnetoresistive element including layered film touching periphery of spacer layer - An MR element includes an MR stack including a first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first and the second ferromagnetic layer. The MR stack has an outer surface, and the spacer layer has a periphery located in the outer surface of the MR stack. The magnetoresistive element further includes a layered film that touches the periphery of the spacer layer. The spacer layer includes a semiconductor layer formed using an oxide semiconductor as a material. The layered film includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer stacked in this order. The first layer is formed of the same material as the semiconductor layer, and touches the periphery of the spacer layer. The second layer is a metal layer that forms a Schottky barrier at the interface between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer is an insulating layer. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090073616 | MAGNETO-RESISTIVE EFFECT DEVICE OF THE CPP STRUCTURE AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magneto-resistive effect device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magneto-resistive effect unit, and an upper shield layer and a lower shield layer located with that magneto-resistive effect unit sandwiched between them, with a sense current applied in a stacking direction, wherein the magneto-resistive effect unit comprises a nonmagnetic metal intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed with that nonmagnetic metal intermediate layer sandwiched between them, wherein the first ferromagnetic layer and said second ferromagnetic layer are exchange coupled via the nonmagnetic metal intermediate layer such that where there is no bias magnetic field applied as yet, their magnetizations are anti-parallel with each other, and at least one of the upper shield layer and the lower shield layer has an inclined magnetization structure with its magnetization inclining with respect to a track width direction, so that by the magnetization of that inclined magnetization structure, a bias magnetic field can be applied to the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer. It is thus possible to obtain a magneto-resistive effect device of improved reliability that enables a structure capable of having a narrowed read gap (the gap between the upper shield and the lower shield) to be adopted to meet the recently demanded ultra-high recording density, allows a stable bias magnetic field to be applied in simple structure, and obtain a stable magneto-resistive effect change. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090086383 | CPP type magneto-resistive effect device and magnetic disk system - The invention provides a giant magneto-resistive effect device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure (CPP-GMR device) comprising a spacer layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked together with said spacer layer sandwiched between them, with a sense current passed in the stacking direction, wherein the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer function such that the angle made between the directions of magnetizations of both layers change relatively depending on an external magnetic field, said spacer layer contains a semiconductor oxide layer, and a nitrogen element-interface protective layer is provided at a position where the semiconductor oxide layer forming the whole or a part of said spacer layer contacts an insulating layer. Thus, there is a nitride of high covalent bonding capability formed at the surface of junction between the semiconductor oxide layer and the interface protective layer, so that the migration of oxygen from the semiconductor oxide layer to the insulating layer is inhibited; even when the device undergoes heat and stress in the process, fluctuations and deteriorations of device characteristics are held back. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090109580 | MAGNETIC FIELD DETECTING ELEMENT INCLUDING TRI-LAYER STACK WITH STEPPED PORTION - A magnetic field detecting element comprises; a stack including an upper magnetic layer and a lower magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between said upper magnetic layer and said lower magnetic layer, wherein magnetization of said upper magnetic layer and said lower magnetic layer changes in accordance with an external magnetic field; an upper shield electrode layer and a lower shield electrode layer which is provided to sandwich said stack therebetween in a direction of the stacking of said stack, wherein said upper shield electrode layer and said lower shield electrode layer supply sense current in the direction of stacking, and magnetically shield said stack; a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a surface of said stack opposite to an air bearing surface, and wherein said bias magnetic layer applies a bias magnetic field to said upper magnetic layer and said lower magnetic layer in a direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface; and insulating layers which are provided on both sides of said stack in a track width direction thereof, wherein a stepped portion is formed so that a length of said upper magnetic layer in the track width direction is different from that of said lower magnetic layer. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090128965 | CPP MAGNETO-RESISTIVE ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH A PAIR OF MAGNETIC LAYERS AND NICR BUFFER LAYER - A magnetic field detecting element has a stack which includes a NiCr layer, a first magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies in accordance with an external magnetic field, a non-magnetic spacer layer, and a second magnetic layer whose magnetization direction varies in accordance with the external magnetic field, said NiCr layer, said first magnetic layer, said spacer layer and said second magnetic layer being disposed in this order and being arranged in contact with each other, wherein a sense current is adapted to flow in a direction that is perpendicular to a film surface of said stack; and a bias magnetic layer which is disposed on a side of said stack, said side being opposite to an air bearing surface of said stack, wherein said bias magnetic layer is adapted to apply a bias magnetic field to said stack in a direction that is perpendicular to said air bearing surface. Both first and second magnetic layers have bcc crystalline structures, and said non-magnetic spacer layer has a film configuration in which an insulating layer or a semiconductor layer is inserted into a metal layer. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090135529 | MAGNETO-RESISTIVE EFFECT DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magneto-resistive effect device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magneto-resistive effect unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer located and formed such that the magneto-resistive effect unit is sandwiched between them, with a sense current applied in a stacking direction. The magneto-resistive effect unit comprises a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is interposed between them. The first shield layer, and the second shield layer is controlled by magnetization direction control means in terms of magnetization direction, and the first ferromagnetic layer, and the second ferromagnetic layer receives action such that there is an antiparallel magnetization state created, in which mutual magnetizations are in opposite directions, under the influences of magnetic actions of the first shield layer and the second shield layer. It is thus possible to achieve an antiparallel magnetization state for two ferromagnetic layers (free layers) with simple structure yet without being restricted by the material and specific structure of an intermediate film interposed between the two ferromagnetic layers (free layers). Further, it is possible to make improvements in linear recording densities by the adoption of a structure capable of making the “read gap length” (the gap between the upper and lower shield layers) short (narrow) thereby meeting recent demands for ultra-high recording densities. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain stable magneto-resistive effect changes so that much higher reliability is achievable. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090165285 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD AND APERTURE APPARATUS USED IN THE METHOD - A method comprises an opposing step of arranging a light-shielding film | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090168220 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SAME - When first and second near-field light-generating portions are irradiated with laser light or other energy rays, near-field light is generated at the tips of both the near-field light-generating portions. By means of the near-field light thus generated, a magnetic recording medium opposing the medium-opposing surface is heated, and the coercivity of the magnetic recording medium is lowered. Since at least a portion of the main magnetic pole is positioned within the spot region including the region between the first and second near-field light-generating portions, the tips of both the near-field light-generating portions and the main magnetic pole can be brought extremely close together, and high-density recording can be performed. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090168264 | Magnetoresistive element and magnetic head - In an MR element, first and second ferromagnetic layers are antiferromagnetically coupled to each other through a spacer layer, and have magnetizations that are in opposite directions when no external magnetic field is applied thereto and that change directions in response to an external magnetic field. The spacer layer and the second ferromagnetic layer are stacked in this order on the first ferromagnetic layer. The first ferromagnetic layer includes a plurality of ferromagnetic material layers stacked, and an insertion layer made of a nonmagnetic material and inserted between respective two of the ferromagnetic material layers that are adjacent to each other along the direction in which the layers are stacked. The ferromagnetic material layers and the spacer layer each include a component whose crystal structure is a face-centered cubic structure. The spacer layer and the insertion layer are each composed of an element having an atomic radius greater than that of at least one element constituting the ferromagnetic material layers. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090188891 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD - A method comprises a first multilayer body forming step of forming a first multilayer body on a first cladding layer, the first multilayer body including a core layer and a first polishing stop layer in order from the first cladding layer side; a first multilayer body patterning step of pattering the first multilayer body, so as to expose the first cladding layer about the patterned first multilayer body; a second multilayer body forming step of forming a second multilayer body on the exposed first cladding layer and patterned first multilayer body, the second multilayer body including a second cladding layer and a second polishing stop layer in order from the first cladding layer side; and a removing step of polishing away a part of the second multilayer body formed on the first multilayer body. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090190268 | MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - A magnetoresistive device of a CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure includes a magnetoresistive unit sandwiched between a first substantially soft magnetic shield layer from below, and a second substantially soft magnetic shield layer from above, with a sense current applied in a stacking direction. The magnetoresistive unit includes a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between a first ferromagnetic layer, and a second ferromagnetic layer. At least one of the first and second shield layers is configured in a window frame of a planar shape, including a front frame-constituting portion and a back frame-constituting portion partially comprising a combination of a nonmagnetic gap layer with a bias magnetic field-applying layer. The combination of the nonmagnetic gap layer with the bias magnetic field-applying layer forms a closed magnetic path with magnetic flux going all the way around the window framework, turning the magnetization of the front frame-constituting portion into a single domain. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090190270 | MAGNETO-RESISTIVE EFFECT DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magnetoresistive device with the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed with said nonmagnetic intermediate layer interposed between them, with a sense current applied in the stacking direction, wherein each of said first and second ferromagnetic layers comprises a sensor area joining to the nonmagnetic intermediate layer near a medium opposite plane and a magnetization direction control area that extends further rearward (toward the depth side) from the position of the rear end of said nonmagnetic intermediate layer; a magnetization direction control multilayer arrangement is interposed at an area where the magnetization direction control area for said first ferromagnetic layer is opposite to the magnetization direction control area for said second ferromagnetic layer in such a way that the magnetizations of the said first and second ferromagnetic layers are antiparallel with each other along the width direction axis; and said sensor area is provided at both width direction ends with biasing layers working such that the mutually antiparallel magnetizations of said first and second ferromagnetic layers intersect in substantially orthogonal directions. It is thus possible to obtain a magnetoresistive device that, while the magnetization directions of two magnetic layers (free layers) stay stabilized, can have high reliability, and can improve linear recording densities by the adoption of a structure capable of narrowing the read gap (the gap between the upper and lower shields) thereby meeting recent demands for ultra-high recording densities. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090190272 | MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magnetoresistive device with the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magnetoresistive unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer located and formed such that the magnetoresistive unit is sandwiched between them, with a sense current applied in a stacking direction, wherein said magnetoresistive unit comprises a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that said nonmagnetic intermediate layer is interposed between them, wherein said first shield layer, and said second shield layer is controlled by magnetization direction control means in terms of magnetization direction, and said first ferromagnetic layer, and said second ferromagnetic layer receives action such that there is an antiparallel magnetization state created, in which mutual magnetizations are in opposite directions, under the influences of magnetic actions of said first shield layer and said second shield layer. It is thus possible to achieve an antiparallel magnetization state for two ferromagnetic layers (free layers) with simple structure yet without being restricted by the material and specific structure of an intermediate film interposed between the two ferromagnetic layers (free layers). Further, it is possible to make improvements in linear recording densities by the adoption of a structure capable of making the “read gap length” (the gap between the upper and lower shield layers) short (narrow) thereby meeting recent demands for ultra-high recording densities. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain stable magnetoresistive changes so that much higher reliability is achievable. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090201600 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD, HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY, AND HARD DISK APPARATUS - A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a main magnetic pole for writing and a near-field light generator provided near the main magnetic pole, the near-field light generator having a non-magnetic base metal layer, a non-magnetic upper metal layer, an intermediate insulating layer interposed between the base metal layer and the upper metal layer, and the base metal layer having a V-shaped groove and also the upper metal layer having a projection facing the deepest part in the groove of the base metal layer, in a vertical cross-section parallel to a medium facing surface. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090201612 | Magnetoresistive device of the CPP type, and magnetic disk system - The invention provides a magnetoresistive device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magnetoresistive unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer which are located and formed such that the magnetoresistive unit is sandwiched between them from above and below, with a sense current applied in the stacking direction, wherein said magnetoresistive unit comprises a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that said nonmagnetic intermediate layer is sandwiched between them. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090207533 | CPP-TYPE MAGNETO RESISTANCE ELEMENT HAVING A PAIR OF FREE LAYERS AND SPACER LAYER SANDWICHED THEREBETWEEN - A magnetic field detecting element includes: first and second free layers whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field; a spacer layer that is sandwiched between the first and second free layers; a first exchange coupling transmitting layer that is located adjacent to a surface of first free layer, the surface of first free layer | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090207534 | MAGNETO-RESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT INCLUDING STACK WITH DUAL FREE LAYER AND MAGNETIZED SHIELD ELECTRODE LAYERS - A magneto-resistance effect element comprises; a magneto-resistance effect stack including an upper magnetic layer and a lower magnetic layer in which respective magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field, a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between the upper and lower magnetic layers, an upper gap adjustment layer and a lower gap adjustment layer provided at respective ends in the direction of stacking the magneto-resistance effect stack, an upper exchange coupling transmission layer configured to generate exchange coupling between the upper magnetic layer and the upper gap adjustment layer, and a lower exchange coupling transmission layer configured to generate exchange coupling between the lower magnetic layer and the lower gap adjustment layer; an upper shield electrode layer and a lower shield electrode layer which are provided to sandwich the magneto-resistance effect stack therebetween in the direction of stacking the magneto-resistance effect stack, wherein the upper shield electrode layer and the lower shield electrode layer supply sense current in the direction of stacking, and magnetically shield the magneto-resistance effect stack; and a bias magnetic layer which is provided on a surface of the magneto-resistance effect stack opposite to an air bearing surface, and wherein the bias magnetic layer applies a bias magnetic field to the upper and lower magnetic layers in a direction perpendicular to the air bearing surface, wherein the upper and lower shield electrode layers are each magnetized in a track width direction by a magnetization controller, and the upper and lower gap adjustment layers are composed of a material having a higher magnetic permeability and a lower saturation magnetic flux density than the upper and lower shield electrode layers respectively. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090213502 | MAGNETO-RESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT HAVING STACK WITH DUAL FREE LAYER AND A PLURALITY OF BIAS MAGNETIC LAYERS - A magneto-resistance effect element comprises: a magneto-resistance effect stack including an upper magnetic layer and a lower magnetic layer whose magnetization directions change in accordance with an external magnetic field, a non-magnetic intermediate layer sandwiched between the upper and lower magnetic layers; an upper shield electrode layer and a lower shield electrode layer which are provided to sandwich the magneto-resistance effect stack therebetween in the direction of stacking the magneto-resistance effect stack, wherein the upper shield electrode layer and the lower shield electrode layer supply sense current in the direction of stacking, and magnetically shield the magneto-resistance effect stack; a first bias magnetic layer which is provided on a surface of the magneto-resistance effect stack opposite to an air bearing surface, and wherein the first bias magnetic layer is magnetized in a direction perpendicular to said air bearing surface; and a pair of second bias magnetic layers provided on respective both sides of said magneto-resistance effect stack in a track width direction, and wherein the second bias magnetic layers are magnetized in a direction substantially parallel to said track width direction; wherein the magnetic pole on a surface of one of said second bias magnetic layers which faces said magneto-resistance effect stack has the same polarity as the magnetic pole on a surface of the other of said second bias magnetic layers which faces said magneto-resistance effect stack, and has a polarity different from the polarity of the magnetic pole on a surface of said first bias magnetic layer which faces said magneto-resistance effect stack. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090219018 | METHOD FOR INSPECTING MAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A PLURALITY OF THIN MAGNETIC HEADS BY MEANS OF LOCAL APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC FIELD - A method for inspecting magnetic characteristics of a thin film magnetic head that is arranged in a row bar includes: a step of preparing a row bar having sliders including a thin film magnetic head formed therein and lapping guides having magnetoresistance effect; a step of preparing a magnetic field applying row bar having first and second magnetic field applying elements; a first positioning step in which said magnetic field applying row bar is arranged opposite to said row bar; a second positioning step in which a relative movement between said magnetic field applying row bar and said row bar is made so that at least one of said lapping guides exhibits a largest output voltage; and a measurement step in which a relationship between the intensity of the magnetic field and an output voltage of a magnetic field sensor is obtained. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090262448 | HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD CONSTITUTED OF SLIDER AND LIGHT SOURCE UNIT, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE HEAD - Provided is a heat-assisted magnetic recording head constituted of a light source unit and a slider, which can be easily joined to each other with sufficiently high accuracy of joining position. The slider comprises a head part including a waveguide having an incident center on its end. The surface including an emission center of the light source is protruded from a joining surface of the unit substrate. And a step is provided on an end surface of the head part. The protruded portion of a lower surface of the light source has a surface contact with a wall surface of the step. Further, the distance between the wall surface of the step and the incident center of the waveguide is set to be equal to the distance between the emission center of the light source and the protruded portion of the lower surface of the light source. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090266789 | MANUFACTURING METHOD OF HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD CONSTITUTED OF SLIDER AND LIGHT SOURCE UNIT - Provided is a manufacturing method of heat-assisted magnetic recording head, in which a light source unit can be easily joined to a slider with sufficiently high accuracy, under avoiding the excessive mechanical stress. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of: moving relatively the light source unit and the slider, while applying a sufficient voltage between an upper electrode of the light source and an electrode layer provided in the slider; and setting the light source unit and the slider in desired positions in a direction perpendicular to the element-integration surface of the slider substrate. The desired positions are positions where the light source just emits due to a surface contact between: the protruded portion of the lower surface of the light source; and the upper surface of the electrode layer, which is a portion of the wall surface of a step formed on the head part. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090273864 | Magnetoresistive element including two ferromagnetic layers - A magnetoresistive element includes a first and a second shield, and an MR stack disposed between the shields. The MR stack includes a first and a second ferromagnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer disposed between the ferromagnetic layers. The first and second ferromagnetic layers have magnetizations that are in directions antiparallel to each other when no external magnetic field is applied to the layers, and that change directions in response to an external magnetic field. An insulating layer is formed to touch a rear end face of the MR stack and the first shield, and a bias magnetic field applying layer is formed above the insulating layer with a buffer layer disposed in between. The bias magnetic field applying layer includes a hard magnetic layer and a high saturation magnetization layer. The high saturation magnetization layer is located between the rear end face and the hard magnetic layer, but not located between the first shield and the hard magnetic layer. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090290264 | MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magnetoresistive device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magnetoresistive unit, and a first, substantially soft magnetic shield layer positioned below and a second, substantially soft magnetic shield layer positioned above, which are located and formed such that the magnetoresistive effect is sandwiched between them from above and below, with a sense current applied in the stacking direction. The magnetoresistive unit comprises a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that said nonmagnetic intermediate layer is sandwiched between them. At least one of the first shield layer positioned below and the second shield layer positioned above is configured in a framework form having a planar shape (X-Y plane) defined by the width and length directions of the device. The framework has a front frame-constituting portion located on a medium opposite plane side in front and near where the magnetoresistive unit is positioned, and any other frame portion. The any other frame portion partially comprises a combination of a nonmagnetic gap layer with a bias magnetic field-applying layer. The bias magnetic field-applying layer is constructed by repeating the stacking of a multilayer unit at least twice or up to | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090296283 | MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The invention provides a magnetoresistive device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magnetoresistive unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer which are located and formed such that the magnetoresistive unit is sandwiched between them with a sense current applied in a stacking direction. The magnetoresistive unit comprises a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that the nonmagnetic intermediate layer is sandwiched between them. The first shield layer and the second shield layer are each controlled by magnetization direction control means in terms of magnetization direction to create an antiparallel magnetization state where their magnetizations are in opposite directions. The first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer are exchange coupled to the first shield layer and the second shield layer, respectively, by way of a first exchange coupling function gap layer and a second exchange coupling function gap layer, with an exchange coupled strength of 0.2 to 2.5 erg/cm | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090303640 | MAGNETO-RESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT PROVIDED WITH CURRENT LIMITING LAYER INCLUDING MAGNETIC MATERIAL - A magneto resistance effect element includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer and a spacer layer interposed between the first and second magnetic layers. The magneto resistance effect element is configured to allow sense current to flow in a direction that is perpendicular to film planes of the first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer and the spacer layer so that a relative angle between a magnetization direction of the first magnetic layer and a magnetization direction of the second magnetic layer varies depending on an external magnetic field. The present invention aims at providing a magneto resistance effect element which ensures high resistance to sense current, while limiting the influence of the current limiting layer on the magnetic layer, and which thereby achieves a high magneto resistance ratio. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090310244 | THIN-FILM MAGNETIC HEAD FOR MICROWAVE ASSIST AND MICROWAVE-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING METHOD - Provided is a thin-film magnetic head that can stably generate electromagnetic field with a desired frequency, even under the existence of significantly strong write field with frequently reversed direction. The head comprises an electromagnetic-field generating element between the first and second magnetic poles. The electromagnetic-field generating element comprises a spin-wave excitation layer provided adjacent to the first magnetic pole and having a magnetization with its direction varied according to external magnetic fields, for generating an high frequency electromagnetic field by an excitation of spin wave. And a magnetization of the spin-wave excitation layer is biased in a direction substantially perpendicular to its layer surface by a portion of magnetic field generated from the first magnetic pole, and pin-wave excitation current flows in the electromagnetic-field generating element in a direction from the second pole to the first pole. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100020431 | HEAT-ASSISTED THIN-FILM MAGNETIC HEAD AND HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING METHOD - In a heat-assisted magnetic recording, a thin-film magnetic head, which can form stable recording bits pattern having steep magnetization transition regions without using a near-field light generating element, is provided. The head is formed on an element forming surface of a substrate, and has a waveguide for leading a light for heat-assist to a magnetic medium and a write element formed on a trailing side of the waveguide and having a magnetic pole for applying a write field to the medium. Here, a write field profile, which is an intensity distribution of the write field from the pole along a track in a recoding layer of the medium, has a projecting region on a leading side. Further, an anisotropy field profile, which is a distribution of an anisotropy field when the anisotropy field is reduced by irradiating the light on a part of the recoding layer, traverses the projecting region. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100046331 | PLANER PLASMON ANTENNA, THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD AND HARD DISK DRIVE - A planar plasmon antenna is formed on a YZ plane including a Z-axis, the Z-axis being a propagation direction of excitation light for near-field light generation. The longitudinal direction of the planar plasmon antenna is oblique relative to the Y-axis, and the angle of a corner of the planar plasmon antenna in the YZ plane is an acute angle. The corner, which forms an acute angle, generates intense near-field light in response to excitation light irradiation. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100053820 | Magnetoresistive element including a pair of ferromagnetic layers coupled to a pair of shield layers - A magnetoresistive element includes first and second shield layers, an MR stack disposed therebetween, a first hard magnetic layer for setting the magnetization direction of the first shield layer, and a second hard magnetic layer for setting the magnetization direction of the second shield layer. The MR stack includes a first ferromagnetic layer magnetically coupled to the first shield layer, a second ferromagnetic layer magnetically coupled to the second shield layer, and a spacer layer between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The first and second ferromagnetic layers have magnetizations that are in antiparallel directions when any external magnetic field other than a magnetic field resulting from the first and second hard magnetic layers is not applied to the two ferromagnetic layers, and that change their directions in response to an external magnetic field other than the magnetic field resulting from the first and second hard magnetic layers. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100061200 | NEAR-FIELD LIGHT GENERATING ELEMENT AND HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD UTILIZING SURFACE PLASMON MODE - Provided is a near-field light generating element capable of avoiding excessive temperature rise, which comprises a waveguide and a near-field light generating layer. The layer comprises: a propagation surface on which surface plasmon excited by the light propagates; and a near-field light generating end at which near-field light is generated. The end is one end of the propagation surface. And a portion of the side surface of the waveguide is opposed to a portion of the propagation surface of the near-field light generating layer with a predetermined spacing so that the light propagating through the waveguide is coupled with the near-field light generating layer in a surface plasmon mode. The near-field light generating layer is preferably tapered toward the near-field light generating end. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100073802 | Thermally assisted magnetic head having an asymmetric plasmon antenna and manufacturing method thereof - A thermally assisted magnetic head according to the present invention includes: a medium-facing surface, a main magnetic pole provided on the medium-facing surface, and a plasmon antenna provided on the medium-facing surface in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole, wherein the plasmon antenna is shaped as a triangular flat plate having first, second and third corners, such that the distance from the first corner to the main magnetic pole is shorter than the distance from the second corner to the main magnetic pole and the distance from the third corner to the main magnetic pole, and the interior angle α of the first corner, the interior angle β of the second corner and the interior angle γ of the third corner satisfy relationships α<β, α<γ and β≠γ. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100073817 | PLASMON ANTENNA FOR THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD - A plasmon antenna of the present invention is used in a thermally assisted magnetic head that includes: a medium-facing surface set, parallel to an XY plane; a magnetic pole for writing, extending toward the medium-facing surface, and a plasmon antenna comprising a pair of small metal bodies irradiated with excitation light for near-field light generation propagating in a Z-axis direction. Respective corners of the small metal bodies are spaced apart opposite each other along a TE mode direction of the excitation light. A distance between the corners gives the shortest distance between the small metal bodies, and a distance from each corner to the leading end of the magnetic pole gives a shortest distance from the small metal bodies to the leading end. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100074062 | HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM AND MAGNETIC RECORDING APPARATUS WITH THE MEDIUM - Provided is a magnetic recording medium that generates near-field light within itself and enables favorable heat-assisted magnetic recording with this near-field light. The medium comprises: a magnetic recording layer; and an optically changeable layer formed on the opposite side to a substrate relative to the magnetic recording layer, the optically changeable layer being made transparent or a refractive index of the layer being changed when irradiated by light with an intensity not less than a predetermined intensity. By the irradiation, a minute opening or a refractive-index-changed area is formed within the irradiated portion on the optically changeable layer. The light irradiation onto the minute opening or the refractive-index-changed area enables near-field light to be generated, which heats a portion of the magnetic recording layer. Thus, the anisotropic field of the portion is lowered to a writable value, which enables heat-assisted magnetic recording by applying write field. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100079895 | PLASMON ANTENNA AND HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD - Provided is a plasmon antenna in which a near-field light having a sufficient intensity is generated only in a desired location. The plasmon antenna comprises an end surface on a side where a near-field light is generated; the end surface is flat and has a shape with at least three vertexes or rounded corners; and an end surface of the plasmon antenna which is opposite to the flat end surface and receives light, is inclined with respect to the flat end surface so as to become closer to the flat end surface toward one of the at least three vertexes or rounded corners. When the light-receiving end surface of the plasmon antenna is irradiated with the light, a near-field light having a sufficient intensity can be generated at only the vertex or rounded corner toward which the entire plasmon antenna becomes thinner. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100079917 | Magnetoresistive element including a pair of free layers coupled to a pair of shield layers - A first shield portion located below an MR stack includes a first main shield layer, a first antiferromagnetic layer, and a first magnetization controlling layer including a first ferromagnetic layer exchange-coupled to the first antiferromagnetic layer. A second shield portion located on the MR stack includes a second main shield layer, a second antiferromagnetic layer, and a second magnetization controlling layer including a second ferromagnetic layer exchange-coupled to the second antiferromagnetic layer. The MR stack includes two free layers magnetically coupled to the two magnetization controlling layers. Only one of the two magnetization controlling layers includes a third ferromagnetic layer that is antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled to the first or second ferromagnetic layer through a nonmagnetic middle layer. The first shield portion includes an underlayer disposed on the first main shield layer, and the first antiferromagnetic layer is disposed on the underlayer. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100085846 | HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD CONSTITUTED OF SLIDER AND LIGHT SOURCE UNIT, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE HEAD - Provided is a method for manufacturing a heat-assisted magnetic recording head, capable of joining a light source unit and a slider with a sufficiently high alignment accuracy. In the method, the unit including a light source is joined to the slider including a head part. First, at least one marker provided on the head-part end surface is set so that the distance from the waveguide incident center to the marker end is substantially equal to the distance from the light-emission center of the light source to the end surface of the light source. After that, the unit and slider are relatively moved while keeping the unit in surface contact with the slider, and the relative positions are set so that the end of the marker coincides with, or is at a distance within an acceptable range from, the edge of the surface of the light source. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100097722 | MAGNETORESISTIVE DEVICE OF THE CPP TYPE, AND MAGNETIC DISK SYSTEM - The semiconductor oxide layer that forms a part of the spacer layer in the inventive giant magnetoresistive device (CPP-GMR device) is composed of zinc oxide of wurtzite structure that is doped with a dopant given by at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Zn, Ge, V, and Cr in a content of 0.05 to 0.90 at %: there is the advantage obtained that ever higher MR ratios are achievable while holding back an increase in the area resistivity AR. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100097724 | HEAD GIMBAL ASSEMBLY FOR HEAT-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING - Provided is an HGA with a radiation structure that can effectively get away the heat generated from a light source. The HGA comprises a suspension and a head comprising a slider and a light source unit. The suspension comprises an opening, and the light source unit projects through the opening to the opposite side to the slider in relation to the suspension. Further, the first and second pads are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the suspension, respectively, the end surface opposite to the source-installation surface of the light source is connected to the first pad by the first connection member, and an electrode of the head part is connected to the second pad by the second connection member. Thus, heat flow paths can be provided from the light source to the opposed-to-medium surface to allow effective radiation of the heat generated from the light source. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100103553 | SURFACE PLASMON ANTENNA WITH PROPAGATION EDGE AND NEAR-FIELD LIGHT GENERATING ELEMENT - Provided is a surface plasmon antenna that can be set so that the emitting position on the end surface of the plasmon antenna where near-field light is emitted is located sufficiently close to the end of a magnetic pole. The surface plasmon antenna comprises an edge having a portion for coupling with a light in a surface plasmon mode. The edge is provided for propagating surface plasmon excited by the light and extends from the portion to a near-field light generating end surface that emits near-field light. The edge for propagating surface plasmon is a very narrow propagation region. Therefore, the near-field light generating end surface, which appears as a polished surface processed through polishing in the manufacturing of the plasmon antenna, can be made a shape with a very small size, and further can be set so that surface plasmon propagates to reach the end surface reliably. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103562 | Magnetoresistive element including a pair of ferromagnetic layers coupled to a pair of shield layers - A magnetoresistive element includes a pair of shield portions, and an MR stack and a bias magnetic field applying layer that are disposed between the pair of shield portions. The shield portions respectively include single magnetic domain portions. The MR stack includes a pair of ferromagnetic layers magnetically coupled to the pair of single magnetic domain portions, and a spacer layer disposed between the pair of ferromagnetic layers. The MR stack has a front end face, a rear end face and two side surfaces. The magnetoresistive element further includes two flux guide layers disposed between the pair of single magnetic domain portions and respectively adjacent to the two side surfaces of the MR stack. Each of the two flux guide layers has a front end face and a rear end face. The bias magnetic field applying layer has a front end face that faces the rear end face of the MR stack and the respective rear end faces of the two flux guide layers. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100118431 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING AN ASYMMETRIC PLASMON ANTENNA AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - The thermally assisted magnetic head according to the present invention comprises a medium-facing surface, a main magnetic pole provided on the medium-facing surface, and a plasmon antenna provided on the medium-facing surface, in the vicinity of the main magnetic pole. The shape of the plasmon antenna, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the medium-facing surface, is a triangle having first, second and third corners, the plasmon antenna being shaped as a flat plate the thickness direction of which is perpendicular to the medium-facing surface. The distance from the first corner to the main magnetic pole is shorter than the distance from the second corner to the main magnetic pole and the distance from the third corner to the main magnetic pole. The second corner and the third corner are rounded. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100149930 | NEAR-FIELD LIGHT GENERATING ELEMENT COMPRISING SURFACE PLASMON ANTENNA WITH SURFACE OR EDGE OPPOSED TO WAVEGUIDE - Provided is a near-field light generating element in which reduced is the propagation loss of excited surface plasmon that propagates to the near-field light generating end. The element comprises: a waveguide through which light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; and a plasmon antenna comprising a near-field light generating end and a propagation surface or edge. The propagation surface or edge extends to the near-field light generating end, and causes surface plasmon excited by the light to propagate thereon. Further, a portion of the side surface on the near-field light generating end side is opposed to the propagation surface or edge with a predetermined distance so as for the light to be coupled with the plasmon antenna in a surface plasmon mode. In this configuration, surface plasmon can propagates without significantly changing its wavenumber, which leads to a less propagation loss, and to an improved light use efficiency. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100172220 | Near-Field Light Generating Element Comprising Surface Plasmon Antenna And Waveguide With Groove - Provided is a near-field light generating element in which as much amount as possible of waveguide light can be coupled with a plasmon antenna. The element comprises a light waveguide and a plasmon antenna comprising a surface or edge for propagating surface plasmon excited by waveguide light, extending to a near-field light generating end. A groove is formed in a waveguide side surface. And at least a portion of the surface or edge is embedded in the groove or located directly above the groove, being opposed to a wall or bottom surface of the groove with a predetermined distance, so as for waveguide light to be coupled with the plasmon antenna in surface plasmon mode. This configuration enables the surface or edge to be located at the position in which the surface or edge can be coupled with more amount of light, thereby to improve the light use efficiency. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100195238 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING A SEMICONDUCTOR SURFACE-EMITTING LASER - A thermally assisted magnetic head includes: a slider having a medium-facing surface; and a surface-emitting semiconductor laser. The slider has: a slider substrate, on which part of the medium-facing surface is formed; and a magnetic head portion, on which another part of the medium-facing surface is formed, and which has a first surface in contact with a head stacking surface of the slider substrate and a second surface opposite the first surface. The magnetic head portion has: a main magnetic pole that generates a write magnetic field from an end face on the side of the medium-facing surface; an optical waveguide core extending along the first surface and having a light exit surface at the medium-facing surface; and a diffraction grating, which is provided in the optical waveguide core or further towards the second surface than the optical waveguide core, and the refractive index of which varies periodically along the direction in which the optical waveguide core extends. The surface-emitting semiconductor laser is provided opposing the second surface so that emission light from the surface-emitting semiconductor laser is incident onto the diffraction grating, and the diffraction grating causes at least part of emission light from the surface-emitting semiconductor laser to be optically coupled to the optical waveguide core. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100195239 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD COMPRISING SURFACE-EMITTING SEMICONDUCTOR LASER - The present thermally assisted magnetic head has: a plasmon antenna; an optical wave guide having the plasmon antenna installed at the tip thereof; a diffraction grating which is disposed in or on the optical wave guide; and a laser element which is disposed at a position to irradiate laser beams onto the diffraction grating, and is composed of a photonic crystal surface emitting semiconductor layer. A laser light intensity distribution on the diffraction grating has at least two intensity peaks in the width direction of the optical wave guide. The two-dimensional form of the laser light intensity distribution on the diffraction grating is a ring or two ellipses. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100202081 | THERMALLY ASSISTED MAGNETIC HEAD HAVING A SEMICONDUCTOR SURFACE-EMITTING LASER - A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a slider having a medium-facing surface and a surface-emitting semiconductor laser. The slider has a slider substrate on which part of the medium-facing surface is formed, and a magnetic head portion, on which another part of the medium-facing surface is formed, and which has a first surface in contact with a head stacking surface of the slider substrate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface opposite the medium-facing surface. The magnetic head portion comprises a main magnetic pole, an optical waveguide core having a first light exit surface at the medium-facing surface and a second light exit surface at the third surface, a first diffraction grating, provided in the optical waveguide core or further towards the second surface than the optical waveguide core, and a light reflective section provided further toward the first surface than the optical waveguide core. The surface-emitting semiconductor laser is provided opposing the second surface. The first diffraction grating causes part of emission light from the surface-emitting semiconductor laser to be optically coupled to the optical waveguide core. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100202256 | Near-field light generating device including surface plasmon generating element - A near-field light generating device includes: a base having a top surface; a waveguide that allows laser light to propagate therethrough and is disposed above the top surface of the base; and a surface plasmon generating element that is disposed above the top surface of the base so as to adjoin the waveguide in a direction parallel to the top surface of the base. The waveguide has a side surface that faces the surface plasmon generating element. The surface plasmon generating element includes: a coupling part that is opposed to a part of the side surface of the waveguide with spacing therebetween and causes excitation of a surface plasmon by coupling with evanescent light occurring from the part of the side surface; and a near-field light generating part that generates near-field light based on the surface plasmon excited at the coupling part. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100232074 | Magnetoresistive effect element and magnetic disk device - A magnetoresistive effect element is structured in the manner that the antiferromagnetic layer interposed between the upper and lower shields is eliminated and the antiferromagnetic layer is positioned in a so-called shield layer. Therefore, it is realized to solve a pin reversal problem and to allow narrower tracks and narrower read gaps. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100238580 | THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD WITH LIGHT SOURCE ON ELEMENT-INTEGRATION SURFACE - A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which a light source with a sufficient power is disposed in the element-integration surface to improve mass-productivity. The head comprises, in an element-integration surface of a substrate: a light source; a waveguide for propagating light from the light source; and a magnetic pole for generating write field. Further, the edge along optical axis of the light source is set to be parallel with or inclined from the edge on the opposed-to-medium surface side of the element-integration surface. In the head, since the light source is disposed in the element-integration surface, the construction of the optical system can be completed in the stage of a wafer process. This construction can be relatively facilitated and simplified; thus, mass-productivity in the head manufacturing can be improved. Further, a light source with a sufficient power (cavity length) can be disposed in the element-integration surface. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100259845 | THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD AND THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING METHOD - A head capable of favorite thermally-assisted magnetic recording without depending on the use of a near-field light generator is provided. The head comprises a write head element formed on the trailing side from a waveguide and comprising a first main pole. The first main pole and the waveguide are opposed to each other through a first clad layer, and a second clad layer is provided on a rear side from the first main pole. This gives that the end surface of the waveguide can be placed much close to the end surface of the first main pole apart by only a thickness of the first clad layer. As a result, the end surface of the first main pole can apply a sufficient intensity of write field to the intensity center and its vicinity of the light spot formed on the magnetic recording layer. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100302672 | THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD AND THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING METHOD - A magnetic recording head capable of a satisfying thermally-assisted magnetic recording without depending on the use of a near-field light generator is provided. The head comprises a waveguide and a main magnetic pole having a main pole tip. Further, at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in a groove provided in the upper surface of the waveguide. Further, a second clad layer is provided on the first clad layer and on a rear side from the main pole tip. This configuration of the first and second clad layers suppresses the absorption of the light propagating through the waveguide by the main magnetic pole. Further, the configuration in which at least a portion of the main pole tip is embedded in the groove can cause the distance between the light spot center of the waveguide and the main magnetic pole to be sufficiently small. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100315736 | Multilayered Waveguide Having Protruded Light-Emitting End - A waveguide is provided, in which the optical coupling efficiency to a light source is sufficiently high, and the light-emitting spot center is stably provided at the intended position. The waveguide comprises a multilayered structure in which refractive indexes of layers having a surface contact with each other are different from each other. The multilayered structure is divided into a plurality of groups, and the length from the light-receiving end surface to the light-emitting end surface of one group is different from that of the neighboring group, and the protruded light-emitting end surface of the first group defined as a group that has the largest length includes a center of the light-emitting spot. In this waveguide, the state in which the light-emitting spot center is positioned within the light-emitting end surface does not easily be changed, even when the light-receiving spot center within the light-receiving end surface is rather displaced. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20110002199 | Near-Field Light Generator Comprising Waveguide With Inclined End Surface - Provided is a near-field light generator capable of avoiding a noise to the generated near-field light. The generator comprises a waveguide and a plasmon antenna comprising a propagation surface or edge, for propagating surface plasmon, extending to a near-field light generating end. A portion of one side surface of the waveguide is opposed to a portion of the propagation surface or edge, so as for the waveguide light to be coupled with the plasmon antenna. And an end surface of the waveguide is inclined in such a way as to become away from the plasmon antenna toward the near-field light generating end side. The light that propagates through the waveguide and is not transformed into surface plasmon is refracted or totally reflected in the inclined end surface, does not come close to the generated near-field light, thus does not become a noise for the generated near-field light. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110026156 | Heat-assisted magnetic recording head with laser diode - A heat-assisted magnetic recording head includes a slider, and an edge-emitting laser diode that emits polarized light of TM mode. The laser diode is arranged so that its bottom surface faces the top surface of the slider. An electrode of the laser diode closer to the active layer is bonded to a conductive layer of the slider, whereby the laser diode is fixed to the slider. As viewed from above the laser diode, the bottom surface of the electrode of the laser diode includes a first area that a light propagation path of the laser diode overlies, and a second area other than the first area. The top surface of the conductive layer is in contact not with the first area but with the second area of the bottom surface of the electrode. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026377 | Thermally-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head Comprising Light Source with Photonic-Band Layer - A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which a light source having sufficiently high output power for performing thermal-assist is disposed in the element-integration surface of the substrate to achieve improved mass-productivity. The head includes: a light source having a multilayered structure including a photonic-band layer and having a light-emitting surface opposed to the element-integration surface; a diffraction optical element that converges the emitted light; a light-path changer that changes the direction of the converged light; a waveguide that propagates the direction-changed light toward the opposed-to-medium surface; and a magnetic pole that generates write field. The surface-emitting type light source includes a photonic-band layer having a periodic structure in which a light from an active region resonates, and thus emits laser light on a quite different principle from a VCSEL. Therefore, the light source can be disposed in the element-integration surface, even though having sufficiently high output power. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026378 | Heat-assisted magnetic recording head with laser diode - A heat-assisted magnetic recording head includes a slider, and an edge-emitting laser diode fixed to the slider. The slider includes: a substrate; and an MR element, two reproduction wiring layers, a coil, two recording wiring layers, a magnetic pole, a near-field light generating element, and a waveguide that are stacked above the top surface of the substrate. The two reproduction wiring layers supply a sense current to the MR element. The two recording wiring layers supply a coil current to the coil. The laser diode has an emitting end face including an emission part for emitting laser light, and a bottom surface. The laser diode is arranged so that the bottom surface faces the top surface of the slider. As viewed from above, the laser diode does not overlap the two reproduction wiring layers but overlaps at least one of the two recording wiring layers. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110026379 | Heat-assisted magnetic recording head with laser diode - A heat-assisted magnetic recording head includes a slider, and an edge-emitting laser diode fixed to the slider. The slider has a waveguide and an overcoat layer that covers the waveguide. The laser diode has an emitting end face including an emission part for emitting laser light, and a bottom surface. The laser diode is arranged so that the bottom surface faces the top surface of the slider. The waveguide has an incident end face opposed to the emission part of the laser diode. The overcoat layer has an end face that faces the emitting end face of the laser diode. As viewed from above, the end face of the overcoat layer has a convex shape protruding toward the emitting end face of the laser diode so that a part of the end face of the overcoat layer lying over the incident end face of the waveguide comes closest to the emitting end face of the laser diode. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110038236 | Near-Field Light Transducer Comprising Propagation Edge With Predetermined Curvature Radius - Provided is a near-field light transducer with a propagation edge in which the generation of defects is suppressed. The transducer is formed of a Ag alloy and comprises an edge, the edge comprising a portion to be coupled with a light in a surface plasmon mode, the edge extending from the portion to a near-field light generating end surface, and the edge being configured to propagate surface plasmon excited by the light. Further, a curvature radius of the rounded edge is set in the range from 6.25 nm to 20 nm. In the edge and its vicinity, the generation of defects such as cracking and chipping is suppressed. Thereby improved are a propagation efficiency of surface plasmon and a light use efficiency of the transducer. The Ag alloy preferably contains at least one element selected from a group of Pd, Au, Cu, Ru, Rh and Ir. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110090587 | Thermally-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head With Plane-Emission Type Light Source - A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a surface-emitting type light source for emitting substantially collimated beam, a first diffraction optical element for focusing the substantially collimated beam emitted from the surface-emitting type light source, a second diffraction optical element for collimating the light beam focused by the first diffraction optical element, a waveguide integrally formed with the second diffraction optical element and made of the material as that of second diffraction optical element, the light beam collimated by the second diffraction optical element being incident to the waveguide, an optical-path direction conversion element for converting a direction of an optical path of the incident light beam to a propagation direction of the waveguide, the propagation direction being toward an opposed-to-medium surface, and a magnetic pole for generating write field from its end face on the opposed-to-medium surface side. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110110202 | Thermally-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head Comprising Near-Field Optical Device with Propagation Edge - There is provided a near-field-light (NFL) generating optical system in which the point where near-field (NF) light is generated can be provided sufficiently close to the end surface of a magnetic pole that generates write field. The optical system comprises: a waveguide through which a light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; and a NF-optical device configured to be coupled with the light in a surface plasmon mode. The NF-optical device comprises: an opposed-to-waveguide surface opposed to the waveguide with a predetermined distance; and a propagation edge provided on the side opposite to the opposed-to-waveguide surface, extending to the NFL-generating end surface of the device, and configured to propagate thereon the surface plasmon excited by the light. In this optical system, the point, where NF-light is generated, of the NFL-generating end surface can be located on the side opposite to the waveguide. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110116349 | THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD COMPRISING NEAR-FIELD OPTICAL DEVICE WITH PROPAGATION EDGE - There is provided a near-field-light (NFL) generating optical system in which the point where near-field (NF) light is generated can be provided sufficiently close to the end surface of a magnetic pole that generates write field. The optical system comprises: a waveguide through which a light for exciting surface plasmon propagates; and a NF-optical device configured to be coupled with the light in a surface plasmon mode. The NF-optical device comprises: a contact-to-waveguide surface having a contact to the waveguide; and a propagation edge provided on the side opposite to the contact-to-waveguide surface, extending to the NFL-generating end surface of the device, and configured to propagate thereon the surface plasmon excited by the light. In this optical system, the point, where NF-light is generated, of the NFL-generating end surface is reliably located on the side opposite to the waveguide. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110122737 | Thermally-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head with Light Detector in Element-Integration Surface - A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which the light-source output can be adjusted according to its variation by environmental influences and over time. The head comprises: a light source; a write head element provided in a element-integration surface; an optical system provided in the element-integration surface and configured to guide a light emitted from the light source to the vicinity of one end of the write head element; and a light detector for monitoring the light-source output, provided in the element-integration surface and comprising a light-receiving surface covering an area directly above at least a portion of the optical system. This light detector with such a light-receiving surface can detect a leakage light emitted from the optical system as a monitoring light. Therefore, feedback adjustment of the light-source output can be realized to stabilize the intensity of light for thermal-assist applied to a magnetic recording medium. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110128827 | LIGHT SOURCE UNIT FOR THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING - Provided is a light source unit the weight of which can be reduced while ensuring power supply to the light source. The light source is configured to form a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head by being joined with a slider including an optical system that propagates light for thermal assist. The light source unit comprises: a unit substrate including a joining surface that faces an power-supply electrode of the slider; a first electrode provided on the joining surface; a second electrode provided on a source-installation surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; and a light source that includes two electrode layers and a light-emission center located in a light-emitting surface. The first and second electrodes eliminate the provision of a terminal electrode for light source on the source-integration surface. As a result, the weight of the light source unit can be reduced. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110157738 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD BY SEMI-ACTIVE ALIGNMENT - A method for manufacturing a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head is provided, in which joined are: a light source unit that includes a light source having a surface including a light-emission center on the joining surface side of a unit substrate; and a slider that includes an optical system having a light-receiving end surface reaching a back surface opposite to the opposed-to-medium surface. This method utilizes “semi-active alignment” that uses an alignment light, and comprises steps of: causing a light to enter the light source from a surface opposite to the light-emission center; detecting the light that has passed through the light source and is emitted from the light-emission center to align the light-emission center with the light-receiving end surface of the slider; and bonding the light source unit to the slider. This manufacturing method can achieve the alignment with a sufficiently high alignment accuracy in a short processing time. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110164479 | THERMALLY-ASSISTED MAGNETIC RECORDING HEAD COMPRISING WAVEGUIDE WITH INVERTED-TRAPEZOIDAL SHAPE - Provided is a thermally-assisted magnetic recording head comprising a near-field-light-generating (NFL-generating) optical system with an improved light use efficiency. The head comprises a magnetic pole, a waveguide propagating a light for exciting surface plasmon, and a NF-optical device configured to emit NF-light from its end surface located adjacent to the magnetic pole end surface. The waveguide cross-section, taken by a plane perpendicular to a waveguide edge along elongated direction, has substantially a trapezoidal shape in which a longer side of opposed parallel sides is an edge of the cross-section on the NF-optical device side. This configuration enables a coupled portion of the NF-optical device which is coupled with the light to be placed in the effective distribution range of the light seeping from the waveguide. Consequently, there can be realized a sufficiently strong coupling between the light seeping from the waveguide and the NF-optical device. | 07-07-2011 |
