Magnetic recording devices using virtual side shields for improved areal density capability

A magnetic recording device, comprising:

• a main pole having a first surface adjacent to a trailing gap, a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a third surface opposite the second surface, and a fourth surface adjacent to a leading gap;
• a trailing shield disposed adjacent to the trailing gap;
• one or more side gaps disposed below the trailing shield and surrounding the second and third surfaces of the main pole, the one or more side gaps being in contact with the second and third surfaces of the main pole;
• and
• a side shield surrounding the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface of the main pole, the side shield comprising a first layer comprising a heavy metal material in contact with the one or more side gaps and a second layer comprising a magnetic material in contact with the first layer, wherein the first layer is disposed between the one or more side gaps and the second layer, and wherein the side shield is spaced from the trailing shield and the main pole.

A magnetic recording device, comprising:

• a main pole having a first surface adjacent to a trailing gap, a second surface adjacent to the first surface, a third surface opposite the second surface, and a fourth surface adjacent to a leading gap;
• a trailing shield disposed adjacent to the trailing gap;
• one or more side gaps disposed below the trailing shield and surrounding the second and third surfaces of the main pole;
• and
• a side shield surrounding the second surface, the third surface, and the fourth surface of the main pole, the side shield comprising a first layer in contact with the one or more side gaps and a second layer in contact with the first layer,
• wherein the side shield is spaced from the trailing shield and the main pole,
• wherein the second layer comprises a first portion disposed adjacent to a first side gap of the one or more side gaps and the second surface of the main pole and a second portion disposed adjacent to a second side gap of the one or more side gaps and the third surface of the main pole,
• wherein the second layer further comprises a third portion disposed adjacent to a leading gap and the fourth surface of the main pole, and
• wherein the third portion of the second layer comprises a different material than the first portion and the second portion of the second layer.