Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval – Head – Core
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-23
2001-03-20
Klimowicz, William (Department: 2652)
Dynamic magnetic information storage or retrieval
Head
Core
Reexamination Certificate
active
06204999
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to write heads for magnetic recording and more particularly to a method and system for providing a write head having a conforming pole structure which allows for a more efficient magnetic coupling between a coil layer and pole, higher density writing, and increased reliability.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional write heads may be used in conjunction with magnetoresistive (MR) heads. Together, the MR head and the write head can write to and read from magnetic recording media. The conventional write head includes a first pole, a second pole, and one or two coil layers. Each of the coil layers has several turns. The first and second poles are separated by a write gap. Magnetic flux through a portion of the write gap is used to write to the magnetic recording media. The write head is covered by an overcoat layer.
In order to generate the magnetic flux, current is passed through the coil layers. The coil layers are electrically isolated from the first pole, from the second pole, and from each other. However, the coil layers are magnetically coupled to the second pole. Current driven through the coil layers generates a magnetic field. Because the coil layers are magnetically coupled to the second pole, the second pole directs the magnetic flux generated by the coil layers to the write gap. The first pole is the return of the flux path.
The material used to electrically insulate the coil layers is typically an organic photoresist. When the write head is fabricated, photoresist is spun onto the first coil layer. The second coil layer is provided on the layer of photoresist. A second layer of photoresist is then spun onto the second coil layer. The second pole is plated on the second layer of photoresist.
Although the organic photoresist is capable of electrically insulating the coil layers, the use of photoresist causes a variety of problems. Because the photoresist is used to insulate the coil layers, the photoresist layers are made relatively thick. For example, in one conventional head the photoresist is approximately three microns thick. As a result, the top of each layer of photoresist is relatively flat in comparison to the shape of each of the coil layers being insulated. Because the photoresist is relatively thick, the magnetic coupling between the coil layers and the poles is reduced. Consequently, more current is required to produce the desired field for writing to the magnetic recording media. In addition, the photoresist has a relatively large coefficient of thermal expansion. During fabrication, the temperature of the write head increases greatly. Changes in temperature cause the photoresist layer to expand. This may cause cracking in portions of the write head, including the overcoat layer.
Accordingly, what is needed is a system and method for providing a write head in which the problems due to the insulation of the coil layers are reduced. The present invention addresses such a need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a method and system for providing a write head. The write head includes a first pole and a write gap. At least a portion of the write gap is on a portion of the first pole. The method and system comprise providing a coil layer including a plurality of turns on the write gap. Each of the coil turns is separated by a pitch. The method and system further comprise depositing an insulator to provide an insulating layer and providing a second pole above the insulating layer. The insulating layer has a profile substantially conforming to the plurality of turns.
According to the system and method disclosed herein, the present invention provides a write head in which the insulating layer substantially conforms to the coil layer. In addition, an inorganic material having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion may be used as the insulator. As a result, the write head may have a more efficient magnetic coupling between the coil layers and the second pole and may undergo less damage on thermal cycling, thereby increasing overall system performance, reliability, and yield.
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Crue Billy Wayne
Knapp Kenneth Everett
Shi Zhupei
Thomas Mark David
Klimowicz William
Read-Rite Corporation
Sawyer Law Group LLP
LandOfFree
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