num="0060">In the magnetic head 111, at least a part of the fourth magnetic layer 24 overlaps the first magnetic layer 21 in the second direction D2. At least a part of the third magnetic layer 23 overlaps the first shield 41 in the second direction D2. The magnetic head 111 is also capable of high sensitivity detection. High resolution is obtained. A magnetic head capable of improving characteristics is provided.

FIG. 4 is a schematic transparent plan view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in a magnetic head 112 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the first non-magnetic layer 11 differs from that in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 112 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the magnetic head 112, at least a part of the second partial region 11b is between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. At least a part of the third magnetic layer 23 may be between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. At least a part of the fourth magnetic layer 24 may be between the third shield 43 and the fourth shield 44. For example, a high shielding effect is easily obtained. Stable operation is easily obtained.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line A1-A2 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 5, in the magnetic head 113 according to the embodiment, the reproducing section 70 further includes a fifth magnetic layer 25 and the like. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 113 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

In the magnetic head 113, the reproducing section 70 further includes a fifth magnetic layer 25, a sixth magnetic layer 26, and a second intermediate layer 32n being non-magnetic. The second partial region 11b is between the fifth magnetic layer 25 and the third magnetic layer 23. The sixth magnetic layer 26 is between the fifth magnetic layer 25 and the second partial region 11b. The second intermediate layer 32n is between the fifth magnetic layer 25 and the sixth magnetic layer 26.

The reproducing section 70 may include the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, the third terminal T3, and the fourth terminal T4. The first terminal T1 is electrically connected to the first shield 41. The second terminal T2 is electrically connected to the second shield 42. The third terminal T3 is electrically connected to the third magnetic layer 23. The fourth terminal T4 is electrically connected to the fifth magnetic layer 25.

As already explained, the first shield 41 includes the first face 41F configured to face the magnetic recording medium 80. The first signal Sg1 between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4 when the first current i1 flows between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 is configured to change according to the state of the magnetic recording medium 80.

In the magnetic head 110, a first stack including the third magnetic layer 23, the first intermediate layer 31n, and the fourth magnetic layer 24, and a second stack including the fifth magnetic layer 25, the second intermediate layer 32n, and the sixth magnetic layer 26 are provided. These stacks provide the first signal Sg1 with higher intensity. Higher sensitivity is obtained. A higher signal-to-noise ratio is obtained.

In the magnetic head 110, the first circuit 75a and the second circuit 75b may be provided. The first circuit 75a is electrically connected to the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. The first circuit 75a is configured to supply a first current i1 between the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2. The second circuit 75b is electrically connected to the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4. The second circuit 75b is configured to detect the first signal Sg1 between the third terminal T3 and the fourth terminal T4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line A1-A2 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 6, in the magnetic head 114 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the fourth magnetic layer 24 differs from that in the magnetic head 110. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 114 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fourth magnetic layer 24 may include a first magnetic film 24a, a second magnetic film 24b, and a first non-magnetic film 24c. The second magnetic film 24b is provided between the first magnetic film 24a and the second partial region 11b. The first non-magnetic film 24c is provided between the first magnetic film 24a and the second magnetic film 24b.

The first magnetic film 24a and the second magnetic film 24b may have, for example, an SAF (synthetic anti-ferromagnetic) structure. This makes it easier to obtain a more stable and stronger first signal Sg1.

The first magnetic film 24a and the second magnetic film 24b may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, and Ni. These magnetic films are, for example, ferromagnetic films. The first non-magnetic film 24c may include, for example, Ru.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a magnetic head according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the line A1-A2 in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 7, in a magnetic head 115 according to the embodiment, the reproducing section 70 further includes a first partial region film 11af. Except for this, the configuration of the magnetic head 115 may be the same as the configuration of the magnetic head 110.

The first partial region film 11af is provided between the first partial region 11a and the first magnetic layer 21, and is non-magnetic. The first partial region film 11af includes, for example, oxygen. With such a first partial region film 11af, for example, impedance matching is easily achieved. Higher sensitivity is easily achieved. The first partial region film 11af may include, for example, a CCP (current confined pass) film. With such a first partial region film 11af, for example, impedance matching is easily achieved. Higher sensitivity is easily achieved.

The reproducing section 70 may further include a second partial region film 12af. The second partial region film 12af is provided between the first partial region 11a and the second magnetic layer 22, and is non-magnetic. The second partial region film 12af includes, for example, oxygen. With such a second partial region film 12af, for example, impedance matching is easily obtained. Higher sensitivity is easily obtained. The second partial region film 12af may include, for example, a CCP film. With such a second partial region film 12af, for example, impedance matching is easily obtained. Higher sensitivity is easily obtained.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic head and magnetic recording device according to a second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, a magnetic head 110 according to the embodiment includes the reproducing section 70. The magnetic head 110 is used together with the magnetic recording medium 80. In this example, the magnetic head 110 includes a recording section 90. The recording section 90 of the magnetic head 110 records information on the magnetic recording medium 80. The reproducing section 70 reproduces the information recorded on the magnetic recording medium 80.

The magnetic recording medium 80 includes, for example, a medium substrate 82 and a magnetic recording layer 81 provided on the medium substrate 82. The magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 is controlled by the recording section 90. The recording section 90 includes, for example, a first recording section shield 91 and a second recording section shield 92. The first recording section shield 91 is, for example, a main shield. The second recording section shield 92 is, for example, a trailing shield. The recording section 90 may include a recording section element 93. The recording section element 93 may include a magnetic field control element or a high-frequency oscillation element. The recording section element 93 may be omitted.

The reproducing section 70 includes, for example, a first reproducing magnetic shield 72a, a second reproducing magnetic shield 72b, and a magnetic reproducing element 71. The magnetic reproducing element 71 is provided between the first reproducing magnetic shield 72a and the second reproducing magnetic shield 72b. The magnetic reproducing element 71 can output a signal corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81.

In the magnetic head 110, the first reproducing magnetic shield 72a corresponds to the first shield 41, and the second reproducing magnetic shield 72b corresponds to the second shield 42. The magnetic reproducing element 71 may correspond to a stack including, for example, the first magnetic layer 21, the first partial region 11a, and the second magnetic layer 22.

As shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic recording medium 80 moves relative to the magnetic head 110 in the medium movement direction 85. The magnetic head 110 controls information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at arbitral position. The magnetic head 110 reproduces information corresponding to the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording layer 81 at arbitral position. The magnetic field to be detected, as described in relation to the first embodiment, is based on the magnetization 83 of the magnetic recording medium 80.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a part of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a head slider.

The magnetic head 110 is provided on the head slider 159. The head slider 159 includes, for example, Al₂O₃/TiC or the like. The head slider 159 moves relative to the magnetic recording medium while floating or in contact with the magnetic recording medium.

The head slider 159 includes, for example, an air inflow side 159A and an air outflow side 159B. The magnetic head 110 is arranged on the side face of the air outflow side 159B of the head slider 159 or the like. As a result, the magnetic head 110 moves relative to the magnetic recording medium while flying above or in contact with the magnetic recording medium.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, in a magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment, a rotary actuator is used. The recording medium disk 180 is connected to a spindle motor 180M. The recording medium disk 180 is rotated in a direction of arrow AR by the spindle motor 180M. The spindle motor 180M is responsive to control signals from the drive device controller. The magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment may include the multiple recording medium disks 180. The magnetic recording device 150 may include a recording medium 181. The recording medium 181 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive). A non-volatile memory such as a flash memory is used for the recording medium 181, for example. For example, the magnetic recording device 150 may be a hybrid HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The head slider 159 records and reproduces information to be recorded on the recording medium disk 180. The head slider 159 is provided at an end of a thin-film suspension 154. A magnetic head according to the embodiment is provided near the end of the head slider 159.

While the recording medium disk 180 is rotating, the pressing pressure by the suspension 154 and the floating pressure generated at the medium facing face (ABS) of the head slider 159 are balanced. The distance between the medium facing face of the head slider 159 and the face of the recording medium disk 180 is the predetermined fly height. In the embodiment, the head slider 159 may contact the recording medium disk 180. For example, a contact sliding type may be applied.

The suspension 154 is connected to one end of an arm 155 (e.g., an actuator arm). The arm 155 includes, for example, a bobbin part or the like. The bobbin part holds a drive coil. A voice coil motor 156 is provided at the other end of the arm 155. The voice coil motor 156 is a type of linear motor. The voice coil motor 156 includes, for example, a drive coil and a magnetic circuit. The drive coil is wound on the bobbin part of the arm 155. The magnetic circuit includes permanent magnets and opposing yokes. The drive coil is provided between the permanent magnet and the opposing yoke. The suspension 154 includes one end and the other end. The magnetic head is provided at one end of the suspension 154. The arm 155 is connected to the other end of the suspension 154.

The arm 155 is held by ball bearings. Ball bearings are provided at two locations above and below a bearing part 157. The arm 155 can be rotated and slid by the voice coil motor 156. The magnetic head can move to any position on the recording medium disk 180.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic perspective views illustrating a part of the magnetic recording device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged perspective view of the head stack assembly 160, illustrating the configuration of a part of the magnetic recording device.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view illustrating the magnetic head assembly (head gimbal assembly: HGA) 158 that forms part of the head stack assembly 160.

As shown in FIG. 11A, the head stack assembly 160 includes the bearing part 157, the magnetic head assembly 158 and a support frame 161. The magnetic head assembly 158 extends from the bearing part 157. The support frame 161 extends from the bearing part 157. A direction in which the support frame 161 extends is opposite to a direction in which the magnetic head assembly 158 extends. The support frame 161 supports a coil 162 of the voice coil motor 156.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the magnetic head assembly 158 includes the arm 155 extending from the bearing part 157 and the suspension 154 extending from the arm 155.

The head slider 159 is provided at the end of the suspension 154. The head slider 159 is provided with the magnetic head according to the embodiment.

The magnetic head assembly 158 (head gimbal assembly) according to the embodiment includes the magnetic head according to the embodiment, the head slider 159 provided with the magnetic head, the suspension 154 and the arm 155. The head slider 159 is provided at one end of the suspension 154. The arm 155 is connected to the other end of the suspension 154.

The suspension 154 may include, for example, a wiring (not shown) for recording and reproducing signals. The suspension 154 may include, for example, a heater wiring (not shown) for adjusting the fly height. The suspension 154 may include a wiring (not shown) for, for example, an oscillator element or the like. These wires may be electrically connected to multiple electrodes provided on the magnetic head.

A signal processor 190 is provided in the magnetic recording device 150. The signal processor 190 uses a magnetic head to record and reproduce signals on a magnetic recording medium. Input/output lines of the signal processor 190 are connected to, for example, electrode pads of the magnetic head assembly 158 and electrically connected to the magnetic head.

The magnetic recording device 150 according to the embodiment includes the magnetic recording medium, the magnetic head according to the embodiment, a movable part, a position controller, and a signal processor. The movable part separates the magnetic recording medium from the magnetic head or makes them relatively movable while they are in contact with each other. The position controller aligns the magnetic head with a predetermined recording position on the magnetic recording medium. The signal processor records and reproduces signals on the magnetic recording medium using the magnetic head.

For example, the recording medium disk 180 is used as the above magnetic recording medium. The movable part includes, for example, the head slider 159. The position controller described above includes, for example, the magnetic head assembly 158.

The embodiments may include the following Technical proposals:

Technical Proposal 1

A magnetic head, comprising:

a reproducing section,

the reproducing section including:

a first shield;

a second shield;

a first non-magnetic layer, the first non-magnetic layer including a first partial region and a second partial region, a second direction from the first partial region to the second partial region crossing a first direction from the first shield to the second shield, the first partial region being provided between the first shield and the second shield in the first direction;

a first magnetic layer provided between the first shield and the first partial region in the first direction;

a second magnetic layer provided between the first partial region and the second shield in the first direction;

a third magnetic layer,

a fourth magnetic layer provided between the second partial region and the third magnetic layer; and

a first intermediate layer provided between the third magnetic layer and the fourth magnetic layer, the first intermediate layer being non-magnetic.

Technical Proposal 2

The magnetic head according to Technical proposal 1, wherein

a direction from the second partial region to the third magnetic layer is along the first direction.

Technical Proposal 3

The magnetic head according to Technical proposal 1 or 2, wherein

at least a part of the fourth magnetic layer overlaps the first magnetic layer or the second magnetic layer in the second direction.

Technical Proposal 4

The magnetic head according to any one of Technical proposals 1-3, wherein

at least a part of the third magnetic layer overlaps the first shield or the second shield in the second direction.

Technical Proposal 5

The magnetic head according to any one of Technical proposals 1-4, wherein

the reproducing section further includes a third shield and a fourth shield,

a third direction from the third shield to the fourth shield crosses a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and

the first magnetic layer, the first partial region, and the second magnetic layer are between the third shield and the fourth shield in the third direction.

Technical Proposal 6

The magnetic head according to Technical proposal 5, wherein