Multi-layer NFT for HAMR with a thermal shunt connecting the metal layers

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a magnetic recording head for a magnetic media drive. The magnetic recording head comprises a main pole, a waveguide disposed adjacent to the main pole, a thermal shunt disposed between the main pole and the waveguide, the thermal shunt being recessed from a media facing surface (MFS), and a near field transducer (NFT) coupled between the main pole and the waveguide at the MFS. The NFT comprises a first metal layer disposed adjacent to the waveguide and in contact with a first insulating layer, a dielectric gap layer disposed on and in contact with the first metal layer, and a second metal layer disposed on and in contact with the dielectric gap layer and a second insulating layer. The first metal layer, the dielectric gap layer, and the second metal layer are each disposed in contact with the thermal shunt.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.