Headway Technologies, Inc.

United States of America

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IPC Class
G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive 258
G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film 200
G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices 134
G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor 110
G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers 76
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Status
Pending 26
Registered / In Force 657
Found results for  patents
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1.

Recessed Write Gap Material For Enhanced Bias Current Injection And Maximizing Aerial Density Capacity In Perpendicular Magnetic Recording

      
Application Number 19382938
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-11-07
First Publication Date 2026-03-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Liu, Yue
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a magnetic write head structure that improves the maximum allowable bias current to maximize the current-assisted areal density capacity (ADC) gain in hard-disk-drive storage device. The write head can include a magnetic main pole (MP) and a trailing shield (TS) made of magnetic material that collects back the magnetic flux and a write gap (WG) between the MP and the TS that is comprised of a non-magnetic electrical conductor. The WG can include a height that is greater than an eTHd height of the HS that can increase an electrical contact area between the HS and MP for a bias current flow. The WG can further include a first part extending an air-bearing surface (ABS) plane of the write head to a top of the eTHd height and a second part extending from the top of the eTHd height.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks

2.

Noble Metal Coated Plasmonic Waveguide Blocker For Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording Head

      
Application Number 19359507
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-10-15
First Publication Date 2026-03-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guo, Hong
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Chou, Tsutomu
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a noble metal coating on a parabolic waveguide blocker surface to future improve thermal gradient for HAMR head which can provide an improved thermal spot confinement over other designs. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a component in the near field transducer (NFT), made of a metallic parabolic shaped waveguide blocker (PWB) with noble metal coating on the PWB surface. The designs as described herein can include a noble metal coating (e.g., Au, Rh, Ir, Pt, Aluminum (Al), etc.) which can enable a plasmonic effect on the PWB surface for HAMR thermal gradient improvement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing

3.

Parabolic Shaped Plasmonic Waveguide Blocker For Heat Assisted Recording Head

      
Application Number 19354502
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-10-09
First Publication Date 2026-02-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guo, Hong
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Chou, Tsutomu

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a near-field transducer (NFT) for a hard disk drive write head with a parabolic waveguide blocker. The waveguide blocker can include a parabolic curved surface in a center portion of a first side of the waveguide blocker and a first side comprising a slope angle of between 10-90 degrees. The waveguide blocker can be configured to reduce electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide core and recycle a scattering field emitting from the NFT to mitigate a thermal background in a recording medium and improve a thermal gradient to increase an area density capacity (ADC) of the hard disk drive write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

4.

Dual-Spin Torque Oscillator Designs in Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording

      
Application Number 19323674
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-09-09
First Publication Date 2026-01-08
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Zhenyao
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to write heads implementing microwave-assisted magnetic recording utilizing multiple spin torque oscillators (STOs). Each STO can include a field-generation layer (FGL) that can oscillate in a same frequency and out of phase with one another. The layers in each STO can enable mutual spin transfer torques between adjacent layers, which can drive the FGLs into a large angle oscillation. The oscillation between the FGLs can cause a magnetic field to be generated that can assist in writing to a magnetic recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features

5.

Pre-Assisting Microwave-Assisted Magnetic Recording With Spin-Torque Nano-Oscillators

      
Application Number 18751004
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-06-21
First Publication Date 2025-12-25
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a pre-assisting microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) (PA-MAMR) write-head structure where the STO is disposed within a leading shield (LS). The STO can be used to pump energy into the media before the writing process. The STO can also pre-excite the media and let the media oscillation damp over the time and then switch under the writer field. The present embodiments can be easier to increase the magnetic volume and magnetic moment of the free layer, while also achieving a greater oscillation frequency with magnetization oscillations around the axis in the film plane.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

6.

Novel DFH Bulge by Heat Sink Design

      
Application Number 18738440
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-06-10
First Publication Date 2025-12-11
Owner
  • SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ngan, Siu Yin
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Cha, Ellis

Abstract

A PMR read/write head configured for heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), produces a thermally active bulge when a current is passed through a heater element formed on a centrally recessed heat sink mounted on a read shield. When the heater element is activated by a current, a bulge is formed by thermal expansion of the centrally recessed heat sink and symmetric pairs of bumper pads are formed. These thermally activated bumper pads act like symmetrically shaped nano-bumpers and provide enhanced touchdown (TD) protection to a reader (or writer) element. The PMR read/write head is mounted on a slider and the assembly is incorporated into a hard disk drive (HDD).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

7.

Parabolic Shaped Plasmonic Waveguide Blocker For Heat Assisted Recording Head

      
Application Number 19233534
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-06-10
First Publication Date 2025-12-04
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guo, Hong
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Chou, Tsutomu

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a near-field transducer (NFT) for a hard disk drive write head with a parabolic waveguide blocker. The waveguide blocker can include a parabolic curved surface in a center portion of a first side of the waveguide blocker and a first side comprising a slope angle of between 10-90 degrees. The waveguide blocker can be configured to reduce electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide core and recycle a scattering field emitting from the NFT to mitigate a thermal background in a recording medium and improve a thermal gradient to increase an area density capacity (ADC) of the hard disk drive write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

8.

High Unidirectional Anisotropy Constant Amorphous Shield Layer For Shield Application

      
Application Number 18674422
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-05-24
First Publication Date 2025-11-27
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Oh, Sangmun
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Wang, Hui-Chuan
  • Gan, Huadong
  • Zhang, Kunliang

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a free layer of a sensor (e.g., a tunneling magneto-resistive (TMR) sensor) for a cobalt-iron (CoFe) and tantalum (Ta) (CFT) to form a layer with a small Hc. A shield material as described with the present embodiments can include a cobalt-iron (CoFe) and tantalum (Ta) (CoFe-25 at %)-Ta material that can give a high magnetic moment, amorphous (low Hc), high Hex, high Jk.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • H10N 50/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 50/10 - Magnetoresistive devices
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region

9.

Recessed write gap material for enhanced bias current injection and maximizing aerial density capacity in perpendicular magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18818344
Grant Number 12469518
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-08-28
First Publication Date 2025-11-11
Grant Date 2025-11-11
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Liu, Yue
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a magnetic write head structure that improves the maximum allowable bias current to maximize the current-assisted areal density capacity (ADC) gain in hard-disk-drive storage device. The write head can include a magnetic main pole (MP) and a trailing shield (TS) made of magnetic material that collects back the magnetic flux and a write gap (WG) between the MP and the TS that is comprised of a non-magnetic electrical conductor. The WG can include a height that is greater than an eTHd height of the HS that can increase an electrical contact area between the HS and MP for a bias current flow. The WG can further include a first part extending an air-bearing surface (ABS) plane of the write head to a top of the eTHd height and a second part extending from the top of the eTHd height.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/09 - Digital recording
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

10.

Noble metal coated plasmonic waveguide blocker for heat assisted magnetic recording head

      
Application Number 18783286
Grant Number 12456485
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-07-24
First Publication Date 2025-10-28
Grant Date 2025-10-28
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guo, Hong
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Chou, Tsutomu
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a noble metal coating on a parabolic waveguide blocker surface to future improve thermal gradient for HAMR head which can provide an improved thermal spot confinement over other designs. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a component in the near field transducer (NFT), made of a metallic parabolic shaped waveguide blocker (PWB) with noble metal coating on the PWB surface. The designs as described herein can include a noble metal coating (e.g., Au, Rh, Ir, Pt, Aluminum (Al), etc.) which can enable a plasmonic effect on the PWB surface for HAMR thermal gradient improvement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing

11.

Tapered optical and magnetic elements for improved writing in heat-assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18979363
Grant Number 12456484
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-12-12
First Publication Date 2025-10-28
Grant Date 2025-10-28
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Guo, Hong
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

Writer head products for heat-assisted magnetic recording devices and methods of making the same are disclosed. The writer heads include multiple layers including a waveguide blocking layer, a waveguide layer, a near-field transducer layer, a heat sink layer, and a peg layer. Each of the layers may comprise a tapered angle near an air-bearing surface. The writer heads further include a main magnetic pole adjacent to the optical component including the same tapered angle near the air-bearing surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

12.

Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Writer with Tunable Two Bias Branches

      
Application Number 19254928
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-06-30
First Publication Date 2025-10-23
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Yue
  • Dovek, Moris Musa

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a Two Tunable bias branch design that can electrical separate a WS1/PP3 and a SS/LS to form two tunable bias branches. A write head can include a main pole, a write gap (WG) disposed adjacent to the main pole, and a hot seed (HS) layer connected to the WG. The PMR write head can also include a trailing shield, a side shield and a leading shield. Two tunable bias branches can be formed to electrically separate the trailing shield and the side and leading shields. A first branch can include a first electrical path between the main pole and the trailing shield. The tunable bias branches can also include a second branch forming a second electrical path between the main pole and the side and leading shields.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

13.

Near Field Transducer With Template Layer For Improved Reliability

      
Application Number 19083322
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-03-18
First Publication Date 2025-10-16
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Wang, Shengyuan
  • Xue, Dingchuan

Abstract

A method of fabricating a near field transducer (NFT) in a thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes: depositing a dielectric layer and a template layer on a waveguide core; patterning the template layer to form a template; depositing an Au NFT layer; planarizing the Au NFT layer to generate a planar layer; depositing an upper NFT layer; applying a peg patterning mask; etching the upper NFT layer and the planar layer that includes the Au NFT layer; removing the template; and depositing a dielectric material and planarizing an upper surface that includes the upper NFT layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

14.

Parabolic shaped plasmonic waveguide blocker for heat assisted recording head

      
Application Number 18678681
Grant Number 12444436
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-05-30
First Publication Date 2025-10-14
Grant Date 2025-10-14
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guo, Hong
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Chou, Tsutomu

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a near-field transducer (NFT) for a hard disk drive write head with a parabolic waveguide blocker. The waveguide blocker can include a parabolic curved surface in a center portion of a first side of the waveguide blocker and a first side comprising a slope angle of between 10-90 degrees. The waveguide blocker can be configured to reduce electromagnetic radiation from the waveguide core and recycle a scattering field emitting from the NFT to mitigate a thermal background in a recording medium and improve a thermal gradient to increase an area density capacity (ADC) of the hard disk drive write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

15.

Spintronic Reader Utilizing The Inverse Spin Hall Effect

      
Application Number 18623991
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-04-01
First Publication Date 2025-10-02
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dieny, Bernard
  • Dovek, Moris Musa

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to reader designs that incorporate Inverse Spin Hall Effect (ISHE). ISHE can convert part of a longitudinal spin-current into a transversal charge current where a spin-current can be created by flowing a charge current in the perpendicular to plane direction (CPP current) through a sense magnetic layer adjacent to the material with spin orbit interactions. The spintronic reader can include a stack of layers that includes a sense layer with a magnetization configured to be biased primarily in a cross-track direction relative to an air-bearing surface (ABS), a spin-orbit layer characterized by a spin hall angle, and an electrical contact layer disposed adjacent to the spin-orbit layer to enable a current to flow throughout the sense layer and spin orbit layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • H10N 50/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 50/10 - Magnetoresistive devices
  • H10N 50/20 - Spin-polarised current-controlled devices
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region
  • H10N 52/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 52/80 - Constructional details

16.

Tunnel Magneto-Resistive Sensor With Thin Nonmagnetic Material In Free Layer

      
Application Number 18608520
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-03-18
First Publication Date 2025-09-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Hui-Chuan
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Gao, Zheng
  • Oh, Sangmun
  • Gan, Huadong

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a free layer structure of a sensor (e.g., a tunneling magneto-resistive (TMR) sensor) with a non-magnetic layer deposited between free layers. For instance, a free layer structure can be created by inserting a subatomic non-magnetic layer with materials such as Tantalum (Ta) or Hafnium (Hf) between a first free layer and a second free layer. Inserting the non-magnetic layer can break the translation of the first free layer crystalline structure to the second free layer, thus making the second free layer more amorphous. The free layer structure can also include inserting an insertion layer before depositing a capping layer, which can reduce the influence of the capping layer crystalline structure to the free layer. Another example free layer structure can include inserting both the non-magnetic layer and the insertion layer to obtain a magnetically softer film.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H10N 50/10 - Magnetoresistive devices
  • G01R 33/09 - Magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • H10N 50/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region

17.

Hybrid Plasmonic Bottom Layer For Increased Near Field Transducer Reliability

      
Application Number 19212279
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-05-19
First Publication Date 2025-09-11
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Fujii, Ken
  • Hu, Weisheng

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a near field transducer for thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) with a hybrid plasmonic bottom layer. In a first example embodiment, a thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) write head is provided. The TAMR write head can include a main pole and a near field transducer (NFT). The NFT can include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a first plasmonic material (e.g., rhodium, iridium, platinum). Further, the first layer can be disposed adjacent to the heat sink. The second layer can include a portion of a second plasmonic material (e.g., gold) and a first plasmonic portion (e.g., comprising rhodium). The first plasmonic portion of the second layer can be disposed adjacent to the ABS. The hybrid second layer (e.g., plasmonic bottom layer) can provide an improved NFT reliability during TAMR writing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing

18.

DFH heater design

      
Application Number 18738431
Grant Number 12387750
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-06-10
First Publication Date 2025-08-12
Grant Date 2025-08-12
Owner
  • SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ngan, Siu Yin
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Cha, Ellis

Abstract

A PMR read/write transducer head configured for heat assisted recording (HAMR) includes thermally active nano-bumper pads formed from a thermally active bulge that protrudes proximally to each side of a read element to provide enhanced touchdown (TD) protection to the transducer head element where it emerges adjacent to the HAMR apparatus. The bumper pads, which can be multiple, are disposed about the transducer head and absorb heat energy generated by active heating elements, including the write current. Absorption of this energy causes the bulge to expand and vary its shape and protrude proximally outward from the slider ABS to protect the read/write head from both intentional and unanticipated touchdown events. The PMR read/write head is then mounted on a slider and the assembly is incorporated into a hard disk drive (HDD).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

19.

Tunneling Magnetoresistance Device With Magnetically Soft High Moment Free Layer

      
Application Number 19076726
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-03-11
First Publication Date 2025-07-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Hui-Chuan
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Oh, Sangmun
  • Gao, Zheng

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) element. The TMR element can include a free layer comprising a metallic alloy that is doped using a dopant element. In some instances, the metallic alloy comprises a cobalt-iron (CoFe) alloy. The present embodiments relate to doping a small amount of an element (e.g., hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), Yttrium (Y)) in a high flux CoFe layer of a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) element. The small amount of dopant can suppress a long-range order in the CoFe film. The amorphous state of a CoFe alloy can be induced by the dopant and result in a magnetically soft layer. A resistance of the TMR element can be modified based on an application of an external magnetic field to the free layer and the pin layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • H01F 10/32 - Spin-exchange-coupled multilayers, e.g. nanostructured superlattices
  • H01F 41/18 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for applying magnetic films to substrates by cathode sputtering

20.

Method Of Ultra-Fine Critical Dimension Patterning For Magnetic Head Devices

      
Application Number 19065386
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-02-27
First Publication Date 2025-07-10
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zhong, Tom
  • Omine, Hiroshi
  • Zhou, Jianing
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Ding, Ruhang
  • Li, Min

Abstract

Methods of critical dimension (CD) uniformity control for magnetic head devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can include providing a film stack, the film stack including a substrate, a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor layer, and a hard mask layer, patterning the hard mask layer using a first mask that defines critical shape patterns other than the CD, forming a mandrel pattern using a second mask that defines the CD, and forming a sidewall spacer pattern on sidewalls of the mandrel pattern, and removing the mandrel pattern.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

21.

Hybrid plasmonic bottom layer for increased near field transducer reliability

      
Application Number 18587570
Grant Number 12354628
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-02-26
First Publication Date 2025-07-08
Grant Date 2025-07-08
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Fujii, Ken
  • Hu, Weisheng

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a near field transducer for thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) with a hybrid plasmonic bottom layer. In a first example embodiment, a thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) write head is provided. The TAMR write head can include a main pole and a near field transducer (NFT). The NFT can include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a first plasmonic material (e.g., rhodium, iridium, platinum). Further, the first layer can be disposed adjacent to the heat sink. The second layer can include a portion of a second plasmonic material (e.g., gold) and a first plasmonic portion (e.g., comprising rhodium). The first plasmonic portion of the second layer can be disposed adjacent to the ABS. The hybrid second layer (e.g., plasmonic bottom layer) can provide an improved NFT reliability during TAMR writing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

22.

Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Writer With Tunable Pole Side Bridge Design

      
Application Number 19049908
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-02-10
First Publication Date 2025-06-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Yue
  • Dovek, Moris Musa
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a Tunable Pole Protrusion or Tunable Pole Performance (TPP) side bridge design. A PMR write head can include a main pole including a tip portion configured to be disposed at an air-bearing surface (ABS) and configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. The PMR write head can also include a hot seed (HS) portion and a first write shield. The PMR write head can also include a first metallic side bridge disposed between the tip portion of the main pole and the HS portion. The PMR write head can also include a bias circuit including at least a first bias electrical pad and a second electrical bias pad directing an electrical current flow along an electrical path between the tip portion of the main pole and the write shield portion via the first metallic side bridge.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

23.

Bottom-Up Main Pole Electroplating For A Magnetic Recording Write Head

      
Application Number 18384545
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-27
First Publication Date 2025-05-01
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Han, Cherng-Chyi
  • Li, Feiyue
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Hu, Weisheng
  • Gu, Chaokang
  • Kitajima, Ittetsu
  • Niu, Kaiyang

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to MP electroplating processes that eliminate seamlines using a bottom-up MP electroplating process. The MP electroplating process can include, after disposing the side shield, depositing a Ru layer as a side gap layer. The process can further include depositing an insulator layer. The MP bottom-up electroplating process can further include performing an ion-beam-etch (IBE) process to clean the insulator at bottom of the trench. After resist patterning, the electroplating process can include electroplating the MP on Ru seed only from the bottom of the trench. The seamline in the MP can be eliminated in the bottom-up MP electroplating process.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G03F 7/00 - Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printed surfacesMaterials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresistsApparatus specially adapted therefor
  • C25D 5/02 - Electroplating of selected surface areas
  • C25D 5/34 - Pretreatment of metallic surfaces to be electroplated
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices

24.

Seamless Main Pole Electroplating For A Magnetic Recording Write Head

      
Application Number 18384788
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-27
First Publication Date 2025-05-01
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Li, Feiyue
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Yang, Wenli
  • Gu, Chaokang
  • Hu, Weisheng
  • Niu, Kaiyang

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to methods for manufacturing a write head that prevents seamlines being present in a main pole. An oxide layer can be disposed over a Ruthenium (Ru) layer over a side shield over a first side of a trench formed in the side shield. A photo resist patterning process can clean the oxide layer and expose a portion of the Ru layer for main pole electroplating. The main pole can be electroplated in the trench such that the main pole contacts the Ru layer at a second side of the trench. The photo resist can be stripped and a planarization process can planarize the side shield and main pole surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

25.

Near field transducer with template layer for improved reliability

      
Application Number 18637324
Grant Number 12288568
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-04-16
First Publication Date 2025-04-29
Grant Date 2025-04-29
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Wang, Shengyuan
  • Xue, Dingchuan

Abstract

A method of fabricating a near field transducer (NFT) in a thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes: depositing a dielectric layer and a template layer on a waveguide core; patterning the template layer to form a template; depositing an Au NFT layer; planarizing the Au NFT layer to generate a planar layer; depositing an upper NFT layer; applying a peg patterning mask; etching the upper NFT layer and the planar layer that includes the Au NFT layer; removing the template; and depositing a dielectric material and planarizing an upper surface that includes the upper NFT layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

26.

Spin-orbit torque assisted magnetic write head structure for perpendicular magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18375136
Grant Number 12512120
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-29
First Publication Date 2025-04-03
Grant Date 2025-12-30
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Liu, Yue
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a PMR write-head structure where the spin-orbit torque (SOT) material is in contact with the main pole in the write gap (WG). In addition, with the write shield (WS) electrically isolated from the side shield (SS) in the present designs, the current can be confined in the SOT material near the main pole, and the device resistance can remain within a reasonable range. It can be shown, using simulations, that the main pole switching rise time can be improved by 18˜24% using spin-orbit torque from heavy metals like platinum.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

27.

Writer With Patterned Hot Seed Layer

      
Application Number 18369786
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-18
First Publication Date 2025-03-20
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Xiao, Yuxuan
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Liu, Yue
  • Wu, Yan
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a write head design with a patterned hot seed (HS). Particularly, the HS can be patterned as part of a multi-step patterning process that can partially or completely remove portions of the HS at multiple sides to form various designs. For example, the HS can have a two-step cliff design, etching multiple steps around an un-patterned center portion, and a flared angle. The designs of the patterned HS can improve write head performance.

IPC Classes  ?

28.

Optimizing a current distribution in write heads for efficient energy-assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18826835
Grant Number 12525255
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-09-06
First Publication Date 2025-03-06
Grant Date 2026-01-13
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Liu, Yue
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Dovek, Moris Musa
  • Chen, Wenjie

Abstract

The present embodiments can generally provide a magnetic write head structure with optimized gap current distribution to maximize the current-assisted areal density capacity (ADC) gain in hard-disk-drive storage devices. In a first example embodiment, a non-dual-write-shield (nDWS) write head can include a main pole (MP), a trailing shield (TS), and a write gap (WG) disposed between the MP and the TS. The write head can also include a side shield (SS), a leading shield (LS), and a write shield (WS). The write head can include a side gap (SG) between the MP and the SS on both sides of the MP tip, and a leading gap (LG) between the MP and the LS. The write head can also include a coil wrapped around the MP through a PP3 shield that is configured to direct a time-dependent write current to saturate magnetization of the MP.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices

29.

Magneto-Resistive Reader Utilizing Read Shields To Maintain Reference Layer Magnetization

      
Application Number 18144088
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-05
First Publication Date 2024-11-07
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Dieny, Bernard
  • Jiang, Bor-Yuan

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to magneto-resistive read heads that can utilize read shields to maintain a reference layer magnetization. A magneto-resistive head can include a first shield and a second shield disposed adjacent to the first shield, with a distance between the shields forming a read gap. The magneto-resistive head can also include a first spacer layer disposed in the read gap. The magneto-resistive head can also include a first reference layer disposed in the read gap adjacent to the first spacer layer. A first reference layer magnetization direction can be set based at least by a first shield magnetization direction. The magneto-resistive head can also include a sense layer disposed in the read gap between the first spacer layer and the second shield.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers

30.

Magnetic Flux Guiding Device With Spin Torque Oscillator (STO) Film Having Negative Spin Polarization Layers In Assisted Writing Application

      
Application Number 18769275
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-07-10
First Publication Date 2024-11-07
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

A STRAMR structure is disclosed. The STRAMR structure can include a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a WG provided between the mail pole (MP) trailing side and a trailing shield. The STO device, includes: a flux guiding layer that has a negative spin polarization (nFGL) with a magnetization pointing substantially parallel to the WG field without the current bias and formed between a first spin polarization preserving layer (ppL1) and a second spin polarization preserving layer (ppL2); a positive spin polarization (pSP) layer that adjoins the TS bottom surface; a non-spin polarization preserving layer (pxL) contacting the MP trailing side; a first negative spin injection layer (nSIL1) between the ppL2 and a third spin polarization preserving layer (ppL3); and a second negative spin injection layer (nSIL2) between the ppL3 and the pxL, wherein the nFGL, nSIL1, and nSIL2 have a spin polarization that is negative.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices

31.

Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Head Equipping A Spin Torque Oscillator Element With An Electric Current In Side Gaps

      
Application Number 18769298
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-07-10
First Publication Date 2024-10-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hirata, Kei
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Liu, Yue
  • Lee, Jiun-Ting
  • Xu, Weihao

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with an STO element and configured to direct an electric current between elements of the write head. A first example embodiment describes a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head. The PMR write head can include a main pole comprising a tip portion disposed adjacent to an air bearing surface (ABS) and is configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. The PMR write head can also include a spin torque oscillator (STO) element disposed adjacent to the main pole. The PMR write head can also include a side shield layer with a portion of the side shield layer disposed adjacent to the ABS. The PMR write head can also include a metallic side gap layer disposed between the main pole and the side shield layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

32.

Electroplating of high damping material for trailing shield in a perpendicular magnetic recording writer

      
Application Number 18625025
Grant Number 12437778
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-04-02
First Publication Date 2024-10-17
Grant Date 2025-10-07
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Xiaomin
  • Chen, Wenjie
  • Liu, Yue
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Li, Feiyue

Abstract

2+ and a transition metal salt to an aqueous solution comprised of other additives in an electroplating cell that has an Ni or Co as the anode. The plated HD magnetic material as the trailing shield in a PMR writer can minimize a wide area track erasure (WATE). Further, a high moment high damping shield can lower bit error rate (BER) and increase aerial density capability (ADC) of the write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

33.

Self-Aligned Side Gap Insulator For A Perpendicular Magnetic Recording Writer

      
Application Number 18122362
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-03-16
First Publication Date 2024-09-19
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Yu-Hsia
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Lee, Jiun-Ting
  • Hu, Weisheng
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Yue

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a self-aligned side gap insulator. A self-aligned SG oxide insulator can reduce or eliminate the current from MP to SS. The SG insulator can force the writer current to go through a writer gap and leading gap, which can improve ATI and TPI performance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

34.

Optimizing a current distribution in write heads for efficient energy-assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18240250
Grant Number 12094497
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-08-30
First Publication Date 2024-09-17
Grant Date 2024-09-17
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sayed, Shehrin
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Liu, Yue
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya
  • Ren, Haowen
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Dovek, Moris Musa
  • Chen, Wenjie

Abstract

The present embodiments can generally provide a magnetic write head structure with optimized gap current distribution to maximize the current-assisted areal density capacity (ADC) gain in hard-disk-drive storage devices. In a first example embodiment, a non-dual-write-shield (nDWS) write head can include a main pole (MP), a trailing shield (TS), and a write gap (WG) disposed between the MP and the TS. The write head can also include a side shield (SS), a leading shield (LS), and a write shield (WS). The write head can include a side gap (SG) between the MP and the SS on both sides of the MP tip, and a leading gap (LG) between the MP and the LS. The write head can also include a coil wrapped around the MP through a PP3 shield that is configured to direct a time-dependent write current to saturate magnetization of the MP.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices

35.

Perpendicular magnetic recording writer with tunable two bias branches

      
Application Number 18117135
Grant Number 12380917
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-03
First Publication Date 2024-09-05
Grant Date 2025-08-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Yue
  • Dovek, Moris Musa

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a Two Tunable bias branch design that can electrical separate a WS1/PP3 and a SS/LS to form two tunable bias branches. A write head can include a main pole, a write gap(WG) disposed adjacent to the main pole, and a hot seed (HS) layer connected to the WG. The PMR write head can also include a trailing shield, a side shield and a leading shield. Two tunable bias branches can be formed to electrically separate the trailing shield and the side and leading shields. A first branch can include a first electrical path between the main pole and the trailing shield. The tunable bias branches can also include a second branch forming a second electrical path between the main pole and the side and leading shields.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

36.

Tapered bi-layer near field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic recording write heads

      
Application Number 18665395
Grant Number 12592253
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-05-15
First Publication Date 2024-09-05
Grant Date 2026-03-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Maletzky, Tobias

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head with a NFT bi-layer structure with a bottom taper, which can be applied to one or both layers of the two layers. A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head can include a main pole including a tip portion configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium at an air-bearing surface (ABS). The HAMR write head can further include a near-field transducer (NFT) that includes a dielectric waveguide, a plasmon generator (PG) layer, and a second layer. The second layer can include a thermo-mechanically stable material disposed adjacent to the PG layer. Further, the PG layer and the second layer can form a taper angle relative to the ABS ranging between 30 and 60 degrees.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

37.

Perpendicular magnetic recording head equipping a spin torque oscillator element with an electric current in side gaps

      
Application Number 18110347
Grant Number 12073857
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-02-15
First Publication Date 2024-08-15
Grant Date 2024-08-27
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hirata, Kei
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Liu, Yue
  • Lee, Jiun-Ting
  • Xu, Weihao

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with an STO element and configured to direct an electric current between elements of the write head. A first example embodiment describes a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head. The PMR write head can include a main pole comprising a tip portion disposed adjacent to an air bearing surface (ABS) and is configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. The PMR write head can also include a spin torque oscillator (STO) element disposed adjacent to the main pole. The PMR write head can also include a side shield layer with a portion of the side shield layer disposed adjacent to the ABS. The PMR write head can also include a metallic side gap layer disposed between the main pole and the side shield layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

38.

Tunneling magnetoresistance device with magnetically soft high moment free layer

      
Application Number 18093732
Grant Number 12266384
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-05
First Publication Date 2024-07-11
Grant Date 2025-04-01
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wang, Hui-Chuan
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Oh, Sangmun
  • Gao, Zheng

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) element. The TMR element can include a free layer comprising a metallic alloy that is doped using a dopant element. In some instances, the metallic alloy comprises a cobalt-iron (CoFe) alloy. The present embodiments relate to doping a small amount of an element (e.g., hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta), Yttrium (Y)) in a high flux CoFe layer of a tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) element. The small amount of dopant can suppress a long-range order in the CoFe film. The amorphous state of a CoFe alloy can be induced by the dopant and result in a magnetically soft layer. A resistance of the TMR element can be modified based on an application of an external magnetic field to the free layer and the pin layer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • H01F 10/32 - Spin-exchange-coupled multilayers, e.g. nanostructured superlattices
  • H01F 41/18 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for applying magnetic films to substrates by cathode sputtering

39.

Perpendicular magnetic recording writer with tunable pole side bridge design

      
Application Number 17972514
Grant Number 12236984
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-24
First Publication Date 2024-07-11
Grant Date 2025-02-25
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Yue
  • Dovek, Moris Musa
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) write head with a Tunable Pole Protrusion or Tunable Pole Performance (TPP) side bridge design. A PMR write head can include a main pole including a tip portion configured to be disposed at an air-bearing surface (ABS) and configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium. The PMR write head can also include a hot seed (HS) portion and a first write shield. The PMR write head can also include a first metallic side bridge disposed between the tip portion of the main pole and the HS portion. The PMR write head can also include a bias circuit including at least a first bias electrical pad and a second electrical bias pad directing an electrical current flow along an electrical path between the tip portion of the main pole and the write shield portion via the first metallic side bridge.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

40.

Tapered bi-layer near field transducer for heat-assisted magnetic recording write heads

      
Application Number 18106609
Grant Number 12014758
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-02-07
First Publication Date 2024-06-18
Grant Date 2024-06-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Maletzky, Tobias

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head with a NFT bi-layer structure with a bottom taper, which can be applied to one or both layers of the two layers. A heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head can include a main pole including a tip portion configured to interact with a magnetic recording medium at an air-bearing surface (ABS). The HAMR write head can further include a near-field transducer (NFT) that includes a dielectric waveguide, a plasmon generator (PG) layer, and a second layer. The second layer can include a thermo-mechanically stable material disposed adjacent to the PG layer. Further, the PG layer and the second layer can form a taper angle relative to the ABS ranging between 30 and 60 degrees.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 11/105 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation using a beam of light or a magnetic field for recording and a beam of light for reproducing, e.g. light-induced thermomagnetic recording or Kerr effect reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing

41.

Spin injection assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 18359436
Grant Number 12322419
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-26
First Publication Date 2024-05-23
Grant Date 2025-06-03
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Wu, Yan

Abstract

A spin injection assisted magnetic recording structure is disclosed wherein a ferromagnetic (FM) layer and at least one spin preservation (SP) layer are formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and a write shield (WS). Current (Ia) flows between the MP and WS, or is injected into the FM layer. As a result, the spin polarized electrons from the FM layer, which flow across one or two SP layers to generate a magnetization that enhances one or both of a local WS magnetization and return field, and a local MP magnetization and write field, respectively. A lead to the FM layer may be stitched to enable lower resistance and improve reliability. The FM layer may be recessed from the ABS to allow more overlap with the SP layer for lower current density while maintaining performance. Higher linear density and area density capability, and better reliability are achieved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

42.

Gold-Copper Alloy In A Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording Writer

      
Application Number 17985698
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-11
First Publication Date 2024-05-16
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Shimazawa, Koji

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head with a bi-layer planar plasmon generator (PPG) structure that includes both an iridium film as a plasmon generator (PG) layer and a gold-copper (AuCu) alloy as a bottom plasmonic layer. A HAMR write head can include a main pole including a tip portion disposed adjacent to an air-bearing surface (ABS). The HAMR write head can also include a heat sink disposed adjacent to the main pole and a bi-layer structure planar plasmon generator (PPG) structure. The PPG structure can also include a plasmon generator (PG) layer comprising an Iridium (Ir) film and a bottom plasmonic layer comprising a gold-copper (Au—Cu) alloy.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/21 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features the pole pieces being of ferrous sheet metal

43.

Electroplating of high damping material for trailing shield in a perpendicular magnetic recording writer

      
Application Number 18133374
Grant Number 11978488
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-04-11
First Publication Date 2024-05-07
Grant Date 2024-05-07
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Xiaomin
  • Chen, Wenjie
  • Liu, Yue
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Li, Feiyue

Abstract

2+ and a transition metal salt to an aqueous solution comprised of other additives in an electroplating cell that has an Ni or Co as the anode. The plated HD magnetic material as the trailing shield in a PMR writer can minimize a wide area track erasure (WATE). Further, a high moment high damping shield can lower bit error rate (BER) and increase aerial density capability (ADC) of the write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/115 - Shielding device arranged between heads or windings
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

44.

Iridium film with a thin iridium template layer for a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) writer

      
Application Number 17957304
Grant Number 11996126
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-30
First Publication Date 2024-04-04
Grant Date 2024-05-28
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Wang, Shengyuan
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) write head with an iridium (Ir) film. The Ir film can include a body layer and a plasmon generator (PG) film comprising Iridium with a thin Ir seed layer. The Ir seed layer can be in direct contact with a dielectric (aluminum oxide). The thickness of the Ir film can be 40 nanometers or less including both a body layer and the seed layer. Incorporating Iridium as a material used for a PG can be a high surface plasmon efficient material with also being reliable under high temperature irradiation during a heat-assisted writing process.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • B82Y 20/00 - Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
  • G02B 5/00 - Optical elements other than lenses
  • G11B 7/1387 - Means for guiding the beam from the source to the record carrier or from the record carrier to the detector using the near-field effect
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

45.

Adaptive bias control for magnetic recording head

      
Application Number 18497867
Grant Number 12211526
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-10-30
First Publication Date 2024-02-29
Grant Date 2025-01-28
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Garfunkel, Glen
  • Wu, Yan
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Li, Min
  • Kawasaki, Shohei

Abstract

A read head includes a permanent magnet (PM) layer formed up to 100 nm behind a free layer where PM layer magnetization may be initialized in a direction that adjusts free layer (FL) bias point, and shifts sensor asymmetry (Asym) closer to 0% for individual heads at slider or Head Gimbal Assembly level to provide a significant improvement in device yield. Asym is adjusted using different initialization schemes and initialization directions. With individual heads, initialization direction is selected based on a prior measurement of asymmetry. The PM layer is CoPt or CoCrPt and has coercivity from 500 Oersted to 1000 Oersted. The PM layer may have a width equal to the FL, or in another embodiment, the PM layer adjoins a backside of the top shield and has a width equal to or greater than that of the FL.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

46.

Self-aligned hybrid near field transducer with single peg grain

      
Application Number 18091809
Grant Number 11894031
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-30
First Publication Date 2024-02-06
Grant Date 2024-02-06
Owner
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
  • SAE Technologies Development (Dongguan) Co., Ltd. (China)
  • SAE Magnetics (Hong Kong) Limited (Hong Kong)
Inventor
  • Jin, Xuhui
  • Yang, Pengbo
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Guo, Hong
  • Guo, Qinghui
  • Chiah, Vincent Man Fat

Abstract

A near field transducer (NFT) having improved reliability is disclosed. In some embodiments, a NFT includes a resonator body layer having a front side at a first plane that is recessed a first distance from an air bearing surface (ABS), and a peg layer that is a single layer made of a noble metal or alloy thereof. The peg layer includes a peg portion or peg with a front side at the ABS, a back side at the first plane, and two sides aligned orthogonal to the ABS and separated by the first cross-track width. The peg portion or the peg having a single peg grain with or without a desired (111) orientation through laser self-annealing process.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G09G 3/32 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels semiconductive, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED]
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

47.

Dual-spin torque oscillator designs in microwave assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 17872831
Grant Number 12451156
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-25
First Publication Date 2024-01-25
Grant Date 2025-10-21
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Zhenyao
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to write heads implementing microwave-assisted magnetic recording utilizing multiple spin torque oscillators (STOs). Each STO can include a field-generation layer (FGL) that can oscillate in a same frequency and out of phase with one another. The layers in each STO can enable mutual spin transfer torques between adjacent layers, which can drive the FGLs into a large angle oscillation. The oscillation between the FGLs can cause a magnetic field to be generated that can assist in writing to a magnetic recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

48.

Perpendicular magnetic recording writer with double driving coil

      
Application Number 17871849
Grant Number 11875825
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-22
First Publication Date 2024-01-16
Grant Date 2024-01-16
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Liu, Yue

Abstract

A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) writer is disclosed. A write current passes through a driving coil and a bucking coil generates a magnetic flux that passes through the main pole tip and is used to write one or more magnetic bits in a magnetic medium. The improved PMR writer includes a double driving coil (DDC) design, in which a second electric current path in parallel with the driving coil through the main pole tip is added to drive the main pole in the same direction as the top driving coil.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

49.

Reader noise reduction using spin hall effects

      
Application Number 18471031
Grant Number 12211525
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-20
First Publication Date 2024-01-11
Grant Date 2025-01-28
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

A read head is disclosed wherein a Spin Hall Effect (SHE) layer is formed on a free layer (FL) in a sensor and between the FL and top shield (S2). Preferably, the sensor has a seed layer, an AP2 reference layer, antiferromagnetic coupling layer, AP1 reference layer, and a tunnel barrier sequentially formed on a bottom shield (S1). When the stripe heights of the FL and SHE layer are equal, a two terminal configuration is employed where a current flows between one side of the SHE layer to a center portion thereof and then to S1, or vice versa. As a result, a second spin torque is generated by the SHE layer on the FL that opposes a first spin torque from the AP1 reference layer on the FL.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices

50.

System for controlling a critical dimension (CD) uniformity of a magnetic head device

      
Application Number 18215679
Grant Number 12254908
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-28
First Publication Date 2023-10-26
Grant Date 2025-03-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zhong, Tom
  • Omine, Hiroshi
  • Zhou, Jianing
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Ding, Ruhang
  • Li, Min

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling a critical dimension (CD) uniformity of a magnetic head device are described. A film stack that is part of a system for controlling a critical dimension (CD) uniformity of a magnetic head device can include a substrate, a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor layer, and a hard mask layer. The system can also include a first mask that defines critical shape patterns other than the CD. The hard mask layer can be patterned using the first mask. The system can also include a second mask that defines the CD. A mandrel pattern can be formed on the hard mask layer using the second mask.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • H04R 31/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture of transducers or diaphragms therefor

51.

Composite Hard Masks For Ultra-Thin Magnetic Sensors

      
Application Number 17671413
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-02-14
First Publication Date 2023-08-17
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zhong, Tom
  • Li, Min
  • Ding, Ruhang
  • Omine, Hiroshi
  • Qin, Qingjun
  • Zhou, Richard
  • Cai, Yunqing
  • Chye, Yewhee
  • Yu, Minghui

Abstract

A composite hard mask is disclosed. In some embodiments, a first sacrificial hard mask layer comprising an amorphous carbon or silicon nitride and a second sacrificial hard mask layer comprising a silicon nitride, silicon oxide, metal, metal oxide, or metal nitride, wherein the first and second sacrificial hard mask layers are not made of the same material.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G01R 33/09 - Magneto-resistive devices
  • H01F 10/32 - Spin-exchange-coupled multilayers, e.g. nanostructured superlattices
  • G03F 7/42 - Stripping or agents therefor
  • G03F 7/16 - Coating processesApparatus therefor
  • G03F 7/36 - Imagewise removal not covered by groups , e.g. using gas streams, using plasma
  • B24B 37/04 - Lapping machines or devicesAccessories designed for working plane surfaces

52.

Thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head with magnetic assist current

      
Application Number 17733929
Grant Number 11699461
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-29
First Publication Date 2023-07-11
Grant Date 2023-07-11
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Valcu, Bogdan Florin
  • Maletzky, Tobias
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Truong, Alain
  • Liu, Yue

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a thermally-assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) head. A magnetic assist current can be applied to the TAMR head to assist in reducing timing jitter as the TAMR head interacts with a magnetic recording material. The TAMR head can include a main write pole including a tip portion and configured to direct a magnetic field for interacting with a magnetic recording medium. The TAMR head can include a laser diode to heat the magnetic recording medium and a dynamic fly height (DFH) heating element for dynamically controlling a height of the main write pole. The heating element can be of a parallel bias circuit that directs a direct current (DC) bias current flow along an electrical path from the magnetic yoke element to the tip portion of the main write pole adjacent to an air bearing surface (ABS).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

53.

Etching and encapsulation scheme for magnetic tunnel junction fabrication

      
Application Number 18119959
Grant Number 12310245
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-10
First Publication Date 2023-07-06
Grant Date 2025-05-20
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sundar, Vignesh
  • Yang, Yi
  • Shen, Dongna
  • Teng, Zhongjian
  • Haq, Jesmin
  • Patel, Sahil
  • Wang, Yu-Jen
  • Zhong, Tom

Abstract

A plurality of conductive via connections are fabricated on a substrate located at positions where MTJ devices are to be fabricated, wherein a width of each of the conductive via connections is smaller than or equivalent to a width of the MTJ devices. The conductive via connections are surrounded with a dielectric layer having a height sufficient to ensure that at the end of a main MTJ etch, an etch front remains in the dielectric layer surrounding the conductive via connections. Thereafter, a MTJ film stack is deposited on the plurality of conductive via connections surrounded by the dielectric layer. The MTJ film stack is etched using an ion beam etch process (IBE), etching through the MTJ film stack and into the dielectric layer surrounding the conductive via connections to form the MTJ devices wherein by etching into the dielectric layer, re-deposition on sidewalls of the MTJ devices is insulating.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H10N 35/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 30/082 - Shaping or machining of piezoelectric or electrostrictive bodies by etching, e.g. lithography
  • H10N 30/87 - Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
  • H10N 30/88 - MountsSupportsEnclosuresCasings
  • H10N 35/80 - Constructional details
  • H10N 35/85 - Magnetostrictive active materials
  • H10N 50/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 50/10 - Magnetoresistive devices
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region

54.

Magnetic flux guiding device with spin torque oscillator (STO) film having negative spin polarization layers in assisted writing application

      
Application Number 18102975
Grant Number 12068008
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-01-30
First Publication Date 2023-06-08
Grant Date 2024-08-20
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

A STRAMR structure is disclosed. The STRAMR structure can include a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a WG provided between the mail pole (MP) trailing side and a trailing shield. The STO device, includes: a flux guiding layer that has a negative spin polarization (nFGL) with a magnetization pointing substantially parallel to the WG field without the current bias and formed between a first spin polarization preserving layer (ppL1) and a second spin polarization preserving layer (ppL2); a positive spin polarization (pSP) layer that adjoins the TS bottom surface; a non-spin polarization preserving layer (pxL) contacting the MP trailing side; a first negative spin injection layer (nSIL1) between the ppL2 and a third spin polarization preserving layer (ppL3); and a second negative spin injection layer (nSIL2) between the ppL3 and the pxL, wherein the nFGL, nSIL1, and nSIL2 have a spin polarization that is negative.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices

55.

Manufacturing method for magnetoresistive element

      
Application Number 17677528
Grant Number 11664045
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-22
First Publication Date 2023-05-30
Grant Date 2023-05-30
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori

Abstract

A manufacturing method for a magnetoresistive element includes: a step of forming a stack; a step of forming an insulating film to cover the stack; a step of forming an initial magnetic layer to cover the stack and the insulating film so that a thickness of the initial magnetic layer in a first direction is greater than a thickness of the stack in the first direction; a step of forming an organic material film on the initial magnetic layer; and an etching step of etching a part of the initial magnetic layer and the organic material film by ion beam etching so that the initial magnetic layer becomes a pair of magnetic layers.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

56.

Reader noise reduction using spin hall effects

      
Application Number 18070809
Grant Number 11804242
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-11-29
First Publication Date 2023-03-23
Grant Date 2023-10-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

A read head is disclosed wherein a Spin Hall Effect (SHE) layer is formed on a free layer (FL) in a sensor and between the FL and top shield (S2). Preferably, the sensor has a seed layer, an AP2 reference layer, antiferromagnetic coupling layer, AP1 reference layer, and a tunnel barrier sequentially formed on a bottom shield (S1). When the stripe heights of the FL and SHE layer are equal, a two terminal configuration is employed where a current flows between one side of the SHE layer to a center portion thereof and then to S1, or vice versa. As a result, a second spin torque is generated by the SHE layer on the FL that opposes a first spin torque from the AP1 reference layer on the FL.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices

57.

Magnetic recording writer with improved main pole shape

      
Application Number 17472304
Grant Number 11636873
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-09-10
First Publication Date 2023-03-16
Grant Date 2023-04-25
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Ying
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Lee, Jiun-Ting
  • Liu, Yue

Abstract

A magnetic recording writer is disclosed. In some embodiments, the writer includes a main pole having a front portion and a back portion, a gap layer surround the main pole at the ABS, and a shield structure. The front portion includes a pole tip at an ABS plane, a pole tip thickness in a down-track direction, and curved sidewalls on each side of a center plane that is orthogonal to the ABS and bisects the main pole. The back portion includes first flared sidewalls extending from the curved sidewalls at an angle between 0 and 25 degrees relative to planes parallel to the center plane. The shield structure includes sidewalls having a sidewall portion facing the main pole and formed substantially conformal to the curved sidewalls up to a height of about 30-200 nm where the sidewall portions no longer follow the shape of the main pole.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

58.

Magnetic flux guiding device with spin torque oscillator (STO) film having negative spin polarization layers in assisted writing application

      
Application Number 17538391
Grant Number 11568891
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-30
First Publication Date 2023-01-31
Grant Date 2023-01-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

A STRAMR structure is disclosed. The STRAMR structure can include a spin torque oscillator (STO) device in a WG provided between the mail pole (MP) trailing side and a trailing shield. The STO device, includes: a flux guiding layer that has a negative spin polarization (nFGL) with a magnetization pointing substantially parallel to the WG field without the current bias and formed between a first spin polarization preserving layer (ppL1) and a second spin polarization preserving layer (ppL2); a positive spin polarization (pSP) layer that adjoins the TS bottom surface; a non-spin polarization preserving layer (pxL) contacting the MP trailing side; a first negative spin injection layer (nSIL1) between the ppL2 and a third spin polarization preserving layer (ppL3); and a second negative spin injection layer (nSIL2) between the ppL3 and the pxL, wherein the nFGL, nSIL1, and nSIL2 have a spin polarization that is negative.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

59.

Method of ultra-fine critical dimension patterning for magnetic head devices

      
Application Number 17364300
Grant Number 11715491
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-30
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Grant Date 2023-08-01
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zhong, Tom
  • Omine, Hiroshi
  • Zhou, Jianing
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Ding, Ruhang
  • Li, Min

Abstract

Methods of critical dimension (CD) uniformity control for magnetic head devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method can include providing a film stack, the film stack including a substrate, a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor layer, and a hard mask layer, patterning the hard mask layer using a first mask that defines critical shape patterns other than the CD, forming a mandrel pattern using a second mask that defines the CD, and forming a sidewall spacer pattern on sidewalls of the mandrel pattern, and removing the mandrel pattern.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • H01R 31/00 - Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

60.

Waveguide and manufacturing method thereof

      
Application Number 17364588
Grant Number 11604313
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-30
First Publication Date 2023-01-05
Grant Date 2023-03-14
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Zhou, Dayu
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Nomura, Yoji

Abstract

A waveguide includes a core and a cladding. The core has an inlet on which light is incident. The core includes a front portion and a rear portion located between the front portion and the inlet. The front portion and the rear portion each have a thickness that is a dimension in a first direction and a width that is a dimension in a second direction. The first direction is orthogonal to a propagation direction of the light. The second direction is orthogonal to the propagation direction of the light and the first direction. The thickness of the front portion decreases with increasing distance from the inlet.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G02B 6/122 - Basic optical elements, e.g. light-guiding paths
  • G02B 6/136 - Integrated optical circuits characterised by the manufacturing method by etching
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G02B 6/12 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind

61.

Magnetic head including main pole having top surface including first inclined portion, second inclined portion, and third inclined portion, and spin torque oscillator

      
Application Number 17677326
Grant Number 11514931
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-22
First Publication Date 2022-11-29
Grant Date 2022-11-29
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Shinohara, Tetsuhito
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Sato, Kazuki
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

A magnetic head includes a main pole, a trailing shield, and a spin torque oscillator. A top surface of the main pole includes a first inclined portion, a second inclined portion, and a third inclined portion arranged in order of closeness to a medium facing surface. Each of the first to third inclined portions has a front end closest to the medium facing surface and a rear end farthest from the medium facing surface. Each of the first to third inclined portions is inclined relative to the medium facing surface and a direction orthogonal to the medium facing surface so that its rear end is located forward relative to its front end in a direction of travel of a recording medium.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

62.

Manufacturing method for magnetic head for perpendicular magnetic recording including a pair of first side shields and a pair of second side shields

      
Application Number 17573945
Grant Number 11495251
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-12
First Publication Date 2022-11-08
Grant Date 2022-11-08
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Sato, Kazuki
  • Tanemura, Shigeki

Abstract

A write shield of a magnetic head includes a pair of first side shields and a pair of second side shields. The pair of first side shields each include a first side wall and a second side wall. The pair of second side shields each include a third side wall. The third side wall of one of the pair of second side shields is continuous with the first side wall of one of the pair of first side shields. The third side wall of the other of the pair of second side shields is continuous with the first side wall of the other of the pair of first side shields.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film

63.

Adaptive bias control for magnetic recording head

      
Application Number 17856585
Grant Number 11887635
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-07-01
First Publication Date 2022-10-20
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Garfunkel, Glen
  • Wu, Yan
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Li, Min
  • Kawasaki, Shohei

Abstract

A read head includes a permanent magnet (PM) layer formed up to 100 nm behind a free layer where PM layer magnetization may be initialized in a direction that adjusts free layer (FL) bias point, and shifts sensor asymmetry (Asym) closer to 0% for individual heads at slider or Head Gimbal Assembly level to provide a significant improvement in device yield. Asym is adjusted using different initialization schemes and initialization directions. With individual heads, initialization direction is selected based on a prior measurement of asymmetry. The PM layer is CoPt or CoCrPt and has coercivity from 500 Oersted to 1000 Oersted. The PM layer may have a width equal to the FL, or in another embodiment, the PM layer adjoins a backside of the top shield and has a width equal to or greater than that of the FL.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

64.

Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head having plasmon generator of multiple metal layers

      
Application Number 17347992
Grant Number 11410688
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-15
First Publication Date 2022-08-09
Grant Date 2022-08-09
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Xu, Weihao

Abstract

A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a medium facing surface, a main pole, a waveguide, and a plasmon generator. A second metal layer of the plasmon generator includes a second front end facing the medium facing surface. A third metal layer of the plasmon generator includes a narrow portion located on the second metal layer. The narrow portion includes a front end face located in the medium facing surface and configured to generate near-field light from a surface plasmon, and a rear end opposite the front end face. The rear end is located farther from the medium facing surface than is the second front end.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 11/105 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation using a beam of light or a magnetic field for recording and a beam of light for reproducing, e.g. light-induced thermomagnetic recording or Kerr effect reproducing
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 7/1387 - Means for guiding the beam from the source to the record carrier or from the record carrier to the detector using the near-field effect
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

65.

Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) writer with recessed leading shield

      
Application Number 17708222
Grant Number 11699460
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-30
First Publication Date 2022-07-14
Grant Date 2023-07-11
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Ying
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Yue
  • Hirata, Kei

Abstract

A PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) write head includes a main write pole (MP) that is surrounded by magnetic shields, including laterally disposed side shields (SS), a trailing shield (TS) and a leading shield (LS). The leading shield includes a leading-edge taper (LET) that conformally abuts a tapered side of the write pole. The leading-edge shield and the leading-edge taper can be independently recessed in a proximal direction away from an air bearing surface (ABS) plane so that one or the other of them is recessed and the other remains coplanar with the ABS, or both are recessed by independent amounts. In another configuration the LS is not planar but has a recessed portion in a center track region and two surrounding regions that are coplanar with the ABS plane.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

66.

Magnetic head including spin torque oscillator, first and second gap films, and first and second guard films, and manufacturing method for the same

      
Application Number 17313417
Grant Number 11380353
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-05-06
First Publication Date 2022-07-05
Grant Date 2022-07-05
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Sato, Kazuki
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Shinohara, Tetsuhito

Abstract

A magnetic head includes a main pole, a trailing shield, a spin torque oscillator, first and second side shields, first and second gap films, and first and second guard films. The first gap film and the first guard film are interposed between the trailing shield and the first side shield. The second gap film and the second guard film are interposed between the trailing shield and the second side shield.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

67.

Writer with laterally graded spin layer MsT

      
Application Number 17691869
Grant Number 11545175
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-10
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2023-01-03
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Ying
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

B density is necessary to provide a given amount of FGL magnetization flipping and there is reduced write bubble fringing compared with writers having a FGL with uniform MsT. Lower MsT is achieved by partially oxidizing FGL outer portions. In some embodiments, there is a gradient in outer FGL portions where MsT increases with increasing distance from FGL sidewalls.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

68.

Writer with adaptive side gap

      
Application Number 16953925
Grant Number 11348605
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-20
First Publication Date 2022-05-26
Grant Date 2022-05-31
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Ying
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Yue
  • Lee, Jiun-Ting
  • Wang, Shengyuan
  • Liu, Xiaomin

Abstract

A PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) write head configured for thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) and microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) is made adaptive to writing at different frequencies by inserting thin layers of magnetic material into the material filling the side gaps (SG) between the magnetic pole (MP) and the side shields (SS). At high frequencies, the thin magnetic layers saturate and lower the magnetic potential of the bulky side shields.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

69.

Magnetic element with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and improved coercivity field (Hc)/switching current ratio

      
Application Number 17582190
Grant Number 11683994
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-24
First Publication Date 2022-05-12
Grant Date 2023-06-20
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guisan, Santiago Serrano
  • Thomas, Luc
  • Iwata, Jodi Mari
  • Jan, Guenole
  • Tong, Ru-Ying

Abstract

2, and thermal stability to 400° C. is realized. The FL comprises two or more sub-layers, and the MIS layer may be formed within at least one sub-layer or between sub-layers. The buffer layer is used to prevent oxygen diffusion to the NL, and nitrogen diffusion from the NL to the FL. FL thickness is from 11 Angstroms to 25 Angstroms while MIS layer thickness is preferably from 0.5 Angstroms to 4 Angstroms.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region
  • H10N 52/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 52/80 - Constructional details
  • G11C 11/16 - Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elementsStorage elements therefor using magnetic elements using elements in which the storage effect is based on magnetic spin effect
  • H01L 27/22 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate using similar magnetic field effects
  • H01L 43/10 - Selection of materials
  • H01L 43/04 - Devices using galvano-magnetic or similar magnetic effects; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof - Details of Hall-effect devices
  • H01L 43/14 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof for Hall-effect devices
  • H01L 43/12 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof

70.

Adaptive bias control for magnetic recording head

      
Application Number 17081235
Grant Number 11380355
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-10-27
First Publication Date 2022-04-28
Grant Date 2022-07-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Garfunkel, Glen
  • Wu, Yan
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Zhang, Kunliang
  • Li, Min
  • Kawasaki, Shohei

Abstract

A read head includes a permanent magnet (PM) layer formed up to 100 nm behind a free layer where PM layer magnetization may be initialized in a direction that adjusts free layer (FL) bias point, and shifts sensor asymmetry (Asym) closer to 0% for individual heads at slider or Head Gimbal Assembly level to provide a significant improvement in device yield. Asym is adjusted using different initialization schemes and initialization directions. With individual heads, initialization direction is selected based on a prior measurement of asymmetry. The PM layer is CoPt or CoCrPt and has coercivity from 500 Oersted to 1000 Oersted. The PM layer may have a width equal to the FL, or a width equal to the cross-track distance between outer sides of the longitudinal bias layers. In another embodiment, the PM layer adjoins a backside of the top shield.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

71.

Near-field transducer with separated bottom Au layer

      
Application Number 17156920
Grant Number 11315597
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-25
First Publication Date 2022-04-26
Grant Date 2022-04-26
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Fujii, Ken

Abstract

A plasmon generator (PG) is formed between a waveguide and main pole, and has a front portion (Au/Rh bilayer) wherein the upper Rh layer has a peg shape at an air bearing surface (ABS), and a tapered backside that is separated from a PG back portion by a dielectric spacer. The lower Au layer has a front side recessed from the ABS and curved sides self-aligned with the Rh layer sides. A key feature is that the back section of lower Au layer curved side forms a smaller angle with a plane aligned orthogonal to the ABS than a front section thereof thereby selectively enabling a deformation of the back end of the Au layer during a heat treatment to >300° C. at the wafer level. Accordingly, the front end of the lower Au layer is densified and provides an improved heat sink to improve reliability and area density capability (ADC).

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 11/105 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation using a beam of light or a magnetic field for recording and a beam of light for reproducing, e.g. light-induced thermomagnetic recording or Kerr effect reproducing
  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers

72.

Reader noise reduction using spin hall effects

      
Application Number 17552450
Grant Number 11587582
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-16
First Publication Date 2022-04-07
Grant Date 2023-02-21
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

A read head is disclosed wherein a Spin Hall Effect (SHE) layer is formed on a free layer (FL) in a sensor and between the FL and top shield (S2). Preferably, the sensor has a seed layer, an AP2 reference layer, antiferromagnetic coupling layer, AP1 reference layer, and a tunnel barrier sequentially formed on a bottom shield (S1). In a three terminal configuration, a first current flows between S1 and S2 such that the AP1 reference layer produces a first spin torque on the FL, and a second current flows across the SHE layer thereby generating a second spin torque on the FL that opposes the first spin torque. When the stripe heights of the FL and SHE layer are equal, a two terminal configuration is employed where a current flows between one side of the SHE layer to a center portion thereof and then to S1, or vice versa.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices

73.

Patterned reader shields for a cooler reader

      
Application Number 16953903
Grant Number 11289116
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-20
First Publication Date 2022-03-29
Grant Date 2022-03-29
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Kowang
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Ngan, Siu Yin
  • Zeng, Qinghua
  • Cha, Ellis

Abstract

A PMR, TAMR or MAMR (Perpendicular Magnetic Recording, Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording or Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording) slider-mounted read/write head produces less heat during operation by using magnetic read shields in which are embedded a patterned layer of thermally absorbing material. At least one shield includes a heating coil which is used to adjust the fly-height of the slider by creating a thermal protrusion at the slider ABS. When additional sources of energy, such as laser heating, microwave heating or the write coil itself, are applied to the recording medium, the shields can overheat, adversely affecting their performance. The patterned layer of heat absorbing material reduces the flow of heat from the thermal heating coil to the air bearing surface (ABS) thus cooling the region around the write head while not adversely affecting the shape of the thermal protrusion.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature
  • G11B 5/115 - Shielding device arranged between heads or windings
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers

74.

Magnetic head including spin torque oscillator

      
Application Number 17170126
Grant Number 11289117
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-08
First Publication Date 2022-03-29
Grant Date 2022-03-29
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Sato, Kazuki
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya
  • Shinohara, Tetsuhito
  • Liu, Ying
  • Li, Min
  • Truong, Alain
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Chen, Wenyu

Abstract

A magnetic head includes a medium facing surface, a main pole, a trailing shield, and a spin torque oscillator. A bottom surface of the trailing shield includes a first portion that includes an end located in the medium facing surface and is in contact with the spin torque oscillator at least in part. An element height that is a dimension of the spin torque oscillator in a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface and a writer height that is a dimension of the first portion in the direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface are different from each other.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/115 - Shielding device arranged between heads or windings
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

75.

Writer with laterally graded spin layer MsT

      
Application Number 17029698
Grant Number 11295768
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-09-23
First Publication Date 2022-03-24
Grant Date 2022-04-05
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Ying
  • Kawasaki, Shohei
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Tang, Yuhui

Abstract

B density is necessary to provide a given amount of FGL magnetization flipping and there is reduced write bubble fringing compared with writers having a FGL with uniform MsT. Lower MsT is achieved by partially oxidizing FGL outer portions. In some embodiments, there is a gradient in outer FGL portions where MsT increases with increasing distance from FGL sidewalls.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/235 - Selection of material for gap filler
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

76.

Spin injection assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 17534574
Grant Number 11756577
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-24
First Publication Date 2022-03-17
Grant Date 2023-09-12
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Wu, Yan

Abstract

A spin injection assisted magnetic recording structure is disclosed wherein a ferromagnetic (FM) layer and at least one spin preservation (SP) layer are formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and a write shield (WS). Current (Ia) flows between the MP and WS, or is injected into the FM layer. As a result, the spin polarized electrons from the FM layer, which flow across one or two SP layers to generate a magnetization that enhances one or both of a local WS magnetization and return field, and a local MP magnetization and write field, respectively. A lead to the FM layer may be stitched to enable lower resistance and improve reliability. The FM layer may be recessed from the ABS to allow more overlap with the SP layer for lower current density while maintaining performance. Higher linear density and area density capability, and better reliability are achieved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

77.

Capacitive one turn (C1T) perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) writer designs

      
Application Number 17001792
Grant Number 11264051
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-08-25
First Publication Date 2022-03-01
Grant Date 2022-03-01
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Liu, Yue

Abstract

2, for example, with a dielectric constant >10. As a result, the writer behaves like a 1+1T writer at lw frequencies substantially below 1 GHz, as a 1+0.xT writer at lw frequencies proximate to 1 GHz, and like a 1+0T writer in an overshoot region of the lw. Accordingly, better trailing shield field gradient, signal-to-noise ratio, and bit error rate during high frequency operation are achieved without compromising saturation speed and adjacent track interference for an overall improvement in performance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor

78.

Built-in resistance sensor for measuring slider level pole width at point “A” (PWA) for PMR/MAMR writers

      
Application Number 16997155
Grant Number 11823712
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-08-19
First Publication Date 2022-02-24
Grant Date 2023-11-21
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Wu, Yan

Abstract

A PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) write head is configured for measurements at the slider level and wafer-level processing stages that will allow a determination of the pole width at a position A (PWA) using the results of a resistance measurement between a main pole (MP) and surrounding write shields (WS) with a layer of conductor in the write gap and a layer of insulating material replacing the side gaps. Knowledge of an accurate value of PWA allows adjustments to be made in the processing of sliders on each rowbar which, in turn improves the capability of delivering the desired statistical variation (sigma) in the distribution of erasure widths for AC signals (EWACS) in a given design which, in turn, gives better overall performance in hard disk drive (HDD) applications.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 21/24 - Head support adjustments

79.

Air-bearing surface (ABS) design with side flow blocker for mitigating lube and hydrocarbon accumulation in hard disk drives (HDD)

      
Application Number 17178978
Grant Number 11232812
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-18
First Publication Date 2022-01-25
Grant Date 2022-01-25
Owner
  • SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zheng, Guoqiang
  • Cha, Ellis

Abstract

A slider-mounted read/write transducer for a hard disk drive (HDD) has a topology that mitigates attraction and accumulation of lubricant and hydrocarbons during the HDD operation. The slider topology may include a pattern of cavities and channels symmetrically disposed about a central longitudinal axis. The slider may also have a transverse channel extending perpendicularly inward from an opening in each side edge of the slider to intersect a channel that extends longitudinally along a middle axis towards a leading-edge pad in which a read/write transducer is embedded. The ends of the transverse channel open into an air-carrying groove extending vertically upward in the side of the slider in which a side flow blocker (SFB) restricts the air flow into the channel portion.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 21/21 - Supporting the headsSupporting the sockets for plug-in heads while the head is in operative position but stationary or permitting minor movements to follow irregularities in surface of record carrier with provision for maintaining desired spacing of head from record carrier, e.g. fluid-dynamic spacing, slider

80.

Magnetic head including spin torque oscillator

      
Application Number 17169995
Grant Number 11211082
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-08
First Publication Date 2021-12-28
Grant Date 2021-12-28
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Shinohara, Tetsuhito
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Sato, Kazuki
  • Nomura, Yoji
  • Araki, Hironori
  • Roppongi, Tetsuya

Abstract

A magnetic head includes a medium facing surface, a main pole, a trailing shield, a spin torque oscillator, and a first insulating layer. The first insulating layer is interposed between a portion of the main pole and a portion of the spin torque oscillator. The first insulating layer has a first end closest to the medium facing surface. The spin torque oscillator has a rear end farthest from the medium facing surface. The first end of the first insulating layer is located closer to the medium facing surface than the rear end of the spin torque oscillator is.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/115 - Shielding device arranged between heads or windings

81.

Protective shields under touchdown conditions for thermally assisted perpendicular magnetic recording

      
Application Number 17072302
Grant Number 11211084
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-10-16
First Publication Date 2021-12-28
Grant Date 2021-12-28
Owner
  • SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zeng, Qinghua
  • Ngan, Siu Yin
  • Cha, Ellis
  • Liu, Kowang

Abstract

A Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR) head is configured for use in Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording (TAMR). Two or three contiguous write shields, of various widths and thicknesses, formed on a leading edge side of the write gap (WG), main pole (MP) and near-field transducer (NFT), protect the head during write touchdowns (TD) and signal the approach of such a touchdown. Moreover during a write touchdown the contact with the head is restricted to the large write shields, producing a large touchdown area (TDA) and insuring the lifetime of the head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 11/105 - Recording on, or reproducing from, the same record carrier wherein for these two operations the methods or means are covered by different main groups of groups or by different subgroups of group Record carriers therefor using recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation using a beam of light or a magnetic field for recording and a beam of light for reproducing, e.g. light-induced thermomagnetic recording or Kerr effect reproducing
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

82.

Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) writer with tunable pole protrusion (TPP) designs for 2 terabytes/platter (TB/P) and beyond

      
Application Number 17095861
Grant Number 11152021
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-11-12
First Publication Date 2021-10-19
Grant Date 2021-10-19
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Liu, Yue
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) writer is disclosed wherein an insulation layer is formed between a top yoke (TY) and an uppermost (PP3) trailing shield to electrically isolate the main pole (MP) from a trailing loop for magnetic flux return. One or both of a first non-magnetic (NM) metal layer and a second NM metal layer are formed between the MP tip and a hot seed layer and side shields, respectively, to form an electrical path that is in parallel to that of a dynamic fly height (DFH) heater circuit. MP tip protrusion is enhanced and writability is improved especially for track widths <40 nm, and is tunable by the volume of the first and second NM layer, and the composition of the NM metals. Existing writer pad layouts may be employed and there is no additional cost to PMR backend processes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/245 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features comprising means for controlling the reluctance of the magnetic circuit
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

83.

Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head including a main pole and a plasmon generator

      
Application Number 17062149
Grant Number 11114119
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-10-02
First Publication Date 2021-09-07
Grant Date 2021-09-07
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Tomita, Seiichiro

Abstract

A thermally-assisted magnetic recording head includes a medium facing surface, a main pole, a waveguide, and a plasmon generator. The plasmon generator includes a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer includes a plasmon exciting portion on which surface plasmons are excited. The second metal layer is located on the first metal layer, and includes a bottom surface in contact with the first metal layer, a top surface located on a side opposite to the bottom surface, a front end face that is located in the medium facing surface and generates near-field light from the surface plasmons, and a connecting surface that connects the top surface and the front end face. The connecting surface includes an inclined portion inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/40 - Protective measures on heads, e.g. against excessive temperature

84.

Near-field light generator and thermally-assisted magnetic recording head

      
Application Number 17069527
Grant Number 11049516
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-10-13
First Publication Date 2021-06-29
Grant Date 2021-06-29
Owner HEADWAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ikegawa, Yukinori
  • Sasaki, Yoshitaka
  • Ito, Hiroyuki
  • Tanemura, Shigeki
  • Nomura, Yoji

Abstract

A near-field light generator includes a plasmon generator including a plasmon exciting portion on which a surface plasmon is excited, and a near-field transducer including a front end face that generates near-field light from the surface plasmon. The near-field transducer is formed of a first metal material. The plasmon generator includes a first portion formed of the first metal material and a second portion formed of a second metal material. The first portion is in contact with the near-field transducer. The second portion includes at least part of the plasmon exciting portion.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

85.

RhIr alloy near-field transducer with Rh template layer in a thermally assisted magnetic recording (TAMR) application

      
Application Number 16800029
Grant Number 11043240
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-25
First Publication Date 2021-06-22
Grant Date 2021-06-22
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shimazawa, Koji
  • Wang, Shengyuan

Abstract

A near field transducer (NFT) with an upper RhIr layer having an Ir content from 20-80 atomic % and a lower Au layer is formed between a waveguide and main pole at an air bearing surface (ABS). The RhIr layer has a rod-like front portion (peg) up to height h1, and a substantially triangular shaped back portion (body) from h1 to height h2. In some embodiments, there is a Rh underlayer with a thickness from 10 Angstroms to 200 Angstroms between the upper and lower NFT layers, and extending from the ABS to h2 so that the RhIr layer has a substantially uniform microcrystalline structure throughout to prevent thermally induced rupture defects proximate to h1. Optionally, the Rh underlayer may have a front side at h1, and may further comprise a lower Al or Zr adhesion layer. Accordingly, there is improved device reliability.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 13/08 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom using near-field interactions or transducing means and at least one other method or means for recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

86.

Spin torque reversal assisted magnetic recording (STRAMR) device having a width substantially equal to that of a traililng shield

      
Application Number 16781618
Grant Number 11043232
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-04
First Publication Date 2021-06-22
Grant Date 2021-06-22
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Wu, Yan

Abstract

A spin transfer torque reversal assisted magnetic recording (STRAMR) device is disclosed wherein a flux change layer (FCL) is formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and a trailing shield (TS). The FCL has a magnetization that flips to a direction substantially opposing the write gap magnetic field when a direct current (DC) of sufficient current density is applied across the STRAMR device thereby increasing reluctance in the WG and producing a larger write field output at the air bearing surface. Heat transfer in the STRAMR device is enhanced and production cost is reduced by enlarging the STRAMR width to be essentially equal to that of the TS, and where the TS and STRAMR widths are formed using the same process steps. Bias voltage is used to control the extent of FCL flipping to a center portion to optimize the gain in area density capability in the recording system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 13/04 - Recording simultaneously or selectively by methods or means covered by different main groupsRecord carriers thereforReproducing simultaneously or selectively therefrom magnetically and optically
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features

87.

Nitride diffusion barrier structure for spintronic applications

      
Application Number 17182536
Grant Number 12550623
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-02-23
First Publication Date 2021-06-10
Grant Date 2026-02-10
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Guisan, Santiago Serrano
  • Thomas, Luc
  • Iwata, Jodi Mari
  • Jan, Guenole
  • Sundar, Vignesh

Abstract

A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) is disclosed wherein a nitride diffusion barrier (NDB) has a L2/L1/NL or NL/L1/L2 configuration wherein NL is a metal nitride or metal oxynitride layer, L2 blocks oxygen diffusion from an adjoining Hk enhancing layer, and L1 prevents nitrogen diffusion from NL to the free layer (FL) thereby enhancing magnetoresistive ratio and FL thermal stability, and minimizing resistance x area product for the MTJ. NL is the uppermost layer in a bottom spin valve configuration, or is formed on a seed layer in a top spin valve configuration such that L2 and L1 are always between NL and the FL or pinned layer, respectively. In other embodiments, one or both of L1 and L2 are partially oxidized. Moreover, either L2 or L1 may be omitted when the other of L1 and L2 is partially oxidized. A spacer between the FL and L2 is optional.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H10N 50/80 - Constructional details
  • H01F 10/32 - Spin-exchange-coupled multilayers, e.g. nanostructured superlattices
  • H01F 41/34 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or assembling magnets, inductances or transformersApparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing materials characterised by their magnetic properties for applying conductive, insulating or magnetic material on a magnetic film in patterns, e.g. by lithography
  • H10N 50/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region

88.

Circuits and methods for optimizing write current waveform for main pole relaxation in perpendicular magnetic recording

      
Application Number 16997161
Grant Number 11031039
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-08-19
First Publication Date 2021-06-08
Grant Date 2021-06-08
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Ying

Abstract

A preamplifier that that is configured for optimizing the write current waveform to achieve the best areal density capability (ADC) and adjacent track interference (ATI) performance of a magnetic recording disk drive. The preamplifier is configured for providing a magnetic head write current with a main pole relaxation zone for providing a buffer zone for main pole relaxation from saturation state to a remanence state before writing the next bit. The preamplifier is further configured for providing a magnetic head write current with a reference main pole relaxation current located at an end region data of each bit. The length of the reference main pole relaxation current is a function of the bit length, frequency, recording velocity, and writer/media switching speed.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 20/10 - Digital recording or reproducing
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 21/16 - Supporting the headsSupporting the sockets for plug-in heads

89.

Dual flux change layer (FCL) assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 16781631
Grant Number 11011193
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-04
First Publication Date 2021-05-18
Grant Date 2021-05-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Wu, Yan
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Kawasaki, Shohei

Abstract

A spin transfer torque reversal assisted magnetic recording (STRAMR) structure is disclosed wherein two flux change layers (FCL1 and FCL2) are formed within a write gap (WG) and between a main pole (MP) trailing side and trailing shield (TS). Each FCL has a magnetization that flips to a direction substantially opposing a WG field when a direct current of sufficient current density is applied across the STRAMR device thereby increasing reluctance in the WG and producing a larger write field output at the air bearing surface. A reference layer (RL1) is used to reflect spin polarized electrons that exert spin torque on FCL1 and cause FCL1 magnetization to flip. A second reference layer (or the MP or TS) is employed to reflect spin polarize electrons that generate spin torque on FCL2 and flip FCL2 magnetization. Non-spin polarization preserving layers and spin polarization preserving layers are also in the STRAMR structure.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/245 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features comprising means for controlling the reluctance of the magnetic circuit
  • G11B 19/20 - DrivingStartingStoppingControl thereof
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

90.

Method of building self-aligned optical side shield structure

      
Application Number 16800036
Grant Number 11011192
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-25
First Publication Date 2021-05-18
Grant Date 2021-05-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Xu, Weihao
  • Kitajima, Ittetsu
  • Han, Cherng-Chyi
  • Jin, Xuhui
  • Hu, Weisheng
  • Lo, Ethan

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor

91.

Etching and encapsulation scheme for magnetic tunnel junction fabrication

      
Application Number 16677053
Grant Number 11631802
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-07
First Publication Date 2021-05-13
Grant Date 2023-04-18
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sundar, Vignesh
  • Yang, Yi
  • Shen, Dongna
  • Teng, Zhongjian
  • Haq, Jesmin
  • Patel, Sahil
  • Wang, Yu-Jen
  • Zhong, Tom

Abstract

A plurality of conductive via connections are fabricated on a substrate located at positions where MTJ devices are to be fabricated, wherein a width of each of the conductive via connections is smaller than or equivalent to a width of the MTJ devices. The conductive via connections are surrounded with a dielectric layer having a height sufficient to ensure that at the end of a main MTJ etch, an etch front remains in the dielectric layer surrounding the conductive via connections. Thereafter, a MTJ film stack is deposited on the plurality of conductive via connections surrounded by the dielectric layer. The MTJ film stack is etched using an ion beam etch process (IBE), etching through the MTJ film stack and into the dielectric layer surrounding the conductive via connections to form the MTJ devices wherein by etching into the dielectric layer, re-deposition on sidewalls of the MTJ devices is insulating.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 43/00 - Devices using galvano-magnetic or similar magnetic effects; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof
  • H01L 41/47 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the assembly, manufacture or treatment of magnetostrictive devices or of parts thereof
  • H01L 41/047 - Electrodes
  • H01L 41/332 - Shaping or machining of piezo-electric or electrostrictive bodies by etching, e.g. lithography
  • H01L 41/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof - Details of magnetostrictive elements
  • H01L 41/053 - Mounts, supports, enclosures or casings
  • H01L 41/20 - Selection of materials for magnetostrictive elements

92.

Third alternative design for magnetic recording assisted by one or two spin hall effect (SHE) layers in the write gap

      
Application Number 16919936
Grant Number 11056136
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-07-02
First Publication Date 2021-05-13
Grant Date 2021-07-06
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Chen, Wenyu

Abstract

a) flows from the SHE layer across the CL to a lead back to a source, or across the CL to one of the MP and TS. For a SHE layer with a positive SHA material, Ia flows from one of the MP or TS or from a lead across the CL to the SHE layer. Spin polarized current in the SHE layer applies spin transfer torque that tilts a local MP magnetization to a direction that enhances a MP write field, or that tilts a local TS magnetization to a direction that increases the TS return field and improves bit error rate.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices
  • G01R 33/09 - Magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

93.

Reduce intermixing on MTJ sidewall by oxidation

      
Application Number 16672981
Grant Number 11031548
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-04
First Publication Date 2021-05-06
Grant Date 2021-06-08
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Shen, Dongna
  • Yang, Yi
  • Patel, Sahil
  • Sundar, Vignesh
  • Wang, Yu-Jen

Abstract

A method for fabricating a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) structure is described. A MTJ film stack is deposited on a bottom electrode on a substrate. The MTJ film stack is first ion beam etched (IBE) using a first angle and a first energy to form a MTJ device wherein conductive re-deposition forms on sidewalls of the MTJ device. Thereafter, the conductive re-deposition is oxidized. Thereafter, the MTJ device is second ion beam etched (IBE) at a second angle and a second energy to remove oxidized re-deposition.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 43/12 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
  • H01L 43/02 - Devices using galvano-magnetic or similar magnetic effects; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof - Details

94.

Circuits and methods for modifying the write current waveform to improve track density in HDD

      
Application Number 16781358
Grant Number 10991391
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-02-04
First Publication Date 2021-04-27
Grant Date 2021-04-27
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Ying
  • Kagami, Takeo
  • Yeung, Mei Ki
  • Chan, Sui Yan

Abstract

A preamplifier has a pre-compensation circuit that optimizes the write current in a low current range of less than 30 mA. The pre-compensation circuit maintains the peak current with a high overshoot current amplitude for achieving an optimized areal density capability to equalize the erase widths for the bit lengths of the encoded data with bit lengths greater than three clock time periods with encoded data with a bit length of the two clock time period. Alternately, the pre-compensation circuit has an overshoot generator that determines the optimum amplitude of the overshoot current for the bit-lengths for the encoded data. An overshoot data synchronizer is connected to a read current preamplifier to receive a pseudorandom read data signal that is applied to the overshoot generator to enable the different overshoot current amplitude depending on the bit length of the encoded data. The pre-compensated data current is transferred to the write head.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/09 - Digital recording
  • G11B 20/10 - Digital recording or reproducing
  • G11B 20/14 - Digital recording or reproducing using self-clocking codes

95.

Integration scheme for three terminal spin-orbit-torque (SOT) switching devices

      
Application Number 16592210
Grant Number 11895928
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-03
First Publication Date 2021-04-08
Grant Date 2024-02-06
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Haq, Jesmin
  • Zhong, Tom
  • Thomas, Luc
  • Teng, Zhongjian
  • Shen, Dongna

Abstract

3. A top electrode is formed on an uppermost hard mask in each SOT device. A single etch through the FL and SHE layer ensures a reliable first current pathway that is separate from a read current pathway.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H10N 52/01 - Manufacture or treatment
  • G11C 11/16 - Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elementsStorage elements therefor using magnetic elements using elements in which the storage effect is based on magnetic spin effect
  • H10B 61/00 - Magnetic memory devices, e.g. magnetoresistive RAM [MRAM] devices
  • H10N 50/85 - Materials of the active region
  • H10N 52/00 - Hall-effect devices
  • H10N 52/80 - Constructional details
  • G11C 11/18 - Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elementsStorage elements therefor using Hall-effect devices

96.

Writer with narrower high moment trailing shield

      
Application Number 17115065
Grant Number 11355141
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-12-08
First Publication Date 2021-03-25
Grant Date 2022-06-07
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Tang, Yuhui
  • Liu, Ying

Abstract

A PMR (perpendicular magnetic recording) write head configured for microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) in the form of spin assisted writing (SAW) or spin torque oscillation (STO) includes a spin-torque oscillator (STO) or SAW device and trailing shield formed of high moment magnetic material (HMTS). By patterning the STO or SAW and the HMTS in a simultaneous process the HMTS and the STO or SAW layers are precisely aligned and have very similar cross-track widths. In addition, the write gap at an off-center location has a thickness that is independent from its center-track thickness and the write gap total width can have a flexible range whose minimum value is the same width as the STO or SAW width.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor
  • G11B 5/23 - Gap features
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/105 - Mounting of head within housing
  • G11B 5/265 - Structure or manufacture of a head with more than one gap for erasing, recording or reproducing on the same track
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields

97.

Ion beam etching process design to minimize sidewall re-deposition

      
Application Number 16573087
Grant Number 11043632
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-17
First Publication Date 2021-03-18
Grant Date 2021-06-22
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Sundar, Vignesh
  • Jan, Guenole
  • Shen, Dongna
  • Yang, Yi
  • Wang, Yu-Jen

Abstract

A first pattern is formed on an MTJ stack as a first array of first parallel bands. A first ion beam etching is performed on the MTJ stack using the first pattern wherein a tilt between an ion beam source and the substrate is maintained such that a horizontal component of the ion beam is parallel to the first parallel bands and the substrate is not rotated. Thereafter, a second pattern is formed on the MTJ stack as a second array of parallel bands wherein the second parallel bands are perpendicular to the first parallel bands. A second ion beam etching is performed using the second pattern wherein a tilt between an ion beam source and the substrate is maintained such that a horizontal component of the ion beam is parallel to the second parallel bands and wherein the substrate is not rotated to complete formation of the MTJ structure.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 43/12 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
  • H01L 43/02 - Devices using galvano-magnetic or similar magnetic effects; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof - Details
  • H01L 27/22 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate using similar magnetic field effects

98.

Spin injection assisted magnetic recording

      
Application Number 16563198
Grant Number 11189304
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-09-06
First Publication Date 2021-03-11
Grant Date 2021-11-30
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Wu, Yan

Abstract

A spin injection assisted magnetic recording structure is disclosed wherein a ferromagnetic (FM) layer and at least one spin preservation (SP) layer are formed between a main pole (MP) trailing side and a write shield (WS). Current (Ia) flows between the MP and WS, or is injected into the FM layer. As a result, the spin polarized electrons from the FM layer, which flow across one or two SP layers to generate a magnetization that enhances one or both of a local WS magnetization and return field, and a local MP magnetization and write field, respectively. A lead to the FM layer may be stitched to enable lower resistance and improve reliability. The FM layer may be recessed from the ABS to allow more overlap with the SP layer for lower current density while maintaining performance. Higher linear density and area density capability, and better reliability are achieved.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/012 - Recording on, or reproducing or erasing from, magnetic disks
  • G11B 5/02 - Recording, reproducing or erasing methodsRead, write or erase circuits therefor
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

99.

Alternative designs for magnetic recording assisted by a single Spin Hall Effect (SHE) layer in the write gap

      
Application Number 17004096
Grant Number 11017806
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-08-27
First Publication Date 2021-03-11
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chen, Wenyu
  • Wu, Yan

Abstract

2) is applied between the SHE layer and TS and is spin polarized to generate a second spin transfer torque that tilts a local TS magnetization to a direction that increases the TS return field and improves bit error rate.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/37 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using galvano-magnetic devices, e.g. Hall-effect devices
  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/11 - Shielding of head against electric or magnetic fields
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/187 - Structure or manufacture of the surface of the head in physical contact with, or immediately adjacent to, the recording mediumPole piecesGap features
  • G11B 5/127 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive

100.

Thermally assisted magnetic head, head gimbal assembly, hard disk drive and method of manufacturing the thermally assisted magnetic head

      
Application Number 16817705
Grant Number 10943613
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-03-13
First Publication Date 2021-03-09
Grant Date 2021-03-09
Owner
  • SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
  • Headway Technologies, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Hosoi, Ryo
  • Honda, Takashi
  • Takayama, Seiichi
  • Chan, Sik Fun
  • Lee, Tai Boon
  • Zhou, Dayu

Abstract

A thermally assisted magnetic head including a slider and a light source-unit. The slider includes a slider substrate and a magnetic head part. The light source-unit includes a laser diode and a sub-mount. The magnetic head part includes a medium-opposing surface, a light source-opposing surface and a waveguide which guides laser light from the light source-opposing surface to the medium-opposing surface. The slider substrate includes a light source-cavity formed in a light source-placing surface on which the light source-unit is placed. The light source-cavity includes an opening concave part being formed larger than a mount bottom surface of the sub-mount. The mount bottom surface of the sub-mount is inserted into the opening concave part to be joined to the light source-cavity.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G11B 5/60 - Fluid-dynamic spacing of heads from record carriers
  • G11B 5/31 - Structure or manufacture of heads, e.g. inductive using thin film
  • G11B 5/48 - Disposition or mounting of heads relative to record carriers
  • G11B 5/39 - Structure or manufacture of flux-sensitive heads using magneto-resistive devices
  • G11B 5/00 - Recording by magnetisation or demagnetisation of a record carrierReproducing by magnetic meansRecord carriers therefor
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